Explore The Marches

(Average user rating: 4.5/5)

4 Stars

Yesterday I visited Haughmond Hill for the first time. I walked there from Shrewsbury via the canal footpath that took me to the Uffington Gate. I found the viewing platform without difficulty via the public footpaths, but wanted a more direct route back to Uffington, so followed a surfaced pathway that took me to the Cafe.

From the map on the Cafe wall, I couldnt see how to reach the Uffington Gate, so I asked. The first member of staff was unfamiliar with the site, so referred me to her colleague. She was helpful, showed me a paper map (which I purchased) and told me I needed to go back the way Id come and to get onto the blue route by following the yellow then red routes.

There were three problems with her directions. First, she assumed Id arrived via the blue, red and yellow routes; I hadnt, but I didnt know that. Second, the map didnt show either the Uffington Gate or how to reach the public footpath to it from the blue route. Third, the map inside the leaflet is facing South; not only is that unconventional, its the opposite of the map on the outside of the leaflet. It made orientation really challenging. Eventually I gave up and took a taxi back to town.

Here are my suggestions for improving the printed map for people who arrive on foot via an entrance other than the main one.

1. Re-orient it so North is at the top.

2. Show the entire site including the gates.

3. Show, on the map, the symbols used for the yellow, red and blue routes. Initially I mistook the public footpath signs for the yellow route.

Otherwise, I enjoyed my visit and plan to return.

5 Stars

1 for all day parking is great for complete access to the recreation areas at the site. Amazing views of Wales and south Shropshire from the viewpoint. The cafe is great when the sun is shining and you can make use of the picnic benches. Well worth a visit.