This unique National Trust place is absolutely fascinating. There is free parking in a lay-by in Compton Road. Some of the paths ae steep and have steps, so the whole of the area is not wheelchair accessible. We found it quite acceptable to walk around however, as there are handrails by the steep sections and benches around the estate.
The homes carved out of the rock and the warren of whitewashed rooms have been authentically restored. The houses were inhabited for centuries – no one knows exactly how far back. The last residents lived there in the 1960’s. The guides tell the story of how up to eleven families made their living here, with water drawn from a well and food grown on the side of the hill. All the trappings of their way of life are displayed such as rag rugs and patchwork quilts. The life may seem harsh to us but, at that time, the air was much cleaner up there than in the town below where there was industry such as ironworks. Further up the hill there is a shop, toilets and a small tea room – the latter selling lovely cakes and scones.
We walked up the steep path to the plateau on the site of a former ancient hill fort. From there you can get magnificent views over Shropshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Staffordshire. The woodlands are home to various types of wild life. Parts of the rock have been safeguarded as they are home to a protected species the Lesser Horseshoe Bat.
It is well worth a visit. We will definitely be returning at some time in the future – perhaps taking the grandchildren as I sure they will be as fascinated as we were.
