Bury Ditches a walk in time

Bury Ditches a walk through time.

 

The small village of Clun,

The town or rather the village of Clun grew up around the site of the later Saxon church towards the end of the 7th century AD.  However, in the surrounding area there is evidence that a scattered population, at least as early as the Neolithic period about 5000 years ago was already settling in the area.  Clun was on the historic drove road where flocks and herds were driven from Wales to the markets in the Midlands and even as far as London.  At the time of the Norman Conquest Clun formed part of the extensive lands of Eadric The Wild around whom many strange legends have grown up.  He was, however, a  real historic character who led a revolt against King William I, whereon his lands were confiscated and given to Roger de Montgomery who had been created Earl of Shrewsbury one of the main Marcher Lords created by William 1 to keep the Welsh under control and the local population subservient to the Crown.  Roger in turn granted 27 manors of which Clun was the largest to Robert (better known by his nickname Picot) de Say.  These lands constituted a single Marcher Lordship which became known as the Barony of Clun.  The present holder of the title is the Duke of Norfolk.

Bury Ditches Hillfort

 

This Iron age, once tree-covered oval fort, was probably built in 2 phases: first, a double bank, with median ditch; later it was strengthened on the Northwest by two more banks and a median ditch. There are two complex entrances, on the North East and South, with inturned passages and guard-chambers. There is also a legend that the site contains a pot of fairy gold, attached to which is a thread of gold wire that will lead someone to the spot.

The steep climb up the woodland path to the hill fort is lined with patches of Bluebells, Stitchwort, Willow Herb, Red Campion, the occasional bed of Speedwell and Wood Sorrel, and single specimens of Dog Violet.

The fort has superb views in all directions save the S, where the long ridge of Black Hill and Radnor Forest obscures the view towards Coxall Knoll. In the distant East, can be seen Titterstone Clee, Brown Clee and Wenlock Edge; North East sees the Long Mynd, North over the rooftops of Bishops Castle can be seen the Neolithic axe factory of Corndon Hill, Heath Mynd, Stiperstones and the Roveries hillfort; to the West are the rolling, largely cultivated hills of Clun Forest, and the line of Offa's Dyke, which unfortunately is obscured by the hills, lying for the most part below their crests. The fort is noticeably higher in its northern quarter, and it is this extreme North of the camp that offers the best all round views.

 

The Bury Ditches time travel walk

On arrival at the pretty village of Clun there is ample parking by the side of the now drained pool on the lane leading up to the youth hostel on the north of the village. From this location, head north along the lane towards Guilden down, go past the youth hostel on your right and after passing a B & B on your left you will see a style on the right. Cross over the style and head diagonally across the field to the next style. Again head diagonally across the field heading north east towards Radnor ward, cross the style and head up hill over a small stream and along a sunken path which grows steeper the higher you climb.

As the path come out into the open, follow the left hand side of the field to the edge of Radnor Wood. Go through the metal gate and take the path on the left down a track leading to a metal gate that leads back into open fields. Go through the gate and turn sharply to the right, following the edge of the wood on the right to another gate at the bottom of the field.

Looking diagonally north east across the buttercup meadow you can see a track running along the edge of Steppleknoll wood. Walk diagonally across the field and over the little stream up to the metal gate on the farm track. Turn right along the farm track walking on up to the small holding called Stepple. Walk through the small holding and continue along the track until you reach a small disused earth works on your left. Here go to the left of the earth works and follow the line of the woods until you reach a style on the left which leads into the steppleknoll wood.

Cross this style and turn right along the forest track following the track until you reach another track crossing your track. Continue to turn right following the forest way point signs bearing a red foot print. This will eventually bring you to the main Bury Ditches car park. Here you have the facility of park tables and benches, giving you the opportunity to take break.

On leaving the car park area head west steeply up the path leading to the Bury Ditches fort. During the spring all the forest paths are a blaze with thousands of wild flowers, take time to admire the many wild flowers as well as the wonderful wood carvings along the track.

The track leads to the entrance to the fort, being one of two points that allowed the early builders of this fort to gain access to their place of safety and refuge. The fort consists of two main embankments that were originally topped by a wooden stockade. Take time to admire the handy work of these early builders and admire the amazing views from the top of the fort now cleared of all the forest trees that surround the fort. The shale rock that the fort is built from is full of example of shell fossils from when this location was once below the ocean.

On leaving the fort on the far side turn sharp left along the track leading from the fort. The track then joins a track the crosses the track leading from the fort. Turn right and follow the track down towards the point where the track leads to the road from Guilden Down.

Just before the track bends to the right take a small track leading off on the left towards the road, before reaching the road turn sharp left along a track on the edge of the forest. You will pass a small pool on the right, keep following the track keeping left all the time to make sure that you follow the edge of stepplewood.

Eventually you will see the buttercup field that you crossed from Radnor Wood to Sepplewood. Head down to the track on the edge of the forest and then retrace your previous footsteps across to Radnor Wood. Re enter the wood until you once again reach the metal gate that opens onto the field. Follow the edge of the wood down to the sunken path. Admire the wonderful views of Clun with its Norman church on your left and the remains of the old castle on your right.

On exiting the sunken path, cross the fields diagonally back to the Guilden Down lane, turn left past the hostel on your left and back to the car park.

Take a few moments to explore the village, admire the old Norman church and relax by the old packhorse bridge. Explore the extensive remains of the castle and enjoy the hospitality of the tea rooms and inns in the village. The village is like the walk a step back through time, a wonderful location set in a beautiful valley. 

Safe Trip Home!!...