Devil's Ring and Finger: Neolithic Monolith Shropshire / Staffordshire Border, UK

Wow, loved this one, you could feel a sort of hum coming off those stones, they were old, very old. We start today in Norton in Hales in Shropshire, a lovely old English village, loved the out of tune chimes from St Chads Church, worth a visit just for a walk around the village and a visit to the Hinds Head Pub. I did an 8.5 mile loop taking in Mucklestone, Blore Heath, Almington and Oakley though I also point out where you could turn to make it a 3 miler.

We head out and across the river Tern into Staffordshire to take a look at a neolithic monolith, The Devil’s Ring and Finger. From what I’ve read, it is thought to be the entrance to a burial chamber and has been moved from its original site (probably the trees at the top of the adjacent field mark the spot). I had a few theories of my own having had a look close up (probably completely wrong) but it really did intrigue me I have to say.

From here I carried on to Mucklestone to St Marys of Mucklestone where queen Margaret of Anjou apparently watched the battle of Blore Heath during the War of the Roses, riding off when they lost. From here I head south through the woods close to the battlefield at Blore Heath and then south to Almington near Market Drayton. Then we head north over the fields to Oakley where we recross the river Tern back into Shropshire and follow the river north back to Norton in Hales

The Route

Starting from the free car park near the church, turn left on Main road and then continue straight on into Forge Lane, follow this down the hill to the river, continuing straight on up the left hand side of the next field, the Devil’s Ring is hidden away in the field boundary at the wood about half way up. At the far end turn left and follow the lane back to the road. Take the path straight on over the next two fields then turn right at the barn coming out on the lane in Mucklestone where we turn left.

At the church turn right on Eccleshall Road and then take the path right which heads through the woods coming out on the A53. Turn right then immediately right again back into the woods. Follow the path to the far side and turn left into the lane and follow it back to the A53 at Blore Heath a little further down. Turn right then immediately left on the unmarked track. At the far side of the field turn left then immediately right on the path over the fields which eventually comes out at Pinfold Lane in Almington.

Turn right then take the path on the left bearing right. The path comes out on the busy Newcastle road, cross with care and take the road opposite. After a short distance take the path on the left. Head diagonally left up the field to the fence then follow it left and right down to the far tree line. The path continues passing a small pool, bearing left then straight on over a field and down a farm track into Oakley. Turn left and then right after the house down to the river. After the bridge turn right and then take the path on your right which heads north coming out back on Forge Lane where we turn right back to our starting point