http://www.hikingequipmentsite.com/my-day-hiking/much-wenlock-circular-day-hiking-ironbridge-shropshire-england-uk/ - read more here! Much Wenlock Circular Day Hiking Ironbridge was an 11.5 miles anti-clockwise route which started in the town centre of Much Wenlock. The first leg of the trip was in a north easterly direction, mainly along the Shropshire Way route. We passed the ruins of Wenlock Priory before entering the countryside and passing through the hamlet of Wyke. We then went through Benthall Edge Woods and along Benthall Edge. Next we descended hundreds of wooden steps through the thickly wooded hillside of Ironbridge Gorge with dramatic views of the power station. Finally, we hiked along the disused railway track and crossed the now famous iron bridge into Ironbridge town. After lunch, the second leg from Ironbridge back to Much Wenlock was in an "L" shaped direction. The first section led us west through the gorge along the River Severn, over Buildwas Bridge, past Buildwas Abbey ruins and later through the woods of Buildwas Park. The second section led us south, mainly along a long and quiet country lane back to Much Wenlock. Although a quiet country lane care should be taken on the lane, especially when approaching bends. This was a well waymarked route, hiking across fields and also through woodlands and offered a great contrast between scenery views and history. Although not a difficult or very strenuous hike, the length of this route would make it a moderate grade. Note that there were a lot of paths and various waymarked trails within Benthall Woods and this could be confusing. A number of the paths have dead ends and some sections along the edges of disused quarries can be dangerous. Please stick to the route through the woods. Take great care when hiking along Benthall Edge and beware of tree roots so you do not trip over the edge. I also recommend beginners taking their time descending the hundreds of steps down into Ironbrdige Gorge. For more details about the Day Hiking I have undertaken visit my day hiking category at: http://www.HikingEquipmentSite.com/my-day-hiking http://www.hikingequipmentsite.com - visit us here!

• published: 11 Apr 2011
• views: 693