This walk to Maesbrook, starting in Pant, is fairly flat as it (mostly) takes roads across the Shropshire floodplain below the village.
Although it is for the most part flat, please note that the walk does include a section across fields and over a footbridge above the river Morda. Much of the walk is along roads, and although care is needed on the roads, they are usually fairly quiet, but you might well encounter joggers, cyclists, farm traffic and horse riders, so common sense attention is needed.
The starting point for this walk is Penygarreg Lane, opposite the village shop. Walk along this lane, past Penygarreg Halt on the Cambrian Heritage Railway. You will see the tracks on the left soon after you have rounded the bend in the lane. A little further on, the road levels out and turns to the left. Here, you can take a detour and walk along the Montgomery Canal towpath for a while to Bridge 87, although it is easier to stay on the road.
Once you have gone over Bridge 87, the road will bear left again and shortly afterwards you will find yourself at a cross roads. (A) Remember this spot as you will be back here later.
Here you will go straight over, signposted Crickheath. Keep on this road past Crickheath Hall on your left and a stunning black and white house on your right until the road bears to the left again. But don’t follow that, turn right into a lane with a dead end signpost (B).
Before you get to East Farm, you will see a stile and public footpath sign on the right hand side of the road. Once you’re over this stile (C), you can get your boots muddy! The next section is across farmland, so it’s important to keep to the footpath to avoid damage to crops.
Cross to the farm gate on the opposite side of this small field and then find a small footbridge and stile on the left hand side of the next field. (D)
The path now crosses a field which had a well-marked out path through the wheat when we visited (E). This path takes you to a small clump of trees and across to a stile. Skirt the edge of this field to find the next stile. Take the footpath to the left across the field. On your Ordnance Survey map, you will see a FB (footbridge) marked to the west of The Wood. This is where you are heading to.
Reaching the footbridge (F) affords a great opportunity to turn round and take a good look back the way you came to see Pant and Llanymynech Rocks in the distance. This footbridge crosses the river Morda, and when we were there, was missing a couple of planks, so take care.
Once safely over, you want to turn right and follow the footpath across the field. Stay initially to the left alongside the wood and then over a couple of stiles and you will find yourself on a tarmacked lane again.
Turn right along this lane for a few yards until you see the public footpath sign on your left. Yet another stile and you are back off-road. Across this field and tucked in the far corner you will find a stile set back in the hedge.
Keep left once you are over this stile and down past an outbuilding you will find a stile that brings you into the garden of a house in Maesbrook. Quietly pass by and you will be in the village itself.
Take time for a break in Maesbrook – the Black Horse Inn is an ideal venue for a drink or meal, though check the opening times in advance.
Once you have enjoyed a break and a pint it’s time for the return journey. Obviously, you can return the way you came or follow the rest of this guide, for a gentle stroll along back lanes to return to Pant.
Cross the road opposite the Black Horse and walk down the road signposted Melverley. After a few hundred yards you will see Station House on the left. Don’t be tempted to leave the road and follow the old railway line. It might look a suitable route on your map, but unfortunately, it isn’t! Instead continue on the road until you see the sign for Dyffryd and take this small lane to the left.
Stay on this road and you will see the Breidden Hills to your left. Maybe a walk to Rodney’s Pillar will feature on this website soon. You will cross the Morda again.
At the end of this road you will be at Llwyntidmon Hall at the junction with the B4398. This isn’t a main road, but do take care as it is national speed limit. There should be plenty of verge to walk along to the left and, on the corner, you need to cross the road and take the lane signposted for Pant.
Take the lane until you reach the crossroads (A). Turn left here and you are back on Penygarreg Lane towards Pant – welcome back!
Distance about 4 – 5 miles depending on detours. Mostly flat terrain, but can be muddy in parts. Not wheelchair accessible. Please ensure you set off equipped for this walk, this is a guide only and some sections are off the footpath and use the highway. If you spot any errors, please let us know.