British Walking Federation

BENTHALL EDGE (IRONBRIDGE) WALK ORGANISED BY THE BWF NATIONAL COMMITTEE

CONTACT: Roger Baker, 12 Burwood Grove, Hayling Island, Hampshire PO11 9DS
Tel: 02392 462005 E-mail: trails@bwf-ivv.org.uk

DISTANCE: 11km
ENTRY FEE: £1.00 per walker (Cheques payable to BWF)
AWARD: Cloth Badge at £2.00 each
DIRECTIONS FROM NEAREST TOWN: Telford, Shropshire - Leave Telford on the A442, heading South towards Coalport. Turn Right onto A4169, at first roundabout Turn Left and follow signs for Ironbridge.
START VENUE: Museum of the Gorge car park, which is approximately 500m from the bridge. Map 127 GR SJ672034
COACH & CAR PARKING: There are several car parks in the vicinity. The nearest car park to the bridge is at the start (£1.30 for 3 hours).
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Contact travel line on 0871 200 22 33.
REFRESHMENTS: At the start/finish only.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION (Route updated 25th July 2011)

Leave the car park, turn right and continue on the pavement with river on your right, to reach bridge.

Q1 - Where was the bridge constructed?

Cross the bridge to the Toll House and turn right onto old railway track following Severn Valley Way. Do not go into the picnic area, ahead under bridge and follow track keeping parallel to the river on right for 1200m until you reach the power station cooling towers. Through squeeze stile, alongside gate and turn left on Shropshire Way uphill through wood. Turn right by bench signpost Benthall Hall. Bear right at fork on Shropshire Way and continue climbing, as path narrows, to reach open field on right. Bear left on path back into wood under overhead power cables. At paths junction turn sharp left on blue arrow bridleway track, ahead to go through gap alongside 5 bar metal gate. In 15m turn sharp left and pass Private Road sign on gate, to cottage. Bear left into wood, keeping left after 30m, follow Shropshire Way around to right, in 100m bear right at track junction passing Benthal Edge Wood sign.

Q2 - What is the phone No on the sign?

Ahead and at next junction bear right to gate cross stile yellow footpath sign and Spout Lane. Continue along hedge lined path. At left hand bend turn right through kissing gate and keep alongside hedge on right to go under several overhead power lines. Continue ahead through kissing gate, across field, and through kissing gate to driveway of Benthall Hall to a bench and church. Nice stop for a rest.

Q3 - What is the name of the church?

Cross driveway and turn right on track, past cemetery on left, then farm on right. Keep on track, at fork bear left to go through gap alongside gate blue sign post and follow track around to left. At junction turn sharp right, blue bridleway sign, downhill keeping on track which becomes a grass track. Through 3 gates following blue bridleway arrows, and downhill through gate into Caravan Park, past small red letter box on right.

Q4 - On letter box, what is the post box No?

Continue down tarmac lane to exit Caravan Park following lane to reach main road. Turn right over bridge and turn right on road signpost Ironbridge. After 250m, go through gate on Severn Way, keeping on path alongside river. (If the River Severn is in full flood it is advisable to continue along the road back to Ironbridge). Rejoin road by metal bridge, in 30m turn right through kissing gate again alongside river. Leave river bank through gate and turn right on pavement past Ironbridge sign then down steps onto Severn Way again alongside river, under power station bridge to reach next bridge

Q5 - Who was the engineer for the Albert Edward Bridge?

At Rowing Club continue straight on through Dale End Park between wooden posts. At car park straight on between buildings and river, then turn left up wide concrete steps to arrive back at car park and end of walk.

When you have completed this trail please use the Permanent Trail Entry Form

The organisers are not liable for accidents, thefts and/or damage to property. Every effort will be made by the organisers to make this a safe, enjoyable and memorable event.

This trail is registered until 31 December 2012.