Callow Hill Camp

Hidden beneath the canopy of woodland Callow Hill Camp is a small multivallate hill fort situated to the east of the Shropshire village of Minsterley.

We parked at the northern carpark of the Polesgate Nature Reserve - we watched a low flying kestral swoop about the disused quarries. An attractive ancient oak woodland there are colonies of orchids and a wide range of other woodland plants, from the footpaths there are tremendous views over the Rea Valley, Pontesbury, Earls Hill and beyond.

A pleasent if confusing walk to the site takes you out of the nature reserve, the sign post and stile are overgrown by the hedgerow and so difficult to find. The approach from the south is impressive as the three high defencive banks and ditches are clearly visible, the outermost ditch had dug into them what I assume are small shallow archaeological evaluation trenches. Quarrying has destroyed some of the north and eastern parts of this ancient place, there are signposts warning of CCTV surveillance and red signposts regarding the meaning of the bells and whistle during blasting - how to "Drop, Cover and Hold On".

The site is quickly explored, the paths and ramparts are well trodden and a lot of litter had been left lying around suggesting that the site is used (and misused) quite often; though on a warm sunday afternoon in August we had the place to ourselves. Some sources suggest that Callow Castle, the ruins of which were reportedly still visible in 1540, may have been built on the site. Amongst the roots of a tree growing out of one of the embankments was a conglomerate of large stones, these may be associated with the castle, the construction of the embankment or simply natural. However, there is certainly no obvious evidence for Callow Castle and the castle's exact location remains a mystery.