Wagoner’s Wander: Long Route

Walk directions

1. Start

   From the Church car park go left on to the lane. Stop at the crossroads. Turn right (signposted Ragdon 11⁄2 miles) and stay on the lane passing Castle Hill Cottages for approximately three-quarters of a mile.  Keep on the lane as it bends to the right, passing The Hough Farm, then cross the stile on the left in the hedge.

2. Step 2

   Continue up the field edge to cross a stile in the fence ahead, then down the field to cross another stile. Bear right uphill, crossing another stile, then continue climbing onto Ragleth Hill.

3. Step 3

   Follow the well defined path over Ragleth Hill.

4. Step 4

   Pass the northern peak and descend the hill following the path as it curves to the right. Cross the stile by the gate to eventually join a track. Turn right onto the lane, then left (signposted Chelmick).

5. Step 5

   At Chelmick, pass Chelmick Farm on the left then take the first track on the right next to the village green. Notice the huge old pollarded Ash tree in the middle of the green. You are now on the Marches Way a long distance footpath from Cardiff to Chester, passing through Shropshire. Go through the gate ahead and follow the edge of the field around to the right. With the hedge on your left carry on to descend into Rag Batch a small wooded valley crossed by a lively stream.

6. Step 6

   Cross the ford at the bottom then go through the gate on the left. Bear left around edge of the field and then up the hedge line right. Just after the next field corner is a bridge hidden in the low hedge. Cross the bridge. 

7. Step 7

   Continue up the sunken path then field, keeping the hedge on your left. Descend another sunken path and go through the bridle gate.

8. Step 8

   Cross the stile next to the second gate on the left. Follow the track up the hill and go through the gate ahead. Turn left to the Museum car park.