A pretty awesome weekend has been had.
Set off about 9am to pick up Mother in Law and her other half. All she knew was that she would need some walking gear, and an overnight bag. It was fun to hear her spending a chunk of the journey trying to guess what we were up to, but she had no clue. I love dishing out surprises..
By the time we were nearing Telford, she was pretty much on the money with our destination, but we didn’t confirm it until we were down the side of the valley and entering Ironbridge proper.
All a bit challenging due to the floods, but we coped. The two main car parks at the eastern end of the town were full, so we had to take the very narrow road up the hill and down to Dale End Park. In the week, this car park was underwater, but it was back to a level of normality.
We though we’d be able to walk along the wharf behind the flood barrier to the White Hart, but that would only get us as far as the Malthouse. From here we had to go up the hill on Church road and back down the other side into the town square – quite a significant climb with luggage, but we managed.
Rooms were ready, and the birthday girl got a river view. A quick half of Guinness and we were off again. This time walking up the road (Tontine Hill) past the bridge itself and on to the roundabout. Bearing right down past the old Bedlam furnaces, past the Bind in Hand and Ye Old Robin Hood Inn. Don’t cross the Newbridge, but carryon to the Lloyds (watching for the famous falling over cottage). Following the river, after a while you’ll reach a junction. Bear right onto Coalport High Street and stay on this road until you have passed the Inclined railway line, The Shakespeare Inn, the YHA, The Brewery Inn, cross a small bridge and reach the junction. Here, turn right, down Coalport road, down the hill and over The Coalport Bridge, to the WoodBridge Inn for lunch. Takes about 45mins to an hour depending on your leisurely pace, and it’s worth it. The food is great, and the pub is beautiful. On top of which the return journey is even more picturesque.
This time, stay south of the river. Cross the road from the WoodBridge Inn and follow the Severn Valley Way. When you get out of the woods (you’re not there yet) you can visit the Maws Craft Center (to your right) or press on tot he Half Moon Inn and up into Jackfield. Here you can visit the Tile Museum, or carry on a bit further, bearing to the right to follow the river, and stop into the Black Swan. A lovely pint and bite to eat if you skipped lunch at the Woodbridge. On a fine day you can sit outside and admire the river too. In the garden on the Black Swan there’s some steps that lead up to the Severn Valley Way (which is behind the pub). Usually you can follow this all the way back to the car park on the south side of the river at the Iron Bridge itself. Some spectacular views across the river of the rest of the town and the church from here. And of course back across the Iron Bridge, into Ironbridge.
The whole route is about 5 miles and not strenuous. Highly recommended for views and food and beverages on a warm or at least dry afternoon.
If you really want to top it off though. Dinner in the White Hart is an incredible thing. Why this place doesn’t have Michelin stars is beyond me. But don;’t take my word for it – go and eat there yourself. I promise you wont regret it, and its amazing value too. Mother-inLaw loved it as much as I do, and so my brownie points were well and truly earned.
A good nights sleep, and incredibly great breakfast (not that it was required, but it was not to be missed) and an easy journey home including a stop at “Dudmaston Hall” and a bit of Sunday lunch – bang goes the diet this weekend – and really you couldn’t ask for anymore from a cheeky overnighter.
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Already looking forward to coming back for more.
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