Newsletter & Walks Programme March 2020 Newsletter & Walks Programme March 2020 Telford & East Shropshire Ramblers Telford & East Shropshire Ramblers
The Ramblers’ Association is a registered charity (England & Wales no 1093577, Scotland no SC039799)The Ramblers’ and Associationa company limitedis a registered by guarantee, charity registered(England & in Wales England no 1093577,& Wales (noScotland no 4458492).RegisteredSC039799) and a company office: limited 2nd floor, by guarantee, Camelford registeredHouse, 87-90 in England Albert Embankment,London & Wales (no SE1 4458492).Registered office: 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment,London SE1
The Ramblers’ Association is a registered charity (England & Wales no 1093577, Scotland no SC039799) and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales (no 4458492).Registered office: 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment,London SE1 Welcome to the Spring and Summer newsletter and walks programme 2020.
We have a terrific programme of varied walks with something for everyone to enjoy, whatever kind of walker you are, next year. Our Ramblers Group continues to be very active, protecting and extending our local path network and campaigning on behalf of walkers. We value your continued membership and support, whether you walk with us or not, it really makes a difference that we continue to have a voice in local matters that effect walkers and the walking environment, as well as provide a great programme of walks. Thank you to all our members and supporters, especially our volunteers, including all our walk leaders and footpath maintenance team who make it all possible.
We would like to greet three new members of our committee who were elected at the AGM in November: Jane Warman is taking over as Programme Secretary, you will appreciate what a good job she has done putting our walks together from March to the end of August. Mike Cull is our new Treasurer and Richard Inett has also volunteered to join us. It is always good to welcome new people and fresh ideas. Please talk to committee members when you see us on walks, or by phone or email, about your experiences as a member and how you feel we could best go forward. Whether you have ideas for new walks, think we could make walking in our patch of Shropshire better, or know of some paths that need some attention or are missing from the map, or think you could help our TES Group in any way, we would love to chat with you.
Many thanks are due to Cary French for her hard work as our Treasurer, also as one of our most imaginative walk leaders and baker of ace cakes. She will be moving to Exmouth sometime later this year, but in the meantime will continue to be active in our committee. We will be sorry to see her go but we all we wish her well in her new future down by the sea in glorious Devon. It’s the way we tell’em
Walking 20 minutes a day can add to your life. This enables you at 85 years old to spend an extra 5 months in a nursing home at £2,700 per month.
A good reason to take up walking is so that you can hear heavy breathing again.
The advantage of walking every day is so when you die, they'll say, 'Well, he looks good doesn't he.'
If you are going to take up cross-country walking, start with a small country. Our Rights of Way by Paula Doherty Our Rights of Way by Paula Doherty We all know that making journeys on foot improves our physical and mental wellbeing. We all know that making journeys on foot improves our physical and mental wellbeing. It connects us with nature and our community. But people often only choose to walk if It connects us with nature and our community. But people often only choose to walk if it’s pleasant and convenient; they need a path network that is well maintained, well it’s pleasant and convenient; they need a path network that is well maintained, well signedsigned and and well well mapped. mapped. We We continue continue to press ourour locallocal authorities authorities to to provide provide finger finger postsposts and and way way markers, markers, and and toto provideprovide an up-to-date definitive definitive map map with with access access to to mappingmapping on on their their websites websites (Shropshire(Shropshire is still wellwell aheadahead of of T&W T&W in in this this respect). respect). RamblersRamblers volunteers volunteers can can help help in in a a smallsmall way to keepkeep paths paths maintained, maintained, so so if youif you would would likelike to tolend lend a ahand hand and and join join the the teamteam pleaseplease contactcontact me.me. Most Most of of our our work work involves involves clearingclearing vegetation vegetation and and installing installing fingerposts.fingerposts. WeWe usuallyusually meet meet the the third third Thrusday Thrusday on on thethe month. month.
YouYou may may have have heard heard something something aboutabout the hunt forfor historichistoric paths paths and and the the need need to to registerregister applications applications for for ‘lost’ ‘lost’ rights rights ofof way before 2026.2026. If If you you want want to to find find out out more, more, youyou could could look look on on the the Ramblers Ramblers website website under ‘‘Don’tDon’t Lose Lose Your Your Way’ Way’. Anyone. Anyone can can make make anan application application to to have have a a path/route path/route addedadded to thethe definitivedefinitive map. map. Every Every local local authority authority hashas a standarda standard form form and and will will provide provide ‘Statement ofof Use’Use’ forms forms for for paths paths that that are are still still beingbeing walked. walked. I amI am currently currently gathering gathering evidence forfor a a path path that that connects connects Edgmond Edgmond to to LongfordLongford and and I’ll I’ll be be making making an an application application for aa pathpath in in Lilleshall Lilleshall next. next. If Ifyou you want want help, help, dodo contact contact me me and and I’ll I’ll help help get get you you started.started. My contactcontact details details are are on on the the back back page. page.
Hamish and Paula at work after a Hamishcomplaint and by Paula workers at atwork Halesfield after a complaintindustrial estate by workers that it was at impossible Halesfield industrialto use a footpath estate that in their it was lunch impossible break. to use a footpath in their lunch break. An impenetrable jungle, pictured left, is Annow impenetrable a clear and pleasant jungle, pathpictured to stroll left, or is nowrun around.a clear andIt is pleasanteven wide path enough to stroll to sit or rundown around. and eat It youris even packed wide lunch enough in places! to sit down and eat your packed lunch in places! The Ramblers and Me She started walking with us eight years ago and now is one of our popular Thursday walk leaders. What drew her to join Ramblers? Hi, my name is Jean, and I would like to share my experiences with the Ramblers. I first joined the Ramblers in 2012, after being treated to a free walk by my good friend Cary. I had just stopped smoking after nearly 50 years. I was in a very unfit state and really was looking for a way to get healthy. For the first year I really chose what walks I went on very carefully, nothing that was too long or remotely hilly. All the walkers were incredibly patient and kind to me. I still don't like going up hills much, but given that I am now 7 years older, I am certainly a lot fitter. I wasn’t really too sure the Ramblers were going to suit me. I liked walking, but mostly walked on my own, or with my partner. I thought I was probably too nosey to walk with a group as I was always stopping to look at things, or if I saw an alley or track, I wanted to see where it went. Well I couldn't have been more wrong, because I have been taken on so many varied walks over the years, that I would never have found on my own. I think left to your own devices you just keep covering the same ground, because that’s where you know. When being led by a trusty Rambler your free to just look around and take everything in and enjoy yourself, knowing that they won't get you lost. Anyway that's enough for now, thanks for reading, and thank you to all the wonderful friends I have made over the years.
You can bring along a friend on a walk a few times, to try walking with us, who knows, you might start them on a their own personal journey? Or perhaps, why not share your own story of why you joined Ramblers with us? Walk Leader Training Course 6 May Methodist Hall Wellington tbc
Walk Leadership Essentials is a full-day course for volunteer walk leaders, designed to help you to develop the skills and confidence you need to plan and lead inspiring group walks. Thanks to a special request by Ramblers Shropshire Area Committee, Telford has been chosen as a venue for this walk leader training course developed and led by Ramblers HQ. If you can’t make this date there will be another course for Shropshire, probably in Shrewsbury, but places for both are limited, so book early!
This is a new course specially designed by and for Ramblers and it has been tried out extensively in Scotland other places in the UK to make sure that it is both practical and meets the real needs of walk leaders. During the course there will be a short walk on which people will be invited to take part role playing leading, and coping with the sorts of situations that have arisen on walks in different parts of the country (some leaders and participants did it their way!) You will need to bring your boots, waterproofs, packed lunch, rucksack and a sense of humour, as for a normal walk.
The course covers the roles and responsibilities of a walk leader, planning and leading a walk, and some of the scenarios you may encounter when out leading group walks. We will run through everything you need to know about insurance and safeguarding to ensure that your walks are safe and enjoyable for all. And there will be plenty of time to ask questions, and share experiences and ideas with your fellow walk leaders!
The details will go on Eventbrite (so people will need to book via Ramblers website https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/ramblers-3448430213 once Central Office has final confirmation of our booking.) We do need 15 people to attend the course. The course will start at 09.30 and finish at 1600. Tea and coffee will be provided but attendees will be asked to bring their own packed lunch and walking boots.
Both new and existing walk leaders are welcome to attend, no prior knowledge or experience is necessary. The course is free .
In the meantime, it is always worth looking at the extensive advice and support there already is for walk leaders available on the volunteer zone section of the Ramblers website; everything from a basic walk leader checklist to advice on insurance, safeguarding, emergency aid in an accident and some case studies of incidents on walks that highlight good practice if the unexpected happens. https://www.ramblers.org.uk/volunteer- zone/support-and-development/volunteer-toolkits- alphabetically-sorted/walk-leader-toolkit.aspx Get Telford Walking on May 24th 2020 by Naomi Wrighton Thank you for supporting the 2019 event. The event this year is subtitled 20 walks for 2020, although it will actually be walks from 20 centres. There will be 40 walks from short easy strolls to something more challenging. Supported by Telford & Wrekin Council, the aim is to ‘get people walking’ for all the health, social and community benefits that brings. As before, we will have short local circular and longer linear walks using the Telford T50 50 Mile Trail all converging at Telford Town Park.
Last year the atmosphere, as walks from different places miraculously converged, was great. At the end walkers enjoyed a drink, a piece of fruit and a certificate (all free). Making their own way back home or to the start point didn’t seem to pose a problem, using local buses or car sharing.
In 2019, although the linear walks were well supported the circular ones were not, with a few notable exceptions, so successful. This year we are using a mixture of locations, not just Health Centres and, where possible, we are trying to get the community centres and groups involved in running the circular walks. The centres will also be able to choose between a morning and an afternoon walk. Last year Ramblers members provided many volunteers including walk leaders, and greeters at the end. We will be repeating the 10.5 mile Ramblers Walk from the Lilleshall Monument to the Town Park led by the Group Chair Anne Suffolk, which was last year was joined by other walkers en route, including many non members and a few ‘novice walkers’.
The Friends of the Telford T50 50 Mile Trail will ensure that leaders are available for all the walks, this will not quite mean 40 leaders as some centres can be picked up by other walks and some of the circular leaders can also lead a linear walk. But, some of last years’ leaders are away this year or cannot lead for other reasons. So the Friends of the T50 are actively seeking volunteers. If you would like to help please email Naomi on [email protected] If you don’t feel able to lead, please consider joining one of the 40 walks. Full details of all the walks will appear at https://www.telfordt5050miletrail.org.uk/get-telford- walking in due course. We hope to see a lot of TES Ramblers joining in and walking with us 24 May 2020.
Naomi Wrighton is a long standing active member of our group. She is also Secretary of Wellington Walkers Are Welcome and Secretary of the Friends of The Telford T50 50 Mile Trail. TELFORD AND EAST SHROPSHIRE RAMBLERS WALKS PROGRAMME March to end August 2020
Full Details of all these walks can be found at tesramblers.org.uk
Look at Facebook – Telford and East Shropshire Ramblers – for information about forthcoming walks, updates, events and photos of our walks. Cancellations will also be posted on Facebook
Most walks have a meeting point at Telford Forge Retail Park, FRP (TF3 4PA, SJ693094) usually at 9.30am for car sharing. If you are going directly to the start of a walk, please contact the leader to say that you are coming in case of any last minute changes.
For further information – contact the Walk Leader
Walks Grading Leisurely - walks for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. May include unsurfaced rural paths. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are recommended. Moderate - walks for people with country walking experience and a good level of fitness. May include some steep paths and open country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. Strenuous - walks for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level. May include hills and rough country, and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. If in doubt about your fitness, contact the leader in advance. Please note that these walk grades are for general guidance. If you require any further information or if you are concerned about your fitness to go on a walk, contact the walk leader for advice.
Sun 1 Mar Himley and Baggeridge 8.5 miles Moderate Meet 9:30 FRP. Walk starts 10:15 Himley Hall CP (small charge) off School Rd, Himley (DY3 4LE, SO881912) Walk part of the old Himley Railway Line, Staffs & Worcs canal and Wombourne village. On to Baggeridge Country Park and return. Possible cafe at end. Contact: Richard Inett, 07807 627152
Mott’s Road. Turn SW via Shooting Box
–
. From the town we head up for Jonathan’s Hollow,
T R M T T M . Wal starts aravan site , SJ We wal through the deer par and hir astle grounds, then fields, lanes, along the River eiriog and a over the uedu t. onta t Jane a
Meet FR . Wal starts . from near ole Ban ottage S , S es end eastwards, traverse dstone Hill to Bridges, ontinue past Ratlinghope up the olden alle to the ortwa to return via ole Ban summit and . onta t ave vans
Meet FR . Wal starts The Red ion, Bo ington H, S . wal on farm fields, some uiet lanes and part of Highgate ommon. xtensive views. on wal ers wel ome at pu afterwards onta t leader for meal details. onta t nne W
Meet FR . Wal starts Madele entre, Staffs W HB, SJ and goes through a num er of ountr par s. offee shop open on site prior to wal if an one arrives earl . onta t Bill
Meet FR . Start Swan nn , ston Munslow S R, S n undulating wal on field paths, tra s and uiet lanes in orvedale, through Milli hope ar along short stret h of Wenlo dge. onta t Bo
Meet FR . Start White ion H l n l s S J SJ Wal via l n l s ommon and woods up to Blodwel Ro viewpoint. Follow ffa s e to top of Moel dd haf hill outstanding views. ndulating paths mostl via woods, fields, uiet roads and two Rs with wild flower interest. Some uphills, approx m ft with one steepish as ent of m, a out ft. onta t nne Sf
. Start Riverside pper rle small fee, toilets near , S . S eni wal along R Severn to Trimple reservoir. Ba through more woods. un h at The Har our nn, a short wal over the R Severn foot ridge in rle . on wal ers wel ome to oin us for lun h. onta t Bo M
. T R M T T M . Start from onderosa af , R, SJ Wal a ross hills and open moorland via wireless station at rn Brain and through landegla Forest and return. onta t Jane a . Travel train to er stw th and then wal the ver s eni oastal path to Borth to get the train home again. Full details in the ewsletter and also on the we site. S T T TH R F R M TH S TR onta t am or
. T R M T T M Start andle Wor shops, Barra s ane, Higher Burwardsle , u li outer area efore fen e H , SJ Fairl eas wal via Beeston astle to Shropshire nion anal. Return on Sandstone Trail. Short as ent at start and gradual as ent at end. onta t Martin
Meet FR . Start ale nd ron ridge TF , SJ We hope to find some of the wildflowers whi h r John Box tal ed a out at our M last ear. Wal uphill through aradise Woods to ightmoor Horseha . Return via Rough ar , Bee hes Field and odge Field, sites for or hids. onta t Marion
Meet FR . Start from pu ST F, SJ leisurel wal using field paths, tra s and uiet lanes. un h at The Hartle rms. We aim return approx pm. on wal ers wel ome for lun h. onta t lan or
Meet FR . Start illage Hall u li Toilets in Snail ea h. S , SJ We wal to Bla emoorgate and visit the refur ished Miners ottages. ontinue over the Stiperstones ridge and return via the Hollies. onta t ave H
Meet FR . Start lan m ne h Heritage S , SJ Wal in attra tive ountr side on field paths, anals, woodland and uiet ountr lanes. Ma e a few steps and a few steep slopes. ots of histori al interest and stunning wildlife or hids. onta t Bo M
Meet FR Start . ontes ur Hill Road par on the right S R, SJ .Turn left off the hur h in the one wa s stem, oming from Shrews ur . varied wal over hills fields and through valle s woods. The wal was reated in memor of hris Bagle who inspired the regeneration of Shropshire’s Rights of Wa . onta t ave vans, or
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We’re all going on a summer holiday…..! Well September! We’re all going on a summer holiday…..! Well September!
JaneJane Warman Warman invites invites youyou toto join us onon ourourIsleIsle of of Wight Wight Walking Walking Holiday Holiday
AllAll meals, meals, transport transport fromfrom Telford, ferryferry crossings crossings and and walks walks are are included.. included..
TelfordTelford Ramblers Ramblers are are usingusing aa ShearingsShearings coachcoach holidayholiday to to visit visit the the Isle Isle of ofWight Wight this this SeptemberSeptember for for a a five five day day break! break! We’re planningplanning on on three three days days of of walking walking whilst whilst we’re we’re therethere– –but but its its optional! optional! It It’’ss aa ShearingsShearings walkingwalking holiday holiday so so there there aren’t aren’t any any excursions, excursions, butbut they they provide provide self-guided self-guided walkswalks and aa packedpacked lunch! lunch! Two Two of of the the walks walks are are on onthe the coastalcoastal path path from from the the hotel hotel in in SandownSandown – oneone towards towards Ryde, Ryde, the the other other towards towards Shanklin, Shanklin, VentnorVentnor and and Niton. Niton. As As we’re we’re usingusing public transporttransport you you can can walk walk as as much much (or (or as aslittle) little) asas you you like! like! Don’t Don’t forget forget youryour busbus pass! TheThe otherother route route they they provide provide is isThe The Squirrel Squirrel TrailTrail heading heading inland inland on on oldold railwayrailway routes. We’reWe’re currently currently thinking thinking we we may may look look for for alternativealternative options options to to this, this, but but onceonce we knowknow exactly exactly who who is is coming coming we we can can negotiate!! negotiate!! CurrentlyCurrently there there are are ten ten of of us us booked!booked! There aren’t aren’t any any single single rooms rooms left, left, so soif you if you want want toto come, come, either either find find a a roomroom buddybuddy or letlet usus knowknow and and we’ll we’ll try try and and find find you you one!! one!! However,However, as as booking booking is is direct direct withwith Shearings, we we don’t don’t know know how how many many spaces spaces remain remain – so– so don don’t ’delay!t delay! AsAs the the walks walks are are self-guided, self-guided, pleaseplease be awareaware thatthat therethere will will be be an an element element of of adventureadventure toto thisthis holiday holiday – –but but it’its’ s alwaysalways goodgood toto debate thethe givengiven instructions!!instructions!! It It’s’ sall all part part of of the the funfun and thethe seasea’s’s a a bit bit of the clue! (That’s why we chose an island – a small of the clue! (That’s why we chose an island – a small island!) So, if you’re free from Mon 7�� to Fri 11�� island!) So, if you’re free from Mon 7�� to Fri 11�� September and need some adventure in your life, look September and need some adventure in your life, look up the Isle of Wight Walking Break on Shearings up the Isle of Wight Walking Break on Shearings website – www.shearings.com for further details. If websiteyou do –book,www.shearings.com let me know and we for can further arrange details. a meet If youup do later book, in the let yearme know to plan and our we trip! can arrange a meet up later in the year to plan our trip! I really, really like the sea! Jane – Island speciality: I really,[email protected] really like the sea! Jane – nativeIsland red speciality: squirrel [email protected] native red squirrel Tell us what you want (what you really, really want!) Tell us what you want (what you really, really want!) Jane Warman wants to hear from you! Jane Warman wants to hear from you! Or if you’re not a Spice Girls fan – think Goldilocks – she wanted everything just right! Or if you’re not a Spice Girls fan – think Goldilocks – she wanted everything just right! So here we are with another shiny new programme that our wonderful walk leaders haveSo spenthere we much are timewith puttinganother together,shiny new but programme they and that the committeeour wonderful would walk love leaders some feedback.have spent Its alwaysmuch time hard putting to decide together, where but to they go – and so somethe committee pointers wouldplease! love some feedback. Its always hard to decide where to go – so some pointers please! Do we travel far enough? Or too far? Do we travel far enough? Or too far? Are there areas we don’t go/don’t go often that you’d like? If so, where? Are there areas we don’t go/don’t go often that you’d like? If so, where? Do you like to return to places? Do you like to return to places? WouldWould you you like like more more shorter shorter walks? walks?
MoreMore longer longer walks? walks?
MoreMore walks walks with with a asocial social at at the the end?end?
DoDo we we offer offer enough enough opportunities opportunities toto walk?
WouldWould evening evening or or shorter shorter local local walkswalks appeal? Of Ofcourse, course, to toexpand expand our our programme programme we’d we’d needneed leaders toto plan plan and and lead lead those those walks walks butbut perhaps perhaps you’re you’re out out there……..?! there……..?! PleasePlease shareshare your thoughtsthoughts and and ideas ideas with with us. us. We’reWe’re keen keen to to make make sure sure that that our our walk walk programmeprogramme suitssuits ourour current current members members and and alsoalso attracts attracts some some new new ones! ones! Your Your feedback feedback willwill also help leadersleaders to to decide decide which which walks walks to offer.to offer. And And if you’dif you’d like like to to offer offer something something you’dyou’d be veryvery welcome! welcome!
Contrasting walks: Springtime in Uckington , Rail Ramble to ContrastingWelsh Coast walks: above Springtime right and Shropshirein Uckington Hills , RailAONB Ramble : Church to WelshStretton Coast and above the Long right Mynd and seen Shropshire from Caer Hills Caradoc AONB summit.: Church Stretton and the Long Mynd seen from Caer Caradoc summit. A Day at the Seaside: Thursday 11 June Walk Aberystwyth to Borth A Day at the Seaside: Thursday 11 June Walk Aberystwyth to Borth Walk the coastal path to Borth to catch the train home.Walk the The coastal walk path starts to Borthwith toa catchsteep the climb train up Constitutionhome. The walkHill forstarts a terrific with aviewpoint steep climb (or uptake theConstitution historic CliffHill forRailway) a terrific The viewpoint coastal path(or take then followsthe historic the Cliffcliffs Railway) for much The coastalof the pathroute then with follows the cliffs for much of the route with extensive vistas all around Cardigan Bay. Some extensive vistas all around Cardigan Bay. Some steep nclines and descents as valleys are crossed steep nclines and descents as valleys are crossed butbut pace pace willwill be leisurely.leisurely. Time Time for for a apaddle paddle or ortea tea // ice ice cream cream in Borth atat the the end. end.
ArrangementsArrangements for for the the day: day: NB NBTimesTimes and and prices prices correct atat the the time time of of writing writing but but may may changechange by byJune June MeetMeet atat TelfordTelford CentralCentral Railway Railway Station Station at at8.45 8.45 to to catchcatch thethe 9.01 traintrain toto Aberystwyth. Aberystwyth. Or Or join join the the traintrain atat anotheranother stationstation more more suitable suitable for for you you eg eg Wellington,Wellington, Shrewsbury. PurchasePurchase an an 'Anytime 'Anytime DayDay Return'Return' to AberystwythAberystwyth before before boarding boarding the the train.train. Cost Cost £24.40 oror £16.10 £16.10 with with a aSenior Senior Railcard. Railcard. TheThe walkwalk starts 11.2511.25 fromfrom Aberystwyth Aberystwyth Railway Railway StationStation FinishingFinishing pointpoint is is Borth Borth Railway Railway Station Station to to getget thethe traintrain home. TrainTrain times times 15.41 15.41 or or 17.42 17.42 backback toto Telford dependingdepending what what time time the the walk walk finishesfinishes inin Borth. LeaderLeader Pam Pam Day Day 07977 07977 452664 452664 ThankThank you you toto ourour sponsors Each time you book a holiday with Ramblers Walking Holidays, our group benefits Each time you book a holiday with Ramblers Walking Holidays, our group benefits financially through the Walking Partnership. This Walking Partnership funding helps financiallypay for ourthrough Group’s the activities. Walking Don’t Partnership. forget to quoteThis Walking our Ramblers Partnership Group name, funding Telford helps payand for ourEast Group’s Shropshire activities. Ramblers, Don’t when forget you to book quote so our our Ramblers group can Group benefit name, from Telford this andinitiative East Shropshire that helps Ramblers,our membership. when Ityou really book makes so aour difference. group can benefit from this initiative that helps our membership. It really makes a difference.
Our newsletter and our walks programme is sponsored by Ramblers Walking OurHolidays newsletter and HF Holidays.and our walks Check programme out the HF and is sponsored RWH websites by Ramblers on their adverts Walking in Holidays and HF Holidays.this programme Check out for the lots HF of andwonderful RWH websites holidays. on their adverts in this programme for lots of wonderful holidays. Ironbridge Power Station Planning Application Update by Anne Suffolk
Not all members will be aware that Ramblers are statutory consultees on any planning application that may involve a change to a public right of way. Our charitable aims include the safeguarding of the walking environment and promoting and encouraging walking. The Shropshire Ramblers Area Committee member with responsibility for monitoring for these matters for is Trevor Allison and the two of us have been working together to scrutinise this planning application on behalf of walkers, including new residents, employees and visitors to the new development once built. I would stress that we do not get involved in debates about the pros and cons of broader aspects of planning applications e.g. housing, infrastucture, environment. etc We may have strong personal opinions on these matters but we try to confine ourselves as Ramblers as to whether or not new developments improve our rights of way network.
As Chair of the Ramblers group most effected by these plans, I have been working with local Councillors from both Telford and Wrekin and Shropshire Council Local Authorities for the past two years and attended many private stakeholder events and public consultations. I have submitted plans, maps, written papers and organised a meeting, which I also attended, between Shropshire Great Outdoors Strategy Board, Shropshire Council rights of Way Team, Telford Local Access Forum (on which our footpaths officer Paula is an influential member) and the developers Harworth. Our aims were to create:-
a new main access point for walkers, cyclists and pedestrians from the Severn Valley Way (disused rail line) from the east, and from Buildwas Abbey to the west.
new public rights of way (Bridleway PROWs) for walkers, cyclists and equestrians east to west from the Iron Bridge to Buildwas Abbey, including a riverside path; north to south PROWs across and through the estates to connect Benthall edge paths with those towards Coalbrookdale, also to bring the historic disused 1930s bridge back into use for non vehicle traffic only
a walker/ cyclist / public transport friendly environment throughout the estate to reduce car use, encourage sustainable transport and make the estate more attractive to residents, employers and employees with real cost benefits as a result for the developers, the local economy and public health
link up the many existing long distance paths, national cycle routes and bridleways that surround the perimeter of the site. Also link the dispersed communities in and around the Gorge area for non vehicle users.
screening by retaining trees and planting new ones around the site ,as it will be seen by many popular paths on hills to north and south and along the Severn.
As you can see from the site master plan map the planning application includes new footpaths and cycleways both along the river and around the bottom of Benthall Edge and main access points from east and west. It says the historic 1930s bridge should be brought into use for non vehicle only. The existing site access bridge on the Ironbridge Buildwas road is for public transport and non vehicle users only. They propose 2m footways and 3m cycleways alongside the new main roads through the site. They suggest a lights controlled pedestrian crossing across the Much Wenlock road. The site and its roads will be tree lined. There are plans for new improved bus services and bus stops.
All of this is very positive and takes account of many of the points we stressed and asked for. So what is missing and still to be achieved? We want the Council to agree and make it all legally binding. It is essential that all new paths are designated as PROW bridleways, this is the only way to give them legal protection in perpetuity, landowners and tenants in future may change so ‘permissive paths’ won’t do. We have questions about the future of the public byway and bridleway that currently serves the caravan park. We do not want a perimeter fence around the whole estate preventing its residents from easily accessing the new paths and their visitors from easily getting to them, so there needs to be access points through such a perimeter to the new east west road from the Severn Valley way so that equestrians, cyclist and walkers can get to and use the public highways through the estate without a long walk around and vice versa. We wish to work with the developers over the best surfaces for shared use paths. We will let you know how we get on! YOUR LOCAL GROUP Your local Ramblers Group (Telford and East Shropshire) looks after the footpaths in our area by opposing closures unfavourable to walkers and by helping to keep paths marked and clear of obstructions. It also organises a full programme of walks and other events. If you require any further details please contact a committee member: Chair Anne Suffolk 07903 325011 [email protected] Secretary Jo Henderson 01952 595302 [email protected] Footpath Secretary Paula Doherty 01952 813520 [email protected] Walks Programme Co- Jane Warman 07906 826239 ordinator, Online Walks Editor [email protected] Treasurer Mike Cull 07503 064556 [email protected] Membership Secretary Pam Day 01952 460828 [email protected] Assistant Programme Anne Furlong 01952 460715 Secretary [email protected] Assistant Programme Anne Wheeler 07946 627693 Secretary [email protected] Committee member Richard Inett 07807 627152 [email protected] Committee member Cary French 07879 447804 [email protected] Footpath Maintenance (non Hamish Kirkpatrick 07962 400182 committee post) [email protected]
You do not have to be on the committee to help your local Group thrive. Members are welcome to volunteer as walk leaders, join our footpath maintenance group, contribute as 'admins' on our Website or Facebook pages, or assist with publicity and social events.
Thank you to Ramblers Walking Holidays and HF Holidays who sponsored this publication. If you choose a holiday with Ramblers Walking Holidays and quote our Ramblers Group name, Telford and East Shropshire, when booking, we get a further donation to help pay for printing and other costs. It all helps. Newsletter and Walks Programme edited by Pam Day and Anne Suffolk
Front Cover Photo ‘TES Ramblers on Shropshire Way, Wenlock Edge’ by Anne Suffolk
Printed by Badger Print & Design, Shifnal, TF11 9NQ Tel: 01952 730 511 www.badgerprint.co.uk