Hawkstone Historic Park & Follies is recognized as a “Masterpiece of the School of Naturalistic Landscape.” Originally created in the 18th Century by the Hill family, Hawkstone Park was then lost for 100 years. It’s recent restoration and re-opening in 1993 has resurrected Shropshire’s only grade I listed landscape to its former glory. Open to the public to be shared by all, Hawkstone offers an exciting mixture of walks for all ages.
Hawkstone Park is easily accessible by car, but with its very rural location this would almost certainly be the only option unless part of an organized tour.
Upon arrival we parked the car in a shady spot, the weather expected to reach the upper 70’s, a rare but exciting prospect in the UK! We then followed the path to the main entrance, where we bought our admission tickets. The price in 2008 set at £6 for an adult may seem expensive to some, but good value for money for what’s on offer.
At the main entrance you will also find a tearoom and shop as well as an opportunity to use the toilets before embarking on the trail. It’s probably a good idea as there’s only one other set of toilets on the trail located on Grotto Hill (marked on the map).
The free detailed trail map offers four routes to take, each with differing lengths.
Full Route
Approx 3 hours
The Hermitage Way
Approx 2.5 hours
The Swiss Trail
Approx 2 hours
Short Route
Approx 1 hour
Opting for the best value for money, most exercise and time, we took the Full Route trail. All trails start in the same place and are clearly described on the map.
With backpacks loaded with lunch, water and our cameras, we headed towards the Grand Valley and beyond.
Visiting the park in May or early June is a perfect time to see the amazing amount of rhododendrons throughout the park. I’ve never seen such a wonderful collection anywhere else and found it added immensely to the natural beauty of the park.
Walking along the trails one way system during the week proved to be a great choice as the peaceful, serene beauty could be enjoyed all the more without lots of people around.
Walking the path takes you past many interesting areas, some of which are included below:
The White Tower
A red brick octagonal crenellated tower originally having a lime washed finish is how it gained it’s current name. Used as a summer house by the Hill family throughout the year with views across to Shrewsbury and Church Stretton Hills
The Monument
Erected in 1795 by Sir Richard Hill, to commemorate Sir Rowland Hill, the first protestant Lord Mayor of London. The viewing platform stands at 100ft high and is perhaps not suitable for those who suffer vertigo or claustrophobia, but for everyone else climb the steps and take a look at the spectacular 360° view.
The Cleft
Described as having “lain for ages undiscovered, till Sir Richard Hill caused all the earth, rubbish and leaves to be dug away, when it was found that the two sides of the rock so nearly corresponded with each other that they were doubtless once united and separated either by an earthquake or some other violent convulsion of the earth.”
The Grotto
Thought to be originally a 5th century copper mine. Elaborated on by Sir Richard Hill with the inclusion of a shell grotto and artificial stalactites giving an area of wonder and entertainment to visitors in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Arch
The Arch stands on top of Grotto Hill. Constructed as an eye catcher and a focus for visitors as they walk the Park and Follies.
Just below the Monument there are numerous picnic tables and waste bins. Hawkstone Park isn’t so much a place to hike around fast, but a place to take your time, allowing your senses to succumb to it fully.
After climbing the monument we continued onward looking forward to the next interesting point along the way. With bridges to cross, dark tunnels to navigate and varying terrain to traverse there’s always something around every corner
Our trip took us about 3.5 hours including a short stop for lunch.
Back at the tearoom and after the heat of the day, it was time for a well deserved ice-cream.
BEFORE SETTING OUT
- Steep and awkward steps are unavoidable in places, so make sure you wear sensible walking shoes
- Torches (flashlights) are required for the tunnels and caves (I used my cameras speed light until the battery ran out) – Although the tunnels are not long it’s best with a light of some sort.
- Take plenty of water and perhaps some light refreshments
For more information on Hawkstone Park visit http://www.hawkstone.co.uk
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on November 1st, 2008 
on November 5th, 2008 