Wild Humphrey would have ridden along the Hollins, or Lynches Lane, as it led to the parkland of Myddle Castle, where his father, Sir Roger Kynaston was Constable Keeper in the 15th century. Humphrey, who became Constable on his father’s death, is reputed to have fallen into debt, and let the castle fall into ruin. Most of what was left fell down in an earthquake in about 1688.
Only a small section of wall still stands on private land. East of Webscott, over Bristle Bridge, the sandstone ridge ahead runs south with Myddle Hill, where the Gallows once stood; Holloway Hill, once home to a rabbit warren; Harmer Hill; and further south, Pimhill, all commanding the local countryside. Harmer Moss now marks where the long ago drained Hare Mere once lay. There are very few old properties near here, but some, like The Rock and The Nest can be seen, with rooms cut into the rock face; a legacy from old quarrying days.
After Harmer Hill we take the old lane past Yorton Chapel. We are now on the vast Sansaw Estate which runs up to Grinshill. The land, and many properties, were bought up, in the 19th century, by the Bibby family, wealthy ship owners from Liverpool. The long park boundary wall and lodge are built of stone from the local quarries. The sandstone ridges hereabouts were laid down many millions of years ago. All along the wooded base of Grinshill can be seen old quarry faces, now peaceful, with trees growing from the clefts.
From the top of the hill you can see back to the Long Mynd, where our route begins, the Clee Hills beyond, and west to the Nesscliffe Hills, with the Berwyns and Welsh Hills in the distance.
Myddle Castle
Once home to Humphrey Kynaston, just part of a staircase tower now remains.
Bristle Bridge
Near to the bridge, below an outcrop of sandstone, overgrown steps lead to the Goblin Hole, a cave dwelling at the base of the rocks, with a stone chimney, also known as Scoggan’s Hole, after a man who lived there.
He told wild tales to the workmen building the bridge, including how he killed a massive Boar with Bristles on its back the size of pikeeavell grains (pitchfork prongs), so they named it Bristle Bridge.
Grinshill stone is known as some of the best building stone, durable, and available in many colours. It has been used in some of the finest buildings such as Attingham Hall, and to build Clive and Grinshill Churches. Stone from Grinshill was used by the Romans to build their city of Virconium at Wroxeter. A quarry still operates there today to the north east of the hill.