Wenlock Edge

Wenlock Edge is a narrow limestone escarpment running 18 miles from Craven Arms to Ironbridge, eight miles of it cared for by the National Trust. Flower-rich grassland, ancient woodland and internationally important geology make it a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and old quarries and lime kilns recall its industrial past; one quarry face is made almost entirely of fossilised reef creatures 425 million years old. From the Much Wenlock car park, Blakeway Hollow, probably the medieval packhorse lane to Shrewsbury, climbs to the crest, where the Jenny Wind tramway once lowered stone to the kilns and Major's Leap marks where a Royalist major is said to have galloped off the edge to escape pursuers. At Presthope a surfaced path leads to a viewpoint over Ape Dale. Look for yellow-wort, pyramidal orchids and wild garlic. Three Trust trails start from these car parks. Dogs are welcome under close control. There are no toilets or refreshments on the Edge.