There are five two-point summits in and around the Welsh Borders that lend themselves perfectly for a day out collecting 15 winter bonus points. It’s become something of an annual pilgrimage for me, this - on Friday March 6, 2026 - being the sixth time I’ve done the circuit. They’re straightforward, a lot of fun, and remind me of a car treasure hunt, except you already know where you’re heading next. My quest started in England, ended in Wales, and I operated on 2M FM throughout.
Arriving from the South after a two-hour forty-five minute drive, G/WB-004 Titterstone Clee Hill was my first stop. As I got closer to the parking area, it was already clear that visibility at the top was anything but. The hill has a fascinating history stretching back to the Bronze Age - a large cairn, an Iron Age hill fort, and centuries of mining and quarrying. The radar stations are normally a prominent landmark, but the mist had swallowed them whole. I only spotted the trig at the very last moment, which became my operating spot for thirteen contacts in fifteen minutes.
A quick walk back down and on to G/WB-002 Brown Clee Hill. I tend to approach from the West, always with fingers crossed that no one has beaten me to the limited parking near the gate. Fortunately not - though it was clear the farmer had been busy. Recent rain had turned the path distinctly muddy, making the climb a little more agricultural than intended. Pushing on to the summit, the mist thickened further. I’d had interference problems here before from the nearby communications tower, so I’d come prepared with what I think is my best-looking handheld, the FT270 - a radio that’s actually been on my list to sell. After its performance today, it may be getting a reprieve.
After slipping and sliding back to the car, it was a somewhat longer drive to G/WB-005 Long Mynd – Pole Bank. I prefer doing this circuit on a weekday — the road to the car park runs along Bur Way, a single-track lane with limited passing places and a rather unforgiving drop on one side. Weekend traffic can make it an adventure in itself. Parking just below the summit at The Port Way, I put the RH770 and FT270 to work and logged nine contacts in ten minutes, including four summit-to-summits - a satisfying haul.
Next up, G/WB-003 Stiperstones National Nature Reserve, still wrapped in mist with just a handful of cars in the car park. A short walk to the summit, a hunt for shelter from the wind, and a swift activation - the car thermometer had read four degrees, but on top it felt considerably colder. No lingering today.
The final summit of the day was across the border in Wales: GW/MW-013 Corndon Hill. Like most people, I approach from the far side, walking alongside the hill before tackling the ascent - and being the last one of the day, I was happy to take my time. At the top I strapped the pole to the bench and noticed something remarkable: not only had the wind eased, but the mist had completely lifted. Clear skies over Wales while England had been wrapped in grey all day. Who’d have thunk it.
After the activation, heading back down the grassy path, I spotted a key with a keyring lying in the grass. I was fairly certain it hadn’t been there on the way up — I’d have noticed. I picked it up and, on leaving the field, attached the keyring to the fence post by the first gate, hoping the owner might retrace their steps.
Further along the path, I noticed a figure in the distance walking towards me with some purpose. Surely not.
We exchanged hellos, and he asked if I’d found a key. “I surely have,” I said - though the look on his face suggested a degree of scepticism when the key didn’t immediately materialise. I directed him to the fence next to the gate and he explained that in thirty years of walking these hills, he had never once lost anything. He lived nearby and couldn’t get into his own house.
I continued to the car, changed out of my hill gear, and pulled onto the main road - and there he was again, beaming, with a big thumbs up. I wound down the window and told him I was glad to have helped.
A good deed at the end of a good day. What more could you ask for?
Many thanks to everyone who called in, and a special mention to James, @M7SDO - who somehow managed to work me on all five summits. Impressive stuff.
Till the next time.
73, Robert