The Long Mynd
The Long Mynd (Welsh for Long
Mountain) is, as its name suggests, a long hill that forms a
major part of the South Shropshire Hills. It is essentially a
moorland plateau, approximately 10 miles long in a
north-south direction, and approximately 4 miles across at its
widest point.
Although from a distance the
top of Long Mynd appears to be relatively flat, large valleys,
such as Carding Mill Valley, eat into the edges like deep
folds.
Once managed as a grouse moor, today the Long Mynd is owned and
maintained by the National Trust. Many local people have rights
to graze sheep there.
The highest point on Long Mynd is at Pole Bank - 516 metres, or
just less than 1700 feet. On a clear day the views from Long Mynd
are spectacular.
An old trackway, the Port Way, runs along the length of the
ridge. Much of the top of the Long Mynd is covered in heather,
but it also possible to find wild bilberries (known locally as
whinberries).
Along the western edge of the Long Mynd, above the village
of Asterton, is a popular centre for gliding and
hang-gliding.
