The Wrekin, Shropshire
The summit of the hill offers good views of Shropshire and can itself be seen from afar. It can still be picked out from well into Staffordshire and the Black Country, and even as from as far away as the Beetham Tower in Manchester , Winter Hill in Lancashire and Cleeve Hill in Gloucestershire .
The hill is very popular with walkers and tourists and can be accessed from J7, the final junction, on the M54 motorway. The hill is then sign-posted. A well-used footpath runs up the side of the hill, its entrance is at the end of the road off the M54. A small car park and further parking bays up the road are provided. The ascent is quite steep in parts so stout walking shoes are advisable.
The summit is the location for an Iron Age hill fort. The large fort, almost 8 hectares in size, was probably built by the Cornovii tribe and was once their capital. A more recent symbol of power and status is the The Wrekin transmitting station, used for broadcasting and telecommunications. A beacon which emits a red pulse of light every few seconds at night, primarily to alert low flying aircraft, sits atop the mast. This has been nicknamed the 'Beacon on the Wrekin' and is visible for many miles around.
It has been suggested that The Wrekin provided some inspiration for Tolkien's Middle Earth in the story 'The Lord of The Rings'. Tolkien used to live nearby.
Wellington-Under-Wrekin sits at the foot of the hill. Wellington still boasts a thriving market at its heart. Founded by royal charter at least as early as 1244, the market comprises around 150 stalls. It operates four days a week and is Shropshire's largest and most visited market , not to mention one of its oldest. The town is a typical picturesque Shropshire market town and even, perhaps, one of the best of them all. Thanks to regular rail and bus services and the M54 motorway, Wellington is also one of Shropshire's most accessible small towns.
More British Natural features?
Other Shropshire Naturals
River Severn
Wenlock Edge
Clee Hills
Carding Mill Valley
Long Mynd
River Teme
Severn Valley
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