Early morning sunshine on Linley Hill beeches

It was a 6am start for me yesterday, on what was the coldest day of the year so far.

Early morning sunshine on Linley Hill beeches

I headed for Linley Hill, near Norbury, and its avenue of beech trees which form part of the Shropshire Way.

These majestic trees were planted around 1740 by local MP Robert More, who was a noted amateur botanist.

They stretch for about a mile along the ridge and some of them measure several feet across, although they are coming to the end of their lives now.

Happily, new saplings are being planted to ensure that this magnificent sight can be enjoyed by future generations.

Not too far away from where I was standing is Linley Hill Camp, an earthwork enclosure which is believed to date back to the Romans.

This picture was taken about half an hour after sunrise, by which time the frost had disappeared from the fields in the foreground.

However, there was still a crisp layer of white over the Onny Valley in the distance and I was very grateful for the warmth of my new insulated gloves!

See more of our pictures of Linley Hill here. They are available to buy as prints in a range of sizes and formats.

° If you want to visit this lovely spot, turn right to Linley off the A488 from Bishop’s Castle. After half a mile take a left turn, signposted Linley, and then a mile later turn left to The Bog. After half a mile park in Arbour Lane and then follow the Shropshire Way footpath sign up the hill. There is no designated car park.

Published by Shropshire and Beyond on

2023