Telford & East Shropshire Ramblers
Newsletter & Walks Programme September 2019 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 7TW Welcome to our Newsletter and New Walks programme
We have a very varied programme of walks this Autumn and Winter.
We visit the highest points in both Shropshire and in Telford with beautiful panoramic views and remains of older landscapes with hill forts, trees and industrial workings. You can see 17 counties from the top of The Wrekin and to the Brecon Beacons from Brown Clee; we can’t guarantee the clear weather needed 17 counties can be seen from The Wrekin to see them though.
We go to many favourite places in the Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Shropshire Hills, no matter how many times one visits these local highlights one always finds something new to delight the eye.
There are many local walks too, in flatter countryside in East Shropshire and in and around Telford; areas well known and well walked by people living adjacent to them but unknown to the rest of us. Our popular ‘short and social’ walks on the first Thursday of the month will as usual provide many chances to sample the food and drink available at local hostelries and chat and get to know fellow members after walk of five miles or under.
Isle of Wight Holiday
In the last newsletter we mentioned the possibility of a group walking holiday to the Isle of Wight. We have decided to offer this early autumn 2020, either late September or early October. The reasons for this are it counts as low season therefore the prices are lower and the weather is generally better and more reliable than in the spring. It will be with a local coach firm, 4days approx, and all inclusive of transport, accommodation and meals; current prices are around £300. Single rooms are usually available for early bookers. Walks are offered by our own walk leaders.
As places can get booked up quickly after these ‘bargain’ holidays are announced in the press, we recommend that if you are interested you express your interest now to Jane Warman (see committee contact details back page). Please give your email address and contact details to her. She will then alert you once the holiday is advertised by the coach company. You will then need to book with the coach company direct on a first come first served basis. Non walking partners can come along and join in with the coach excursions instead of the walks if they wish. Get Telford Walking: Mass Walk to Promote Walking, and its Health Benefits
TES Ramblers, together with Walking For Health and Wellington Walkers are Welcome organised a mass participation event Sunday 19 May to promote walking and its health benefits. Working with Telford Public Health and local GPs there were walks starting from Ironbridge, Newport, Wellington and Donnington Wood, all timed to meet up together at Telford Town Park at 3pm with free refreshments and certificates for all participants and a welcome from The Mayor of Telford & Wrekin.
Our Group offered a 10.5 mile walk to support this event starting 10am from Linden Hall Surgery, Newport. We met up with another group that started from Donnington Wood at Lilleshall. We then continued along T50 Trail Stage 7, meeting up with more walkers at Muxton and then continued to Granville, Priorslee, where we were joined by even more walkers. We then went via The Flash and Randlay Woods to finish at the Town Park.
Many of our walk leaders volunteered to lead shorter walks starting from GP surgeries but on the day only a few took place though all the main walks were well supported. The event was covered live by Paul Shuttleworth for Radio Shropshire. We hope to make this an annual event and get more GP practices involved next year to get as many people in Telford walking, especially those who would like to improve their fitness through gentle exercise, and perhaps get the walking bug. It was very rewarding to be joined by people new to walking who did not think they would be capable of full walks but kept going and surprised themselves, two walkers starting from Newport planned to leave us at Lilleshall and get the bus back but in the end walked the full 10 miles.
Some of the walkers who started from Newport and who were joined by others on the route, taking a breather at Priorslee
The Shropshire Way Walking Festival - Celebrate the Launch of the Way
The Shropshire Way new improved route is now waymarked north and south. The websiteThe Shropshire is up and running, Way Walking the Facebook Festival page - Celebrate is live and the the Launch guidebook of the isWay written. To celebrate its completion all the Shropshire Ramblers Groups will be contributing a walkThe Shropshirealong the ShropshireWay new improved Way in theirroute ownis now area waymarked to a week north long and walking south. festival The website is up and running, the Facebook page is live and the guidebook is written. ending in special events in Shrewsbury Saturday 28 September. To celebrate its completion all the Shropshire Ramblers Groups will be contributing Onea walkof our along walks the will Shropshire be to the Way highest in their point own in area Shropshire to a week Brown long walkingClee Thursday festival 27 Sept.ending This inis speciala spectacular events in 8.5 Shrewsbury mile route Saturday with extensive 28 September. views and lots of interest andOne variety: of our moorswalks will , woods, be to the an highest ancient point hill in fort, Shropshire industrial Brown ruins, Clee Thursdaya hidden 27 war memorialSept. This and is amore. spectacular The second 8.5 mile walk route will with be anextensive early evening views and walk lots around of interest Much Wenlock,and variety: under moors 5 miles, , woods, led by anone ancient of the hilloriginal fort, founders industrial of ruins, the Way,a hidden TES Groupwar membermemorial and and President more. Theof Shropshire second walk Ramblers will be an Marion early eveningLaw. Full walk details around of each Much walk areWenlock, in the Walks under Programme. 5 miles, led by one of the original founders of the Way, TES Group member and President of Shropshire Ramblers Marion Law. Full details of each walk If allare that in thesounds Walks a bitProgramme. energetic why not combine a trip to Shrewsbury with a cream tea and a chance to meet The Chair of Ramblers GB Kate Ashbrook? If all that sounds a bit energetic why not combine a trip to Shrewsbury with a cream Seetea the and advert a chance opposite to meet for Themore Chair information of Ramblers and GB visit Kate the Ashbrook? Shropshire Way website for details of all the walks you can join in the festival week. See the advert opposite for more information and visit the Shropshire Way website for details of all the walks you can join in the festival week.
OutstandingOutstanding views views of of Titterstone Titterstone Clee Clee from from thethe Shropshire Way: Way: Brown Brown Clee Clee Circular Circular Walk Walk Become a Walk Leader? No Previous Experience Required to Get Started!
All that is required to get started is an enthusiasm for, and enjoyment of walking, and an idea of the sort of walk you enjoy. If you enjoy it it is likely others will too. We like to offer a varied programme, perhaps more walks and different types of walks, but to do that we need members to come forward to offer to lead them.
Our secretary Jo, has an archive of past walks you can browse if you are short of ideas. Some of our leaders do not use maps or gpx but base their walks on those with detailed directions in leaflets or in books; we have guidebooks of local walks with written descriptions to follow we can loan out to members. If you have the Internet you can try the selection in http://www.shropshiresgreatoutdoors.co.uk/walking.
It is always a good idea to try out a walk with someone else first. If you would like a mentor or a walking buddy why not ask a fellow member or one of our walk leaders to come along with you to try out a walk before you offer it? If you would like to brush up your walk planning or map reading skills or pick up tips just ask one of the walk leaders or committee members, they would be delighted to help.
Did you know that Ramblers are rolling out a programme of walk leader training and first aid courses for walkers? Shropshire Area Ramblers are getting these organised locally for Shropshire members. If you are on our email list it is easy to send you details of these events, if and when they are arranged, but you must have opted in to be contacted by email with Ramblers first. So don’t forget to update your personal details with Ramblers nationally, you can do this by phone 020 3961 3300. Have your membership number to hand. It is quicker to do this online, log into your personal account on the Ramblers website and update your personal details. Opt in to getting information by email, (and by telephone and post if you wish). If you haven’t got an online account log in and register first, then follow instructions.
TELFORD AND EAST SHROPSHIRE RAMBLERS WALKS PROGRAMME September 2019 to February 2020
Full details of all these walks can be found on the website tesramblers.org.uk Look at Facebook – Telford and East Shropshire Ramblers – for information about forthcoming walks, updates and events. Cancellations will also be posted on Facebook Most walks have a meeting point at Telford Forge Retail Park, FRP, usually at 9:30am for car sharing. If you are going directly to the walk start, please contact the leader to say you are coming, in case of any last minute changes, Also if you require any further information about a walk, please contact the leader. Walk Gradings 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. People in doubt about their fitness should contact the organiser or leader in advance.
Sun 1 Sep: Wart Hill Wander 9 miles Moderate Meet 9:30 FRP. Walk starts 10:20 Discovery Centre CP Craven Arms (SY7 9RS, SO434824) Climb via Shropshire Way over Hopesay Common to Wart Hill iron age hill fort. Good views. Return along River Onny. Exact route/distance may change due to weather. Contact: Dave Evans 01952 604932 or 07484 893171 – Meet 9:30 FRP. Walk starts 10:15 CP to left of Business Park CP in village of Sugnall, opposite Sugnall tea room (ST21 6NF, SJ799310) Walk permissive paths in Sugnall Park via Walk Mill and Cop Mere. Some stiles. Lunch at tea room ~ 1pm. Non walkers welcome for lunch. Contact: Marie & Jane 07951 577897 or 07906 826239 Meet 9:30 FRP. Walk starts 10:00 Innage Lane CP Bridgnorth £2.40 all day (WV16 4HQ, SO714935) Walk fields, paths and tracks from Bridgnorth to Astley Abbotts Return by River Severn. Contact: Jo & Anne W 01952 595302 or 01952 324254 IN CONJUNCTION WITH WELLINGTON WALKING FESTIVAL. Meet 9:30 FRP. Walk starts 10:00 Much Wenlock Priory CP Pay & Display (TF13 6JE, SJ625002) Varied route. Some steepish ascents and descents. Walk former line of Buildwas-Wenlock railway, field and woodland paths to Sheinton, past Belswardyne Hall, Sheinton Brook and Homer. A short climb to the Edge to return. Contact: Bob 01952 460770 Meet 9:30 FRP. Walk starts 10:20 Abdon Village Hall SY7 9HZ, SO576867. Walk the highest path on the Shropshire Way to Shropshire's highest point - Brown Clee summit. Ancient Iron Age track, hill fort, industrial heritage, woods, moors and open country with outstanding views. About 1200 feet ascent, mostly gradual, some short steep sections. Contact: Anne Sf 07903325011 Walk starts 17:00 (No FRP meet) from National Trust CP, Blakeway Hollow, Stretton Road, Much Wenlock (TF13 6DH, SO612996) A short early evening walk using part of the Shropshire Way to Blakeway Hollow, then east across the A458. Return via Edge Wood, the windmill and the Shropshire Way through Much Wenlock. Optional drink and supper at the end. Contact: Marion 01952 462855 NO FRP MEET Walk starts 10:00 at The Pheasant pub, Admaston (TF5 0AD, SJ634130) Follow Shropshire Way to Allscott for coffee stop by River Tern. Then south to Wrockwardine and return for lunch. Food orders before starting the walk. Non- walkers welcome for lunch - contact leader. Contact: Bernard 01952 254004 Meet 9:30 FRP. Walk starts 10:30 CP in centre of Welshpool (SY21 7DD, SJ225075) We walk west on the slopes of the beautiful valley above the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway almost as far as Castle Caereinion. Return on the opposite side of the valley via the golf course, Y Golfa Hill Fort - extensive views and Glyndwr 's Way. Good paths and tracks with some hills. Train enthusiasts could get the train back from Castle Caereinion Station. Contact: Pam D 01952 460828; 07977 452664 TOGETHE Ramblers Charity England & Wales No: 1093577 Scotland No: SC039799
A moment to pause. Breathing in clear air. Book a great value holiday: Sharing interests and conversations as you ramblersholidays.co.uk ponder the hills ahead. We have your passion or call 01707 386804 for exploring worldwide and in the UK. Walking holiday partner Choose any of our holidays and we’ll contribute funds through The Walking Partnership to your group. Just tell us their name when you book. Meet 9:30 FRP. Walk starts 10:00 NT Blakeway Hollow CP on B4371, first CP on the right travelling away from Much Wenlock. (TF13 6AR, SO614997) From Much Wenlock via Blakeway Hollow to Hughley - fields, possibly muddy paths then back along Wenlock edge with nice views, hills involved. Need good boots. Contact: Karen 01743 762286 Meet 9:30 FRP. Meet Leader at the start of the walk at 10:30 Roundton National Nature Reserve (SY15 6EL, SO290949). We walk from the car park to Hurdley then over Corndon Hill, returning via Old Churchstoke and Todleth Hill. Contact: Jane 07814 486632 Meet 9:00 NOTE EARLY FRP MEET Walk starts at 9:45 Public car park next to The Swan Inn Aston Munslow. Limited parking please car share. (SY7 9ER, SO512866) An interesting walk through lovely Corvedale discovering the remains of three castles, returning via Diddlebury. Some lanes, but mainly fields and gorgeous views. Contact: Marie and Jane 07951 577897 or 07906 826239 . NOTE EARLY MEET TIME. Walk starts 10:00 from lay-by on Compton Road below Holy Austen Rock Houses (DY7 6DL, SO837836) A delightful ,undulating and varied walk including fields, woodlands, Kinver Edge and finishing at the Rock Houses. Tea and cake optional at the end, bring National Trust cards. Contact: Anne F 01952 460715 or Gill 07780 570121 Meet 9:30 FRP. Walk starts 10:15 from The Junction Inn CP at Norbury (ST20 0PN, SJ793228) Canal towpaths, tracks and quiet lanes. A few steep steps up/down to canal. Lunch at The Junction Inn pub. Non-walkers welcome for lunch. Contact: Alan 01952 811061 or 07969 010288 Meet 9:30 FRP Walk starts 10:00 from The Cock Hotel CP Wellington - park at far end of CP (TF1 2DL, SJ657110) Taking rarely used paths, climb through Limekiln Woods to the bottom of The Wrekin and back. Contact: Stuart B 07935 840845 Meet 9:30 FRP. Meet Leader at start of walk 10:30 Craven Arms Discovery Centre CP (SY7 9RS, SO434825) Walk fields, woodlands and lanes via Nortoncamp Wood, Norton and then across the B4368 to Callow Hill with Flounders Folly tower. Contact: Jane 07814 486632 Up Jacob’s Ladder to Rindleford Meet 9:30 FRP. Walk starts 10:15 from CP at Stanmore Country Park (WV15 5HN, SO740925) Up Jacob’s ladder to Rindleford, wooden steps, cliffs, valleys and mixed farmland. Contact: Doreen and Carol 01902 759424 or 01746762036 Meet 9:30 FRP. Walk starts 10:00. Parking by the old church, The Common, Bayston Hill: turn 2nd left off the A49 into a narrow lane opposite the fork to Lyth Hill (SY3 0EB, SJ487088) Paths, including the river bank around Rea Brook Nature Reserve and the Golf Course, some short stretches on surfaced paths and roads. Contact: Anne F and Gill 01952 460715 or 07780 570121 – Meet 9:30 FRP. Walk starts 10:15 The Old Three Pigeons, Nesscliffe (SY4 1DB, SJ382192) This scenic walk is in woodland and quiet country lanes. May be a few steps. Historical interest. Lunch at about 1pm at the pub. Non- walkers welcome. Contact Bob (07526 584857) for walk information and Jo (01952 595302) by Nov 28th to book your meal Meet 9:30 FRP. Walk starts 10:00 at Admaston House overflow CP (West side of Road, TF5 0BN, SJ634129) Use the Wrekin Link to Ercall Lane, ascend the Wrekin by a non-standard route (no steeper than the main track), then return via the T50 route to Dothill LNR. Contact: Naomi 07758 725354 NO FRP MEET Walk starts 10:00 CP The Plough Inn Claverley (WV5 7DX, SO795933) Walk in attractive countryside on field paths, bridleways and quiet lanes with some gentle slopes and stiles. Lunch at The Plough 1.45. Food orders a week in advance preferred or at start of walk - please arrive early. Non-walkers welcome for lunch only. Contact: Anne F 01952 460715 or 07939 204664 NO FRP MEET. Walk starts 10:00 at The Toll House Ironbridge. Parking in the Old Station Yard CP currently £2.90 (TF8 7JP, SJ672033) We walk up through Ironbridge, along the top of Lloyd's Coppice to Blists Hill. Walking past the Inclined Plane, we join the Silkin Way to Coalport to return via the old railway by the river. Contact: Jane W 07906 826239 NO FRP MEET. Meet at 10:00 at The Grazing Cow pub - Park at top of car park. (TF3 5EU, SJ677089) ainly urban walk but does include 3 pools. Eating at The Grazing Cow approx 1.30. Non-walkers welcome for lunch. Contact: Jean 07762 083134
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