SJ6308 : Heading down the Wrekin
taken 3 years ago, near to Little Wenlock, Telford And Wrekin, England
The Wrekin rises to a height of 407m (1,335ft) above the Shropshire plain and is a prominent landmark visible from many miles around. Geologically the crest of the ridge is composed of hard uriconian volcanic rock, approximately 680 million years old. The summit of the hill was the site of an iron age fort believed to have been built by the Cornovii tribe and destroyed by the Romans in AD47. More recently, in 1975, a radio and television transmitting station was opened near the summit with a 62m (204ft) tower. The Wrekin has long been regarded affectionately by Midlanders who are proud to say that there is no higher ground between it and the Urals; their expression ‘all around the Wrekin’ is commonly used to mean taking an indirect route. Today the hill is part of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the walk to the summit is a popular activity.