As it's Easter weekend I thought we'd go somewhere a little different... so how about two delightfully distinct hikes in spiffing Shropshire? The first a comprehensive exploration of historic Ironbridge, the other a lofty hike through the hills surrounding Church Stretton.
This Good Friday outing is a chance to discover all of what Ironbridge has to offer. The eponymous bridge and surrounding valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with numerous museums and historical buildings dotted through the wooded landscape.
On this 12 (and a bit) mile ramble we'll explore the ruined Buildwas Abbey, pass by the Gorge Museum, the Coalport China Museum, the Jackfield Tile Museum, the old Bedlam Furnaces and cross TWO iron bridges, Coalport and of course the world's first of its kind, the famous Iron Bridge.
Starting point
By the soldier statue next to the Iron Bridge:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4MC7QrP2a2Lyh8rg8
Cafés and public loos nearby.
Parking
There's a few reasonably priced carparks in Ironbridge:
Ironbridge Car Park
https://maps.app.goo.gl/B7j9N4Wmav8sQAT79
Station Yard Car Park
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZQVX4ueWDMqxQHYr5
Waterloo St Car Park
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8wMCeCfZBaedPVEJA
Not much in the way of free on-street parking I'm afraid to say.
Public transport
No trains to Ironbridge. Nearest train station is in Telford.
96 or 96A Telford to Ironbridge bus:
https://bustimes.org/services/96-telford-shrewsbury
Dogs
Well behaved dogs are welcome on the walk and in the pub afterwards.
What to bring
Please bring a packed lunch, water and appropriate clothing/footwear for the weather and terrain.
After the hike
A drink or three in one of Ironbridge's fine establishments.
***
DISCLAIMER
Please acknowledge the following:
• The walk is entirely free of charge. You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses.
• Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part).
• Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself.
• Walk distances can be up to 15 miles or more and we can be out for as long as 5-7 hours.
• We usually stop for a packed lunch and pop in to a country pub for a post or mid-hike drink.
Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section!
Here's a guide to the difficult rating:
• Easy - Short distance, less than ten miles and mostly flat. Suitable for anyone capable of a brisk stroll.
• Moderately Easy - Shortish distance, around ten miles, some gentle hills. For those who walk regularly but don't have too much hiking experience.
• Moderate - Between ten and twelve miles, a few decent hills with potentially steep sections. For those with some hiking experience.
• Moderately Challenging - Longer distance, twelve miles or over with lots of hills. Suitable for hikers who enjoy being out for most of the day.
• Challenging - Around fifteen miles or more, with hills, mountains and maybe the odd scramble. For experienced hikers who like pushing themselves.
• Hard - Long distance, sometimes over twenty miles, with mountains and difficult terrain. Only suitable for fit, experienced hikers.
IMPORTANT
Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organised by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes. Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is not a business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader". Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone. By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer.
