Sunday 23th May 2004 - Ironbridge

On Sunday 23 May we visit Ironbridge in Shropshire. The coach will leave school as usual at 8.00 am prompt and there will be a toilet stop en route at the Motorway Services just outside Ironbridge. All walks finish in Ironbridge where there is the usual end of walk facilities. We plan to leave at 17.00 hrs to be back in Formby at about 1930 hrs. Conditions are expected to be muddy and walking boots will be essential. There is no suitable ‘A' Walk in this area, but there is a choice of three interesting walks.

 

B+ Walk Distance: 12 miles Ascent: 1,200 ft   Leaders: Gordon Spence John Hughes	We alight at a layby on the A5223,10 minutes from the Services, cross the road and head for the woods, Short and Limekiln. This takes us to the beginning of Ercall ridge. We climb the ridge to Lawrence's Hill then drop down to ascend the Wrekin. Something for all! A huge variety of geology – a Bronze Age hill fort (2000BC), entered by Hell's Gate – excellent views, but a steep, slippery descent needing great care. Depending upon time and conditions, we will either head by road and field to the Severn and straight to Ironbridge or follow the ‘B' route via Gibbon's Coppice.
B Walk Distance: 10 miles Ascent: 450 ft   Leaders: David Willis A N Other	We follow the same route as the ‘B+' party from the A5223 through Short and Limekiln Woods, before we head south west along the lower slopes of the Wrekin through Wenlock's Wood and Gibbon's Coppice. Striking out across open country we reach Buildwas and the Severn. After crossing the bridge, we climb to Benthall Edge and head to Ironbridge via Bentall Hall Farm (National Trust). Expect mud and quite a few fences to climb.
C Walk Distance:6½ miles. Ascent: 560 ft   Leaders: Stuart Norris David Griffiths	A circular walk based on Ironbridge which may be muddy and slippery in places, particularly if wet or rain beforehand. From the car park we walk along the River Severn to the iron bridge which we cross and then follow the road uphill before turning off to make our way through woodland and field paths to Benthall Edge Wood. We then follow the Edge to reach the village of Wyke. We then road walk, initially along a quiet lane and then along the A4169 (Much Wenlock road), to again cross the River Severn near to the Abbey ruins. We then follow the River Severn along field paths, riverbank and road back to Ironbridge. Most of the ascent is in the first 1½ miles.