About the reserve

The gutter in question is a gentle brook that flows along the bottom of this wonderfully rich grazing pasture on the slopes of Titterstone Clee into the River Rea.

A rich mosaic of plants grows in this mostly boggy meadow; more than 100 flowering species have been recorded. But you need to seek them out and get down on your knees to appreciate their variety. Dry and wet areas have different species; look for cross-leaved heath, ling and bell heathers; bog asphodel, sundews and butterwort. In late summer you may find the rare marsh gentian here.

In summer watch out for dragonflies, specialities include the keeled skimmer and the large golden-ringed dragonfly.  

Getting to Cramer Gutter

Follow the A4117 (Ludlow to Cleobury Mortimer) over Clee Hill. At Doddington take the road towards Farlow and Oreton (due north). After 1 mile go you will see a sign for a cattle grid and a small car park for Catherton Common. 

The postcode is DY14 0JJ, this takes you in the vicinity of the car park but please also follow the directions above.

To reach Cramer Gutter, from the car park, walk northwards back up the road towards Hill Houses. When you reach the corner of the woodland you will see a track. Follow that track along the edge of the woodland beyond a house. After approximately half a mile, the track swings northward down a hill. Cross over a stream and enter the reserve via a gate. 

Cramer Gutter can be included in a circular walk that takes in Catherton Common.