Easthope – Church and Walking Trails at Wenlock Edge
Accommodation in Easthope
Easthope brings together two specific travel interests: St Peter’s Church, with its medieval history and distinctive features, and walking trails that connect the village and Wenlock Edge to a wider route network. Geological features and historical traces in the landscape add to the picture. The area can therefore be explored through both its architectural history and its different walking options.
St Peter’s: Medieval Origins and Distinctive Features
St Peter’s in Easthope is a Grade II listed building, with origins dating back to the 12th century. Inside is a rare wrought-iron hourglass stand dating from 1662. The church also has two stained-glass windows by Kempe & Tower.
The carillon bells also follow European rather than English tradition. The story thus spans the church’s medieval origins and a specific 17th-century furnishing, while the windows and bells add further artistic and musical connections.
Walking Between Easthope and Wenlock Edge
Stage 8 of the Shropshire Way from Wilderhope to Ironbridge reaches Easthope after passing along small lakes. From Easthope, walkers can climb to Wenlock Edge and rejoin the Shropshire Way. At Wenlock Edge, it meets the Jack Mytton Bridleway.
A route along Wenlock Edge follows the site of an old quarry tramway for almost six miles. Here, the route connects with traces of former quarrying. An alternative walking route to Easthope passes through Mogg Forest and includes a hidden hillfort with well-preserved ramparts.
The walking options offer different highlights: Stage 8 includes the small lakes along the route, while the alternative route passes through the forest and includes the hillfort. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
Wenlock Limestone and Traces of Historic Routes
Wenlock Edge is a clearly defined escarpment marking the gently dipping outcrop of Wenlock Limestone. Easthope is one of the few settlements directly on Wenlock Edge, southwest of Much Wenlock, whose buildings use this limestone. The Easthope (NE) geological site at Wenlock Edge is the southernmost exposure of Wenlock Reef Facies along Wenlock Edge. The escarpment refers to the landform; the southernmost exposure, by contrast, refers to the Wenlock Reef Facies.
Ippikin's Rock is a viewpoint on Wenlock Edge and is designated as a RIGS example of a Wenlock Edge patch reef at its fullest development. A disused path once ran through Easthope Wood between Hilltop and the foot of Ippikin's Rock. Wenlock Edge therefore brings together geological features, the use of local limestone and traces of former paths.
Discover more destinations: Welshampton, Cleobury Mortimer, Albrighton, Lydbury North, Harley, Worfield, Oswestry, Silvington.
For the broader travel overview: Shropshire.
