SO4997 : A very cold summit

The Lawley

377m Elevation
106m Prominence
England Country
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SO4997 : A very cold summit

Row17 Photo source

Overview

The Lawley: A Jewel of the Shropshire Hills

Nestled within the stunning Shropshire Hills, The Lawley stands at an elevation of 550 meters. With its striking geological features and lush surroundings, it is a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast.

Geology

The Lawley is primarily made of volcanic rocks from the Upper Old Red Sandstone period. Its geological formations create dramatic cliffs and verdant slopes. A study of the area reveals much about the Earth’s history, with the ancient landscape offering a glimpse into the past.

Routes

A popular route is The Lawley Loop, which is a circular trek starting from the charming village of Little Stretton. It spans approximately 5.5 km, taking around 2.5 hours to complete, and is rated as moderate in difficulty. With a few inclines and a gradual ascent, it suits most walkers.

Summit Features

Upon reaching the summit, hikers are greeted by a simple stone cairn and breathtaking panoramic views that transform the landscape into a postcard-perfect scene. Remember, the higher you climb, the better the views—unless you happen to be on the wrong mountain!

Terrain

Expect a mix of grassy pathways with some rocky patches near the summit. This is not the place for high heels, but rather sturdy boots and a sense of adventure!

Views

The vistas from The Lawley are simply spectacular. On clear days, you can savour scenes of the Long Mynd to the north, with the Wrekin to the east, and a backdrop that stretches toward the Welsh borders. For the best views, aim to visit in spring or autumn when the weather is kinder and the colours are vivid.

Hazards

As always in the mountains, there are certain hazards to consider. Watch for slick rocks after rain, and keep an eye on the weather as it can change quicker than a rabbit in a magician’s hat.

Nearby Summits

Combine your visit with a hike to nearby peaks like Caer Caradoc (628 m) and The Long Mynd (517 m). Both offer additional opportunities for exploration and stunning views.

Access

Getting there is a breeze. The nearest parking is at the Little Stretton village hall. If you're relying on public transport, check local bus schedules to make sure you won’t be left stranded!

Conclusion

The Lawley is not just a walk; it's an experience steeped in natural beauty and geological intrigue. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a Sunday stroller, this hill promises a refreshing escape into the heart of the Shropshire Hills.

Don't forget your camera—you'll want to remember this!

Explore routes near The Lawley

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Carding Mill Valley and The Long Mynd walk

15.3 km ~5h Moderate

View route

Lightspout Waterfall via Carding Mill Valley Circular

4.3 km ~2h 30m Moderate

View route

Attingham Park Deer Park and River Tern

3.6 km ~1h 30m Easy

View route

Shrewsbury Walk with Men Walking & Talking

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

The Lawley Loop

A circular route starting from the village of Little Stretton, offering scenic views and moderate gradients.

5.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump 300-399m hill

Elevation

377m

1,237 ft

Prominence

106m

Coordinates

52.5729, -2.7470

SO494974

OS Map

137 138

Explorer: 217

At the Summit

At the summit, you will find a modest stone cairn and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, creating a perfect spot for a well-deserved snack break.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky patches especially near the summit.

The Lawley is primarily composed of volcanic rock formations, specifically from the Upper Old Red Sandstone period. This geological background gives rise to the dramatic cliffs on its eastern side and lush grassy slopes elsewhere, making it a unique geological feature in the area.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, you can see the Long Mynd to the north, the Wrekin to the east, and far-reaching vistas towards the Welsh borders.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Lawley' is derived from Old English, meaning 'hill' or 'mound', which is quite fitting!

Historical Significance

The Lawley has been an attraction for hikers and nature lovers for generations, contributing to the area's appeal as an outdoor destination.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at the Little Stretton village hall, which is conveniently located for starting the hike.

Public Transport

The nearest bus stop is in Little Stretton, serviced by Shropshire's local buses. Check the timetable ahead of time as services may be limited.

Nearby Facilities

There are several cafés and pubs in Church Stretton, as well as public toilets available in the town centre.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for slippery rocks, especially after rain, and be cautious of sudden weather changes common in the hills.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up The Lawley?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around The Lawley through the maps

Are there other walkers around The Lawley?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for The Lawley search or of course create your own walk for The Lawley

Can I organise a walk to The Lawley?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to The Lawley.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up The Lawley?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to The Lawley here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

The Lawley location map

Grid reference: SO494974

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Long Mynd - Pole Bank

517m

Stiperstones

537m

 The Wrekin

The Wrekin

407m

Titterstone Clee Hill

533m

Worcestershire Beacon

425m
See 5 more nearby hills