LLANYMYNECH ROCK | WHAT TO DO IN THE COUNTRY | AUGUST 2020

                                                                 

As you walk up to the rock of Llanymynech, you can see the sedimentary rocks, and the layers that have developed over thousands of years. The area that Llanymynech Rock is situated in used to be under water, hence the layers of sediment and minerals that are clear. It really is a magnificent sight to see, and still rocks fall out of place due to the tremors of the quarry.

                                                        

Llanymynech Rock was a limestone quarry which is attached to the Hoffman Kiln located in Llanymynech itself. The English incline, which was used to transfer the blasted rock from the Quarry to the kilns, is located by the gin wheel. The gin wheel was used to move the carts down the incline tracks. The Welsh incline is further up the hill, which you can now walk up and down, however it is quite uneven and quite a steep if you're going up them. 

The rock is now popular with climbers and walkers, since it is near to Offas Dyke's Path, and the views from the top overlook both Mid Wales to the right and Shropshire to the left. The area is quite literally between two countries. The history and conflict that surrounds Llanymynech Rock can be imagined due to its successful hideaways and caves. So you can imagine that a lot of soldiers that were fighting during the English Civil War, or in conflicts between Wales and England that they hid up in the rock, or even they used it as a area of safety and look out.

My dog politely stands in the photo. 

The geographical implications of both Llanymynech and Pant are very complicated over the years. Pant is a welsh name meaning 'burrow', however it is now located in England. Half of Llanymynech technically falls within the English boundary of the border. If you ever want to walk down to Llanymynech after a long walk up at the rock, there are three pubs to choose from, however two are in England and one is in Wales. During the ease of lockdown through the COVID-19 pandemic, only two pubs were allowed to open at one time because of the geographical implications. It seems quite weird that a village can be split in half. 

                 

On top of Llanymynech Rock is Llanymynech Golf Club, and their greatest slogan is 'Drive in Wales, and Putt in England'. I think it must be the only golf club in the UK that spans into two countries. I played there as a junior, but more recently I tend to walk my dog up there. The views are spectacular, my favourite being the view from the 14th hole, looking over to Mid Wales. An interesting fact about Llanymynech Golf Club for all of those who are golfers; Ian Woosnam (the former Ryder Cup captain and Masters Winner) was born near by and starting playing golf at Llanymynech. 

A lot of school children come up to Llanymynech Rock to climb and absail down the rockfaces. There is a specific area at the top of the rock, where there used to be the main part of the quarry for absailing and rock climbing. As you get to the top of the rock, there is a viewpoint to the left of another gin wheel, which is at the top of the Welsh incline for the old quarry. The viewpoint displays a lot of the landscape, with signs showing where the Wrekin is in Telford (And you can just about see it), and Rodney's Pillar about 4 miles away, which I also recommend as a good walk. 

                                                      

                                           

During these difficult times, I recommend visiting the area with children or with dogs, or just for a solitary walk. In the summer, the nature around the area is delightful. There are a variety of rare butterflies that a lot of people visit for, and the colourful flowers that are on display as you walk near to the rock itself. 

                                         

Keep safe, 

Rose x