MARCHES GROUP – LONG DISTANCE WALKERS ASSOCIATION
36th SOUTHSHROPSHIRECIRCULAR
25 undisclosed miles with some 4000 ft. of “undulations” in 10 hours
Saturday February 24th 2018
Every year since its inception, the SSC has offered a different route from a different starting point and has introduced hundreds of walkers and runners to the scenic beauty and challenge of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The splendid new village hall in Norbury was our base this year and by popular demand, we are returning there again for 2018. The route will of course be a new one and as usual for the SSC, it will remain secret until Registration when you will be given a clear and accurate Route Description. This mystery, coupled with the potential rigours of winter, has made the event a hugely popular classic among upland challenge walks. If you’re fit and can navigate, you’ll love the SSC !
Where do we meet and how do we get there?
For the 36thSSC, we pay a return visit to Norburyto enjoy the facilities of its splendid new village hall, which is some 5 miles NE of Bishops Castle, just north of the unclassified road which heads up the East Onny Valley towards Bridges Youth Hostel. The grid reference is SO 365 925 and the Post Code is SY9 5DX. For overnight accommodation, there are several B & Bs and pubs within a few miles, plus the Youth Hostel of course but it’s probably best to phone the Tourist Information Centre in Ludlow on 01584 – 875 – 033.
What is the country like for this year’s SSC?
The hill country around Norbury is some of the most attractive within the AONB, with long stretches offering extensive views from Rights of Way largely unhindered by gates and stiles. Add to this the fact that the route is on one OS Explorer map and the country is made for some fine, fast walking or running. But it should not be underestimated in winter conditions.
What happens once you’re there and out on the route?
The car park will open from 06.30 and the village hall will welcome you from 06.45 for Registration, a simple breakfast and issue of the Route Description, which is written for use with Explorer sheet 217 at 1:25 000. The route will be divided into four legs and the RD gives the grid ref. of each “self-clip” passage control point and the three serviced checkpoints, with a reliable indication of the best line between them. A short route may be applied if necessary.
There will be a briefing at07.50and a mass start at08.00.
A splendid hot meal, endless tea and a fine certificate will greet your return to Norbury VH.
Entry details
The SSC is open to walkers and runners who will be 18 or over on the 24th February 2018.
Everyone mustcomplete an official Entry Form, preferably on line at SI entries (link below) and there are no entries on the day.For paper entry forms please contact Jane Webb, details below.
The Entry Fee which covers a simple breakfast, refreshments, rescue transport, a fine hot meal at the FINISH and certificate, is £10.00 for LDWA members and £15.00 for all others.
PLEASE NOTE this is sheep country and dogs cannot be brought on this event.
Clothing and Equipment
For comfort and safety, you mustwear or carry allof the items listed below and you will be disqualified either before or after the START, if any of them are obviously missing.
- Walking boots or event/fell running shoes with sound well-studded soles.
- Complete body and leg covering (running shorts worn with tights are acceptable).
- Wind and waterproof outer protection shell, comprising a jacket and over-trousers.
- Spare inner garment (such as a fleece jacket).
- Hat and gloves Survival bag Emergency food and drink.
- Torch Basic First Aid Compass and whistle.
- OS Explorer sheet no. 217 at 1:25 000 “The Long Mynd and Wenlock Edge”.
How to enter
On line entry at:
Contact: Jane Webb, 52 Torrin Drive, Shrewsbury, SY3 6AW Phone: 01743 358223
This document issued on 01/07/2017.