There was thick mist when we all set off from the Bog car park at the southern end of the Stiperstones. The low cloud meant the Devil's Chair was totally obscured, which according to local legend means He is sitting on it. We avoided the path past the Chair, not for superstitious reasons but because it is very stoney and a much better path skirts round at a lower level.

The expected view across to the Long Mynd were blocked by the mist, but the cobwebs jewelled with dew were a beautiful sight. Soon we had our first climb of the day, up onto thd top of the ridge. Although it was still misty it had cleared enough to see the purple of the heather, the abundant, vivid berries and the trees starting to change colour before dropping into Stipperstones village. We passed the pub and entered the next valley. Then we climbed again as the path tunnelled through the woodlands.

By the time we emerged from the woods the cloud had lifted, and the coffee break afforded a clear view over the Welsh border. We emerged briefly onto the road and again made our way to the next valley, Crowsnest Dingle. This gave us a straight climb of 900 ft, starting on a pleasant track through the woods, then following a little stream past the treeline and back onto the ridge.

By then the sun was fully out, and we had a clear view south to Corndon Hill, just over the border. We could see the Devil's Chair again, this time in profile and clearly unoccupied. Following the ridge north we finally had sight of the Long Mynd the the east. We looked for the Ratlinghope valley we had visited recently but could not make it out in the rolling landscape in-between.

We reached the point where we had crossed the ridge but continued a little further before taking a gentle downhill track. Soon the character of the walk changed completely as we entered grazing land. The sun was hot by then so we sought out shade for a late lunch stop.

After another small hill we reached the River Onny and turned back towards the start point. Yet another climb onto the Stipperstones ridge, this time through conifer woods. Leaving the shelter of the woods exposed us to the full force of the sun again, still hot at 4 o'clock. But the end was close, and a gentle downhill stretch was glorious, again with the Long Mynd in full view.

A long drive and a demanding walk, but very rewarding for all!