SJ6208 : The Wrekin

The Wrekin

407m Elevation
310m Prominence
England Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

SJ6208 : The Wrekin

Ian S Photo source

Explore routes near The Wrekin

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

The Wrekin Circular

12 km ~4h Moderate

View route

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

Cannock Chase, Shugborough, and Canal Circular

8.3 km ~2h Easy

View route

Route planning notes

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

The Wrekin Circular via Forest Glen

This is the classic route starting at the Forest Glen car park. The trail ascends the main path, a well-trodden and clear route to the summit, passing Halfway House and offering stunning panoramic views at the top. The descent follows the same route back down.

5 km ~2 hours Moderate

The Wrekin and South Ridge Loop

This route begins at the Forest Glen car park and ascends to The Wrekin summit via the main path. The descent takes a scenic detour along the south ridge, looping back through woodland trails to the starting point.

6.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

The Wrekin via Heaven Gate and Ercall Woods

Starting near Ercall Woods, this route follows a quieter path through ancient woodland before joining the main trail up The Wrekin. After summiting, the route descends via the main path to Forest Glen, creating a diverse and rewarding walk.

7 km ~3 hours Moderate

Extended Ascent via Wellington and Limekiln Woods

This longer route starts in Wellington, following footpaths through Limekiln Woods before joining the main ascent trail up The Wrekin. The descent takes the south ridge path, looping back to the starting point for a varied and scenic experience.

10 km ~4 hours Challenging

The Wrekin Sunrise or Sunset Walk

For early risers or evening adventurers, this shorter route follows the main path from Forest Glen car park to the summit. Designed to capture the stunning views of sunrise or sunset, it’s best done with a headtorch if light is low.

5 km ~1.5 hours Easy
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

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

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill Current County/UA Top

Elevation

407m

1,335 ft

Prominence

310m

Coordinates

52.6702, -2.5510

SJ628081

OS Map

127

Explorer: 242

At the Summit

At the summit, there is a sturdy stone trig point marked 'WMN', providing panoramic views, and a large circular cairn that adds to the scenic beauty.

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly grassy with rocky outcrops the terrain can be slippery after rain so be sure to tread carefully.

The Wrekin is primarily composed of volcanic rock, specifically trachyte, which gives it a distinctive rugged appearance. The mountain is a prominent feature within the region and showcases interesting geological formations owing to its volcanic origin.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the Welsh mountains to the west, the Shropshire plain to the north, and on a clear day, even the glimmer of the Malvern Hills in the east.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Wrekin' is thought to derive from the Old English word 'Wric', which means 'to twist', reflecting the rugged landscape.

Historical Significance

The Wrekin has been a significant landmark for centuries and holds cultural importance for local folklore, often linked to tales of giants and ancient kings.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a dedicated car park at the southern foot of the mountain (SJ629080) with spaces for various vehicles and public toilets available.

Public Transport

The nearest train station is in Wellington, approximately 6 km away, with bus services linking to the base of The Wrekin.

Nearby Facilities

There are a few nearby cafes and shops in Wellington, and picnic areas adjacent to the car park for the perfect outdoor meal. Toilets are available at the car park.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Slippery paths after rain, and be mindful of the steep drops on certain areas of the summit.

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 Wrekin?

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

Are there other walkers around The Wrekin?

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 Wrekin search or of course create your own walk for The Wrekin

Can I organise a walk to The Wrekin?

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 Wrekin.

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 Wrekin?

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 Wrekin 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

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SJ628081

View on OpenStreetMap

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

Nearby Hills

Titterstone Clee Hill

533m

Long Mynd - Pole Bank

517m

Stiperstones

537m

Worcestershire Beacon

425m

The Roaches

505m
See 5 more nearby hills