MTB along the Long Mynd

A mountain bike route that follows the length of the Long Mynd. This makes for a good introduction to the Mynd taking in the most manageable climb, the best views and an exhilarating but not overly technical descent. Technically easy but you need a good level of fitness to complete this ride of just over 15 miles.

Google map of the route here

Starting at the square turn right to head south on High street, follow the road to Little Stretton and Turn Right at the Ragligth arms.

Follow the now singletrack road up the side of the PUB and bear left then take the right turn, this road continues with a couple of steep climbs until you reach Minton, continue through Minton then turn right towards Hamperley. Past the Long Mynd adventure camp then turn right at the next junction to head for Priors Holt where the forest track splits from the road. Left takes a bridleway, Right take you to a house but you need to go straight between the two on the main forest track.

The forest track will pass through two gates to get you into the forest proper, follow the main track as it snakes up the hill, you will pass lots of offshoot trails, keep to the main track. At one point it forks, keep left and continue to climb. As the trail levels out at the top of the climb you will come to a cross roads, continue straight across towards a gate that takes you out of the forest.

Follow the trail across the open land, following the fence on your right to start descending to another gate, through the gate and turn right then pass through the last gate of the day. You are now on the Port way with the glider station in front and a fantastic view to the left.

Now heading north towards the glider station follow the Port way then take the permissive path (signposted) to the left of the glider station, continue on this track to the cattle grid and then back onto the Port way that is now a singletrack road.

Follow the road as it climbs along the ridge of the Long Mynd, after about a mile you will pass pole cottage (on your left, looks like a shed with some trees around it) then look for a left turn to climb to Pole bank, the highest point on the Long Mynd.

From Pole Bank, continue north along the main track that crosses other paths, tracks and a road, keep going straight. After the road crossing the road at Shooting Box continue and descend to join a much wider gravel track. This then track forks, bear right but be sure not to turn right down Carding Mill valley.

Keep on this well defined path that will turn from gravel to grass as it climbs then descends, follow the main track as it descends through the Cross Dyke then descends further towards Plush Hill, the trail does become rocky. This section has plenty of offshoots and junctions but stay to the main trail, (as a point of reference at the Cross Dyke the trail dog legs right and the fence line is about 200m off to the left, as it steepens aim to the right of the houses) eventually you will end up on the road.

All being well you will need to take a left onto the road then a right towards Gogbatch. The trail is wide, grassy and fast flowing, follow the main trail straight at the first junction to enjoy the descent all the way to the road.

At the road take a right turn, over the cattle grid and follow to the main road where you turn right and head back to Church Stretton, this road will lead you all the way to the square.