A Hike up Haughmond Hill

About Haughmond Hill

Haughmond Hill is a lump of ancient rock rising above Shrewsbury. Although it is only 152m (500ft) high, it feels much higher because from the top there are fabulous views across the Shropshire countryside.

The rocks of Haughmond Hill date from the late Precambrian period, between 570 and 700 million years ago. The rocks are the same type as parts of the Long Mynd. Originally the layers were horizontal but strong earth movements have turned the beds vertically.

Red sandstone has been quarried from the hill for centuries. The stone has been used to build Shrewsbury Castle, Shrewsbury Abbey and various local churches.

More about the quarrying on Haughmond Hill

Aggregate Industries are still quarrying the rocks at Haughmond. Their licence does not permit them to expand any further across the hillside but they can extract downwards. The quarry pool on the right of the picture is very deep. The pool will soon be moved to another location on the site and all the fish will be caught and translocated as well.

Grey Wacke

The most valuable rock quarried from Haughmond Hill by Aggregate Industries is a hard grey rock called Grey Wacke which is pronounced Grey Whacky. The stone is crushed on site and made into tarmac for roads.

How long will it take for Haughmond Hill to recover from quarrying?

Once quarrying is finished, perhaps in 15-30 years time, the hole in the side of Haughmond will be returned to more peaceful purposes. It doesn't take long for nature to take hold again. Birds already nest on the cliffs, there are fish and dragonflies in the pool and young birch trees are everywhere.