It was warmer and brighter this morning, with a promise for the showers to hold off all day - even the chance of some sun in the afternoon. The choice of walk was rather dictated by which pub to aim for.. one in Cardington, one in Leebotwood or else something in Church Stratton. We had good memories of the one in Cardington, so we would do a repeat of my route yesterday afternoon, but in place of returning we would divert off to Cardington and have lunch in the Royal Oak.
We were down to six today after Dominque left yesterday, and set off from the campsite and across the wheat field aiming for the diagonal path up to the saddle col.
Above the field the path followed the driveway to a house then on through the ferns to the end of the diagonal path.
Up the diagonal path to the col on the saddle then turning to the steep slope up to the iron age fort on Caer Caradoc.
The path followed the end of the ridge as it got steeper until it reached the steepest section towards the top of this step. Behind us was the narrow back of the Lawley.
Above the first steep section was a second - although slightly less steep. Above was the third and final before the ramparts of the fort.
On reaching the ramparts we followed a path along the lowest - we were heading for the cave I had visited yesterday. Below was a parapente flyer working back and forth.
Around to the cave - this rampart path goes directly to it. But there is a junction to go to the top that has to be passed.
On from the cave on the same path leads back the ridge. The ramparts are less distinct on this end, but crossing over to the eastern side, looking for a rock castle.
From here a shallower path descended back towards col, however we turned off to follow a path tot he right.
The path crossed more sheep pasture, dropping down to a green lane along the hedge line.
On the lane, and turning towards Cardington village. Behind was the view of the iron age fort.
The green lane changed to a tarmacked road beside a farm. Down here there were some goats in the hedge line
WE cut across a harvested field and a subsequent green lane that led tot he outskirts of the village.
We did the usual tour of the village looking for the pub - I remember doing this a couple of years ago when we last visited! Eventually finding the Royal Oak and settling in for a large lunch.
Lunch over, and a further search for the route back - I really should have got the map out rather than mess on the small GPS screen.
We went down a lane (with no through road sign) and into a field beyond.
Climbing the edge of several fields to get over an interim hump.
Looking down the far side of the hump with Caer Caradoc to the side - we would go around the right hand end.
Down a farm track and across a final field led to another drive.
Out onto the back road, which would go around the end of the hill and along to the campsite.
