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Home> Walks> England> Shropshire> Bedlam on Clee Hill

Bedlam on Clee Hill

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Walk directions

Walk up the lane opposite the picnic area. After 100yds (91m), turn left and follow a broad track. Its middle section is classed as Open Access Land: follow it past mining ruins.

Turn right at Hedgehog House onto the road that leads to the radar station. Walk to the end of Rouse Boughton Terrace and turn left, then go through a small gate on the right before a cattle grid. Follow the top edge of a thistly field. Continue along the edge of the next field and through a gate in the corner to meet the Shropshire Way, which goes to the right. Ignore it and go straight on, skirting a stream and gorse thickets and crossing a gate in a wire fence before returning to the left-hand hedgeline.
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Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain  - Good but rough, uneven and/or boggy in places
  Landscape  - Moors and upland pasture with industrial remains
  Dog friendliness  - Good, but keep under close control near sheep and cattle
  Parking  - Car park/picnic site/viewpoint on eastern edge of Cleehill
  Toilets en route  - On A4117, 100yds (91m) west of car park
Walks in Shropshire Dog-friendly walks in Shropshire
About the walk
Locals say the view from Clee Hill is the finest in England and it’s hard to disagree. After all, where else can you see from the Brecon Beacons to the Peak District, from Snowdonia to the Cotswolds? It’s stunning. But before getting too carried away with the view, we need to sort out some names,...
Read more
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About the area
Perhaps nowhere else in England will you find a county so deeply rural and with so much variety as Shropshire. Choose a clear day, climb to the top of The Wrekin, and look down on that ‘land of lost content’ so wistfully evoked by A E Housman.
Explore Shropshire
Area image

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Self-Catering
Glebe Barn
★★★★
awardawardawardaward
"Close to Ludlow in splendid Shropshire countryside..."
  • Private garden
  • Washing machine
  • Sky or freeview
  • En suite
Self-Catering
Glebe Barn
★★★★
awardawardawardaward
"Close to Ludlow in splendid Shropshire countryside..."
  • Total units: 1
  • Private garden
  • Washing machine
  • Sky or freeview
Self-Catering
Church House Farm Holiday Cottages
★★★★★
awardawardawardaward
"Located in a peaceful setting with lovely gardens and plenty of interest within easy reach...."
  • Total units: 2
  • Private garden
  • Lawn area
  • Garden furniture
Nearby places to stay
Glebe Barn
This spacious converted stone barn is in the small village of Caynham, just three miles from Ludlow. The barn has plenty of original exposed roof timbers and oak joinery throughout. It ...
★★★★    Rating
Glebe Barn
This spacious converted stone barn is in the small village of Caynham, just three miles from Ludlow. The barn has plenty of original exposed roof timbers and oak joinery throughout. It ...
★★★★    Rating
Church House Farm Holiday Cottages
Church House Farm Holiday Cottages are two newly converted luxurious cottages located in manicured gardens and grounds, with breathtaking views of South Shropshire countryside. The cott...
★★★★★    Rating
Oak Barn
Awaiting description...
★★★★★    Rating
The Granary
Awaiting description...
★★★★★    Rating
The Hop Kiln
In unspoilt countryside, not far from Ludlow, The Hop Kiln is set on a traditional farm next to the farmhouse. Originally used for processing hops, it fell into disuse, and was eventual...
★★★★    Rating
The Hop Kiln
In unspoilt countryside, not far from Ludlow, The Hop Kiln is set on a traditional farm next to the farmhouse. Originally used for processing hops, it fell into disuse, and was eventual...
★★★★    Rating
St Milburga Chapel
Welcome to St Milburga Chapel, a 4 person, Grade 2 listed holiday home overlooking the Clee Hills in beautiful open countryside on the edge of the quaint village of Stoke St Milborough....
★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
Fishmore Hall
   AA Rosette Award
The Feathers Ludlow
   AA Rosette Award
The Charlton Arms
The Charlton Arms
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
Fishmore Hall
   AA Rosette Award
The Feathers Ludlow
   AA Rosette Award
The Charlton Arms
The Charlton Arms
   AA Rosette Award
The Cliffe at Dinham
   AA Rosette Award
Crown Country Inn
Crown Country Inn
   AA Rosette Award
Badgers
   AA Rosette Award
View all
Route details
3hrs 30min
Dog-friendly
Difficulty:
Hard

Gradient:
Challenging


Distance:
8.25 miles (13.3kms)

Ascent:
1330ft (405m)

Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby  
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If you like this walk, you can try more routes in the area.
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Bedlam on Clee Hill

Recommended by
Walk details
3hrs 30min
Dog friendly
Difficulty:
Hard
Gradient:
Challenging
Distance:
8.25 miles (13.3kms)
Ascent:
1330ft (405m)
Walk directions

Walk up the lane opposite the picnic area. After 100yds (91m), turn left and follow a broad track. Its middle section is classed as Open Access Land: follow it past mining ruins.
1 of 8

Turn right at Hedgehog House onto the road that leads to the radar station. Walk to the end of Rouse Boughton Terrace and turn left, then go through a small gate on the right before a cattle grid. Follow the top edge of a thistly field. Continue along the edge of the next field and through a gate in the corner to meet the Shropshire Way, which goes to the right. Ignore it and go straight on, skirting a stream and gorse thickets and crossing a gate in a wire fence before returning to the left-hand hedgeline.
2 of 8

A green track develops, swinging right and down to cross Benson’s Brook at a bridge. Follow the track up again, passing the abutments of a former tramway bridge (called Titterstone Incline on OS maps), before arriving at Bedlam.
3 of 8

Turn left into the hamlet, then fork right. Pass Hullabaloo House and climb a track to a cattle grid. Follow the track up to a farm then bear left up a smooth green track.
4 of 8

When you come to Bitterley Incline again, climb on to the embankment, joining the Shropshire Way. Follow it uphill. When you reach ruined quarry buildings, go right on a level path. Pass the last building, fork left and climb slightly. Go straight on, crossing the access road twice at a bend, then bear left up a steeper track. Skirt a large quarry to reach the radar station and trig point.
5 of 8

Some 100yds (91m) north of the trig pillar are the remains of an ancient cairn, the Giant’s Chair. From this bear right, above steep scree slopes, then swing left on a clearer path and continue across bracken moorland to the red roofed farm of Callowgate.
6 of 8

Before reaching Callowgate, turn right where the bracken runs out. Follow sheep tracks to the edge of the moor and turn right again. Joining a lane at Cleeton Gate, turn right and walk to the village of Cleeton St Mary. Turn right, looping round the church and along a row of almshouses, then left on the Random bridleway, which runs along the moorland edge. Follow vague paths parallel to the fence, except where you need to cut a corner – it’s obvious (and usually wet!) when you come to it.
7 of 8

When the fence makes a very sharp left turn, keep straight on to meet the radar station access road. Turn left to Rouse Boughton Terrace then retrace your steps to the start.
8 of 8
Location
Starting point
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - Good but rough, uneven and/or boggy in places
  Landscape - Moors and upland pasture with industrial remains
  Dog friendliness - Good, but keep under close control near sheep and cattle
  Parking - Car park/picnic site/viewpoint on eastern edge of Cleehill
  Toilets en route - On A4117, 100yds (91m) west of car park
Walks in Shropshire Dog-friendly walks in Shropshire
About the walk
Locals say the view from Clee Hill is the finest in England and it’s hard to disagree. After all, where else can you see from the Brecon Beacons to the Peak District, from Snowdonia to the Cotswolds? It’s stunning. But before getting too carried away with the view, we need to sort out some names,...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more
Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more
Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more
About the area
Area image
Shropshire
Perhaps nowhere else in England will you find a county so deeply rural and with so much variety as Shropshire. Choose a clear day, climb to the top of The Wrekin, and look down on that ‘land of lost content’ so wistfully evoked by A E Housman.
Explore Shropshire

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Self-Catering
Glebe Barn
★★★★
awardawardawardaward
"Close to Ludlow in splendid Shropshire countryside..."
  • Private garden
  • Washing machine
  • Sky or freeview
  • En suite
Self-Catering
Glebe Barn
★★★★
awardawardawardaward
"Close to Ludlow in splendid Shropshire countryside..."
  • Total units: 1
  • Private garden
  • Washing machine
  • Sky or freeview
Self-Catering
Church House Farm Holiday Cottages
★★★★★
awardawardawardaward
"Located in a peaceful setting with lovely gardens and plenty of interest within easy reach...."
  • Total units: 2
  • Private garden
  • Lawn area
  • Garden furniture
Nearby places to stay
Glebe Barn
This spacious converted stone barn is in the small village of Caynham, just three miles from Ludlow. The barn has plenty of original exposed roof timbers and oak joinery throughout. It ...
★★★★    Rating
Glebe Barn
This spacious converted stone barn is in the small village of Caynham, just three miles from Ludlow. The barn has plenty of original exposed roof timbers and oak joinery throughout. It ...
★★★★    Rating
Church House Farm Holiday Cottages
Church House Farm Holiday Cottages are two newly converted luxurious cottages located in manicured gardens and grounds, with breathtaking views of South Shropshire countryside. The cott...
★★★★★    Rating
Oak Barn
Awaiting description...
★★★★★    Rating
The Granary
Awaiting description...
★★★★★    Rating
The Hop Kiln
In unspoilt countryside, not far from Ludlow, The Hop Kiln is set on a traditional farm next to the farmhouse. Originally used for processing hops, it fell into disuse, and was eventual...
★★★★    Rating
The Hop Kiln
In unspoilt countryside, not far from Ludlow, The Hop Kiln is set on a traditional farm next to the farmhouse. Originally used for processing hops, it fell into disuse, and was eventual...
★★★★    Rating
St Milburga Chapel
Welcome to St Milburga Chapel, a 4 person, Grade 2 listed holiday home overlooking the Clee Hills in beautiful open countryside on the edge of the quaint village of Stoke St Milborough....
★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
Fishmore Hall
   AA Rosette Award
The Feathers Ludlow
   AA Rosette Award
The Charlton Arms
The Charlton Arms
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
Fishmore Hall
   AA Rosette Award
The Feathers Ludlow
   AA Rosette Award
The Charlton Arms
The Charlton Arms
   AA Rosette Award
The Cliffe at Dinham
   AA Rosette Award
Crown Country Inn
Crown Country Inn
   AA Rosette Award
Badgers
   AA Rosette Award
View all
Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby