Stiperstones Ridge
Shropshire
The Stiperstones ridge runs across the Shropshire hills south of Shrewsbury, crowned with dramatic quartzite tors that jut from the heather like broken teeth. The most famous, the Devil's Chair, is a jagged rock formation wrapped in local folklore. This 8km circuit follows the ridge path between the tors with views extending across Shropshire to the Welsh mountains, before dropping through the old lead-mining landscape below. The quartzite rocks are 480 million years old, among the hardest in England, and their sharp, frost-shattered forms give the ridge a wild, almost alpine character unusual in the Marches. With 379 metres of ascent, the climb to the ridge is genuine and the terrain underfoot is rough and rocky.
Off-lead potential on this dog friendly walk is limited as sheep graze the open hillside and surrounding farmland throughout the year. Leads should be kept on across the entire route. The ridge carries strong scent from heather and the particular mineral smell of the ancient quartzite, and the exposed position gives dogs a sensory blast of wind-borne scent from across the county. The rocky terrain demands sure-footed dogs comfortable on uneven ground. Water sources are limited on the ridge, so carry a supply. The Stiperstones Inn at Stiperstones village welcomes dogs and is the natural post-walk stop. Parking is available at the Stiperstones car park. Best on a clear day when the views stretch to Cadair Idris and beyond.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.1 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Peak
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- None on route
- Parking
- Free National Nature Reserve car parks at Stiperstones
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Stiperstones Ridge, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in ShropshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Stiperstones Ridge dog friendly?
Stiperstones Ridge scores a strong 9/10 for dog friendliness on Wildpack Collective, and it's easy to see why , the wild moorland, dramatic rocky tors and heather-covered ridge make for an exhilarating outing for dogs and owners alike. After the walk, the Stiperstones Inn in the nearby village welcomes dogs, making it a natural spot to round off the day.
Can dogs be off lead at Stiperstones Ridge?
Off-lead potential here is limited , sheep graze the open hillside and surrounding farmland throughout the year, so leads should be kept on across the entire route. That said, the exposed ridge position gives dogs a brilliant sensory experience, with wind-borne scents carrying from across the county and the distinctive mineral smell of the ancient quartzite tors.
What should I know before visiting Stiperstones Ridge with my dog?
This is a genuine hill walk with 379 metres of ascent and rough, rocky terrain underfoot, so it's best suited to sure-footed dogs comfortable on uneven ground. Water sources on the ridge are limited, so bring your own supply. Parking is free at the National Nature Reserve car parks at Stiperstones, and the walk is at its best on a clear day when views stretch as far as Cadair Idris and the Welsh mountains.
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