Earl's Hill and Happy Valley from Pontesbury
Shropshire
Earl's Hill and its neighbour Pontesford Hill rise steeply above Pontesbury, south west of Shrewsbury, formed from ancient volcanic rock and now a 46 hectare Shropshire Wildlife Trust reserve where dogs are welcome on a lead among the grazing stock. An Iron Age hillfort was built on the summit of Earl's Hill around 600BC, and the slopes are clothed in hazel, oak, field maple, holly and yew. This 8km circuit, Shropshire Council's Pontesbury Orange Walk, leaves the village from School Green and loops around the hill through the Pontesford Hill reserve, crosses Habberley Brook on a bridleway and drops into the wooded Happy Valley before returning on paths, an old railway line and village streets. An optional, very steep diversion climbs to the fort on the summit for a huge view over the Shropshire Hills. The route is mostly gated, with some stiles and steep sections that can be muddy.
This is a dog friendly walk with woodland, a brook and plenty of variety, but livestock is part of the picture. The Wildlife Trust permits dogs and asks for them to be on a lead where signs show grazing animals, and sheep and cows graze the fields and the top of the reserve at certain times of year. The woods of Pontesford Hill and Happy Valley give shade, and Habberley Brook offers a drink. Stiles may mean a lift for bigger dogs, and the summit paths are rocky, steep and slippery in the wet. Pontesbury has toilets and places for refreshments.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.0 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 55 min
- Walk Type
- Historic, Woodland, Peak
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Toilets and refreshments in Pontesbury village; none on the hill.
- Parking
- Parking at School Green, Pontesbury; alternative Shropshire Wildlife Trust Pontesford Hill car park (SY5 0UH) on Pontesford Hill Road.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Earl's Hill and Happy Valley from Pontesbury, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in ShropshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Earl's Hill and Happy Valley from Pontesbury dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome on this 8km circuit through the Shropshire Wildlife Trust reserve at Earl's Hill and Pontesford Hill. It's a varied route with woodland, a brook for a drink at Habberley Brook, and plenty of interest for dogs, earning a 7/10 dog friendly rating. Pontesbury village has toilets and refreshments at the end, which is handy after a good walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Earl's Hill and Happy Valley from Pontesbury?
Dogs need to be kept on a lead throughout the reserve, as the Shropshire Wildlife Trust asks visitors to lead their dogs wherever grazing animals are present. Sheep and cows use the fields and the top of the reserve at certain times of year, so a lead is essential for the whole circuit rather than just in specific spots. If your dog walks well on a lead, there's still plenty to enjoy here.
What should I know before visiting Earl's Hill and Happy Valley from Pontesbury with my dog?
The route is mostly gated but has some stiles, which could mean lifting larger dogs at certain points, so it's worth bearing that in mind. The summit paths up to the Iron Age hillfort are rocky, steep and can be slippery in wet weather, and some sections of the route can get muddy. Livestock grazes the reserve seasonally, so keeping dogs on a lead is a firm requirement rather than a suggestion.
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