Highlight • Summit
The Wrekin summit
Hiking
4.9
(179)
Running
5.0
(5)
Today’s walkers aren’t the only ones to cherish this astounding viewpoint, it’s also the site of an Iron Age hill fort potentially built by a Celtic tribe. The Wrekin has a large part to play in local culture, inspiring myths, projects, ceremonies and the phrase, ‘round the Wrekin’, meaning ‘the long way round’. Hike up the Wrekin and you’ll be enjoying a cultural experience as well as a physical one.
Unrivalled views in every direction
Sitting on the very northeastern corner of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, hiking trails take you through woodlands and up well-maintained paths to the summit. You can top this beautiful hill on a short walk or turn it into a longer adventure, hiking Lawrence’s Hill and the Ercall as well as exploring the surrounding woodlands.
The hike has steep sections but, on the summit, it feels as though the whole of England spreads out before you with patchwork fields, the distant Shropshire Hills and bustling Telford. The views are phenomenal but the Wrekin itself is well worth taking a closer look at.
The woods here are extremely diverse, with slow worms, fallow deer and pied flycatchers. Near the summit, find the Needle’s Eye, a rocky outcrop that locals and visitors alike attempt to squeeze through. You’ll also find the Calendar Stones which the equinoctial sun shines between at midday.
Find car parks at the north east end of the Wrekin and the Ercall while accommodation and food is plentiful in Telford and Wellington.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Shropshire Hills National Landscape
Tips
March 29, 2018
Hiking
March 22, 2019
Hiking
February 13, 2020
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near The Wrekin summit
4.7
(51)
375
hikers
6.66km
02:06
260m
250m
Experience a moderate hike on The Wrekin loop via woodland walk, a route that spans 4.1 miles (6.7 km) and involves an elevation gain of 844 feet (257 metres). You can expect to complete this journey in about 2 hours and 5 minutes. The trail guides you through peaceful woodland, where you'll walk among majestic trees and catch views of the Shropshire countryside. As you climb, keep an eye out for the distinctive Needle's Eye, a natural rock archway that marks your progress. The ascent culminates in panoramic 360-degree views from the summit, showcasing the Shropshire Hills, Telford, and Shrewsbury.
When planning your visit, be aware that some sections of the trail, particularly closer to the summit, feature rocky paths and shale. These areas can become slippery, especially if the weather is wet, so appropriate footwear is advisable. Parking is conveniently available near the starting point of the route, which is a popular spot for both local hikers and visitors.
This trail offers more than just scenic views; it also provides a glimpse into the region's rich past. As you hike, you will encounter unique geological features and remnants of Iron Age hillforts, adding a historical dimension to your outdoor adventure. The Wrekin loop is nestled within the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, highlighting its significance as a natural and cultural landmark.
4.7
(30)
148
hikers
7.79km
02:28
330m
330m
Embark on The Wrekin loop, a moderate hike spanning 4.8 miles (7.8 km) with an elevation gain of 1087 feet (331 metres), typically completed in about 2 hours and 28 minutes. The trail guides you through delightful mixed woodlands and open moorland, featuring some steep ascents and rugged, rocky paths, especially as you approach the summit. From the top, you'll be rewarded with expansive panoramic views across the Shropshire countryside, including Telford, Shrewsbury, and even Snowdonia on a clear day.
Prepare for varied terrain on this route; some sections are narrow, while others are broader tracks, and the climb can be quite steep in parts. Appropriate footwear is recommended for the rocky paths and exposed volcanic sections. While the full loop is manageable for most, those seeking a less strenuous walk can explore gentler routes on the lower slopes. You might even find a small café near the summit for a well-deserved break.
The Wrekin is a distinctive volcanic hill, home to the remains of an Iron Age hillfort, once a capital for the Cornovii tribe. Look out for the Needle's Eye, a striking rock archway central to local folklore, and ancient calendar stones. The area is also geologically fascinating, with diverse rock types, some dating back 600 million years, making this a truly unique hike in the Shropshire Hills.
4.4
(16)
70
hikers
14.5km
04:23
450m
450m
Embark on The Wrekin & The Ercall loop, a moderate 9.0-mile (14.5 km) hike in the Shropshire Hills that takes around 4 hours and 22 minutes to complete, featuring a total elevation gain of 1486 feet (453 metres). This diverse route offers a mix of well-trodden paths, some of which can be muddy, and steep climbs, especially to the Wrekin's summit. You will encounter ancient volcanic rocks and lava outcrops, including ripple beds and pre-Cambrian lava flows on The Ercall, dating back 540 million years. Enjoy panoramic views over the Shropshire countryside from the Wrekin's trig point, and wind through beautiful woodland with gnarled ancient oak trees, passing unique rock formations like the Needle's Eye.
This popular destination is generally accessible, allowing you to tackle the climbs at your own pace. While the research does not specify trailhead access or parking, the trail is well-loved by both locals and visitors. You can find refreshments at the historic Halfway House, a cottage on the Wrekin that has served hikers for 150 years. Plan for a rewarding day out, immersing yourself in the natural beauty and geological wonders of this iconic Shropshire landmark.
The Wrekin is an iconic and much-loved landmark, visible from across Shropshire and beyond, known for its distinctive conical shape and unique rock formations. This area holds significant historical and geological importance; you will walk on rocks older than the Himalayas, exploring land that was once 60 degrees south of the equator. The summit of the Wrekin also features a large hillfort, with its ancient entrance known as Heaven's Gate. Keep an eye out for hidden wooden animal carvings in Ercall Woods, which add a fun element to the hike.
Details
Informations
Elevation 380 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
Weather
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Thursday 7 May
16°C
7°C
51 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h
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