Brown Clee Hill
Shropshire's highest peak, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a rewarding hiking challenge with unique features like wild swimming spots.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Brown Clee Hill
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Shropshire's highest peak, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a rewarding hiking challenge with unique features like wild swimming spots.
"The view at the top is so worth it however. There are old ruins, the satellite station (I think) haven't done much research into this hill like clee hill."
Wear Sturdy Footwear
The terrain can be steep and boggy. Sensible shoes are a must for a safe and enjoyable climb. :athletic_shoe:
Check the Weather
The summit is very exposed. Be prepared for wind and rain, even on a clear day elsewhere. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shropshire's Highest Point
Summit
Reach the highest point in Shropshire for breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside.
Boyne Water
Lower slopes
Discover this hidden wild swimming spot, a refreshing (and chilly!) reward after your hike.
Industrial Revolution Ruins
Near the summit
Explore remnants of the past, including structures that once crushed stone during the Industrial Revolution.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Footwear
The terrain can be steep and boggy. Sensible shoes are a must for a safe and enjoyable climb. :athletic_shoe:
Check the Weather
The summit is very exposed. Be prepared for wind and rain, even on a clear day elsewhere. :cloud:
Limited Top Parking
Parking at the summit is scarce. Arrive early or be prepared to park further down the road. :car:
Bring Snacks & Water
There are limited facilities. Pack provisions for your hike and enjoy a picnic with a view. :sandwich:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Footwear
The terrain can be steep and boggy. Sensible shoes are a must for a safe and enjoyable climb. :athletic_shoe:
Check the Weather
The summit is very exposed. Be prepared for wind and rain, even on a clear day elsewhere. :cloud:
Limited Top Parking
Parking at the summit is scarce. Arrive early or be prepared to park further down the road. :car:
Bring Snacks & Water
There are limited facilities. Pack provisions for your hike and enjoy a picnic with a view. :sandwich:
Dog-Friendly Trails
Many visitors bring their dogs. Keep them on a lead where necessary and be mindful of other hikers. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Brown Clee Hill for its stunning 360-degree views and the rewarding feeling of reaching Shropshire's highest point. The opportunity for wild swimming at Boyne Water is a unique highlight. However, some find the signage lacking and the parking at the summit very limited, with steep and potentially challenging paths.
"Simply one of the most stunning Shropshire Hills I have climbed. The main car park just seems to be on the side of the road .There are various pathways up to the summit, which are steep, very steep ,especially the tarmacked road ,which seems to be access, just for telecommunications engineers . There is a series of telecommunications tower's, at the top on two separate peaks. The top of Brown Clee Hill is stunning but can be extremely exposed. Wear sensible footwear and clothes and take your time climbing this fantastic hill ,and you will be rewarded .Many hiking can be had to various points from the top of the hill .A fantastic part of The Shropshire Hills"
Dez H
"Beautiful 360 views from the top. Love this walk. Signs aren't the best, but we used all trails the first time. There is a lovely lake, where some people go wild swimming, to have a picnic at. There is a pub nearby, which is decent."
Toby robson
"Wow what an experience!!! I love clee hill. Always go to the other hill, titterstone clee hill with the radars on, but I've always been so intrigued as to what was on the other hill opposite so I decided to visit!!
I will say it's a huggeeee climb up to the top if you don't want to drive up there as it does seem a bit sketchy with some of the pot holes at the top and muddy slopes at the start.
Talking about driving up to the top. There is no specific sign saying you can't drive up there but just to keep the bottom gate closed. Limited parking at the top. Also very very steep !! Thought I was breaking my Knees walking back down. If you don't want to park right at the top there's a point half way up the hill where I can see cars have parked before.
The view at the top is so worth it however. There are old ruins, the satellite station (I think) haven't done much research into this hill like clee hill. All I know it was used to mine coal very far back in time. You can see old track slightly at some points. Also the beacon is very unique. I thought it was a well at first!
Edit: the gate where the road goes up is sometimes locked with chains.
There is one bench 😂 to sit on but I guess you can sit in the buildings. And on the grass when it's dry weather. Unluckily for me I visited in the frost and freezing weather.
Parking very limited at top, I parked on the side of the main road just before the walk up to the top. Entrance is large gate by a small house after the farm. With the abandoned tractor thing 😂"
Meggy Moo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Brown Clee Hill is best accessed by car. The nearest postcode for parking is WV16 6TA. From Birmingham, it's about an hour's drive, and from Telford, around 35 minutes. Be aware that the road leading to the summit can be steep with pot-holes.
Public transport options are limited for reaching the immediate vicinity of Brown Clee Hill. It's primarily a destination for those with private vehicles.
Parking is very limited at the very top. Many visitors park on the side of the main road just before the final ascent. There's also a point halfway up where cars have been seen parked before.
While there's a tarmacked road, it's primarily for telecommunications engineers. The road is very steep and can have pot-holes. The gate at the start of this road may sometimes be locked.
The drive can be scenic, but the final approach to the summit involves steep, potentially muddy slopes and pot-holes, especially after rain.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Brown Clee Hill is a natural landscape and does not require tickets for entry. Access to the hill and its walking routes is free.
As a natural outdoor space, Brown Clee Hill is accessible at all times. However, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entrance fee to visit Brown Clee Hill. It's a public access area for hiking and enjoying the scenery.
The main restriction is to be mindful of the exposed nature of the summit and to respect the environment. The road to the summit may be gated at times.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to the exposed terrain, lack of lighting, and potential for poor visibility.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
There are various pathways to the summit, some quite steep. Many visitors enjoy circular walks, like an 8-mile route mentioned by users. Using navigation apps like AllTrails can be helpful as signage isn't always clear.
The time to reach the summit can vary depending on your fitness and chosen route. Some describe it as about an hour from the main parking area, but the climb is significant.
At the summit, you'll find telecommunications towers on two separate peaks and stunning 360-degree views. There are also remnants of historical structures, including those from the Industrial Revolution.
Yes, Brown Clee Hill is very popular for hiking with dogs. Many visitors share photos and videos of their canine companions enjoying the trails.
Facilities are minimal. There's typically only one bench, and visitors often sit on the grass or near the structures. It's best to be self-sufficient.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly on Brown Clee Hill itself. You'll need to bring your own food and drinks for a picnic.
Yes, reviews mention a decent pub nearby that can be a good stop after your hike.
Absolutely! The summit offers fantastic views, making it an ideal spot for a picnic. Just remember to take all your litter with you.
The nearest food options would be in the surrounding villages or towns. It's recommended to check local listings for pubs and cafes.
No, there are no food stalls or vendors operating on Brown Clee Hill.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the summit are spectacular, especially during sunrise or sunset. The telecommunications towers and historical ruins also make for interesting shots.
Yes, Brown Clee Hill is excellent for landscape photography, offering sweeping vistas of the Shropshire countryside. The changing weather can also add dramatic elements to your photos.
Early morning for sunrise and late afternoon for sunset often provide the best light for photography. However, dramatic skies can occur at any time.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and ensure you fly responsibly and safely, respecting privacy.
The telecommunications towers at the summit and the historical ruins are key landmarks. Boyne Water, the wild swimming lake, also offers unique photographic potential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making a game out of spotting landmarks or looking for interesting rocks and plants. If your children are adventurous, the idea of a 'secret' wild swimming spot like Boyne Water might add an extra layer of excitement, though it's best suited for older, confident swimmers and requires careful supervision. Always prioritize safety and ensure everyone is appropriately dressed for the weather.
🐶 Dog Owners
Be mindful that the terrain can be boggy and uneven, so ensure your dog is comfortable with such conditions. The summit's exposure means dogs will also be subject to wind and weather, so consider their comfort. After a good run, a stop at the nearby pub mentioned in reviews could be a welcome treat for both you and your furry friend.
⛰️ Experienced Hikers & Peak Baggers
Be prepared for the exposed summit conditions, which can make for a more demanding experience in adverse weather. The historical ruins and the potential for wild swimming at Boyne Water add points of interest beyond just reaching the peak. Consider carrying a map and compass, or a reliable GPS device, as navigation can be tricky in certain areas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Brown Clee Hill: Routes and Challenges
Navigation can be a consideration, as signage isn't always the best. Many hikers recommend using a GPS device or a reliable navigation app like AllTrails, especially for first-time visitors or those attempting longer circular routes. The terrain can be boggy, particularly after rain, so waterproof and sturdy footwear is essential. The exposed nature of the summit means weather can change rapidly, so always check forecasts and be prepared for wind and rain.
For those seeking a unique experience, the discovery of Boyne Water, a secluded wild swimming spot, adds another dimension to a Brown Clee Hill visit. This hidden lake offers a refreshing dip for the brave, often described as very chilly but invigorating. It's a perfect reward after a strenuous climb and a testament to the varied natural beauty found on the hill.
The Summit Experience: Views and Features
The summit itself is marked by a series of telecommunications towers, which, while functional, also serve as prominent landmarks. These structures stand testament to the hill's strategic importance. Alongside these modern installations, you can also find remnants of historical structures, including those that played a role in the Industrial Revolution, such as buildings used for crushing stone. These historical echoes add a layer of depth to the natural beauty.
It's important to remember that the summit is highly exposed. This means that while the views are unparalleled, visitors should be prepared for strong winds and rapidly changing weather conditions. There are limited facilities at the very top, with typically only a single bench available. Visitors are encouraged to be self-sufficient, bringing their own provisions for a picnic to enjoy amidst the stunning scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit