The Packet Stone is an unspectacular little outcrop towards the south-eastern end of Minton Hill, itself a south-eastern ridge on the Long Mynd. The rock may not be over-exciting – but the views on this exceptionally fresh afternoon were great. No, it wasn’t at all warm – the stiff breeze really made itself felt when the sun went in. We walked along the (very quiet) road from Pole Bank towards the gliding field, and picked up the obvious track (waymarked to Minton) for the airy walk along the ridge.

In addition to its qualities as a viewpoint, the Packet Stone is a good spot to begin to retrace one’s tracks (the alternative would be a long descent and re-ascent). We tried to return along the more northerly path on Minton Hill. It’s clearly marked on the map as a public footpath, but most of its users nowadays have twice as many legs, but much smaller feet than us. Clearly there’s little of interest for the sheep as we approach the road – the path fades somewhat.

We’ve been here before – a late November walk that ended up as a (very sedate) race against the sunset… Today, the sky was very nearly clear of all cloud – just the odd little bit of fluffy white stuff here and there (photographically, November wins hands down).

It would have been very warm, but for a stiff breeze which made for a very pleasant and leisurely stroll. The views are extensive – the Cotswolds and the Brecon Beacons marking the horizon to south-east and south-west respectively.

The rather unlikely-looking tree apparently marks the meeting point of three parishes.

Our choice of starting point for a stroll sounds perverse – given that, after recent heavy rain, we were looking for a walk that wouldn’t be too wet underfoot. We chose to follow the road (single track and almost no traffic) to the gate below Black Rhadley, where there’s a gentle ascent to the cairned summit. The views are extensive – but a few yards beyond the top, another cairn marks the viewpoint for a fine view of the Onny valley and Linley Drive, the More estate road.

Returning, we detoured along the heather-clad ridge from The Rock to Nipstone Rock (what a lot of bilberries there are this year), before rejoining the road to return to the Bog Centre (feet still dry!) for the usual great refreshments.