Storming Brogyntyn Castle

I am ashamed to say I have lived in Oswestry since I was 11 and despite Brogyntyn Estate being my playground growing up, I never knew that there had been a castle there! My brother told me about it a couple of weeks back and it sparked my interest straight away, so this weekend we decided to wander down from the racecourse and take a look. This isn't the longest of walks, but it's got a good mix of woodland and open paths, historical landmarks and fantastic views. Unfortunately, after my first post, I forgot to re-insert the memory card on my SLR. The pictures here are therefore taken from Laura's camera phone, so no panoramic pics here I'm afraid.

At the Racecourse car park, there is a horizon map, which is not too clear in the picture above because of the wet weather, but on a clear day, you can clearly see from our resident extinct volcanic hill, Breidden Hill at Criggion, with Rodney's Pillar standing proud atop it, all the way to the Wrekin at Telford, and Pimhill and Grinshill to the north of Shrewsbury.

 

We started out by doing a lap of Old Oswestry Racecourse Common, glimpsing that amazing view across Shropshire as we went. At the north end of the track, we hopped the style and said hello to a couple of horses before tracking back to the main road. Once we hopped another style onto the road, we proceeded downhill towards town for a short distance before turning northwards again onto Whitwell Lane, which leads down to the old Brogyntyn estate farm buildings (below). If we win the Euros, Laura and I have agreed that we are going to buy this! 

After passing the farm, you will find the remains of Brogyntyn Castle on your left. You can see me walking on what is left of the motte below.

It was thought to be owned by Owain Brogyntyn, a Welsh Prince, in the 12th Century, and if you look out from the castle towards England, you can see why it would have been a strategic point of interest.

Further up the track towards Brogyntyn Hall, the path has been diverted around the now overgrown stately gardens and the converted stables. 

Once we reached the hall, which for some unknown reason we didn't photograph, we turned back and returned to the farm, at which point the snow and sleet started to come down and we had to wrap up!

At the farm we turned right onto Whitwell Lane and followed the road northward for a few hundred yards before finding a steep path leading back towards the racecourse.

Back at the top, the snow had started to settle again and it was time for us to head home for our Sunday roast.  

We had a great time and we hope you've enjoyed it too!