It begins with a legend

When a giant’s quarrel with the townsfolk of Shrewsbury got out of hand, he devised a plan to flood the town by blocking up the River Severn.

But thanks to the quick words of a cobbler he met on his journey, he tricked the giant into thinking Shrewsbury was an incredible distance away.

At which point he dumped the mound of earth he was carrying, abandoning his plan and creating one of the most iconic landmarks in Shropshire.

That’s how the story goes anyway.

Myths and legends are fantastical in their own right, but when they’re actually connected to a place you can go and visit, they become even more enchanting.

Ready to get climbing?

Standing between Shrewsbury and Telford, The Wrekin has become a favourite walk for many in the area. As soon as you arrive and your feet crunch down on the gravel of the Forest Glen car park, it becomes obvious why.

Rock faces rise up on one side, the tree-covered incline of The Wrekin on the other. It’s quite a climb to reach the top but taking breaks along the way certainly helps.

Plus, they give you the chance to absorb the beauty of the Shropshire countryside you’re surrounded by.

Every step of the climb seems to open up new lines of sight and lands beyond what you saw just moments ago. On a clear day, you can see the network of hedges and fields cutting through the entire countryside – only broken by the occasional town.

From dusk till dawn

The main walkway begins at the Forest Glen car park and runs southwest to the summit. Sometimes there’s no better way to start your day than a walk in nature.

But catching an autumnal sunset casting long shadows over the land certainly sounds tempting if you’re anything like us.

So, when you’re next in Shropshire, or perhaps you’re lucky enough to live there already, put on those walking boots and load a bag with water – your next adventure awaits!