All Round the Wrekin - Myths and Legends

If You're Feeling Lucky

The geological features on the hilltop itself have also been attributed to giants and, more specifically, a fight that took place between the two squabbling brothers who created the hill in the former version of events. Apparently, The Needle's Eye, Raven's Bowl (or Cuckoo's Cup) and Bladder Stone all owe their existence to this unhappy event but these rocky outcrops have many other associations with folk lore and tradition.

A trip through the Needle's Eye (a narrow cleft in the rock) is said to be a pre-requisite for anyone wishing to enjoy a lifetime of wedded bliss or to become a true Salopian; possibly both! We would just recommend that anyone wanting to test the theory out should exercise great caution while doing so! On the same side of the hill is the Raven's Bowl (a small depression in the rock) which, according to legend, is always said to contain water. This, it has been claimed, is the result of an 'unfailing spring' specially prepared in Heaven for the use of the hill's hermit (who was last recorded living here in medieval times). Again, we wouldn't advise taking a drink here, although dropping a pin in the bowl is also thought to be lucky. and much safer!