BRIDGNORTH TO IRONBRIDGE

Part of the National Cycle Network Route 45

Why not cycle along this quiet section of the award winning National Cycle Network? Follow the Mercian Way through beautiful countryside and along a disused railway, above the banks of the River Severn.

Download the Bridgnorth to Ironbridge route leaflet

Bridgnorth

Bridgnorth is a bustling market town with lots to see and do, including the beautiful old Town Hall, the Cliff Railway, Daniel's Mill, and the Severn Valley Railway (SVR). A hit with tourists and railway enthusiasts alike, the SVR runs magnificent steam engine passenger trains from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster. The railway line follows the River Severn for most of the route, with spectacular views – particularly from the Victoria Bridge which crosses the Severn at 200 feet high! Why not stop in Bridgnorth and experience this for yourself? www.svr.co.uk

Apley Forge

Halfway between Bridgnorth and Ironbridge the route passes through Apley Forge, so don't forget to make a stop at Linley Halt. Now a private residence, the old Linley Station is still an interesting piece of SVR history. The station was built at the request of Thomas C. Whitmore of Apley Park Estate, who strongly opposed the construction of the railway, originally requesting for tunnels to be built to avoid destroying the privacy of the park and grounds. In 1855 plans to build tunnels were finally abandoned in exchange for significant compensation plus the construction of a station at which passenger trains in each direction could be stopped on request. Linley Station was the result! Passenger trains ceased running in 1963.

Ironbridge: birthplace of the Industrial Revolution

Ironbridge is a beautiful town with a rich industrial heritage. The Iron Bridge, from which the town gets its name, was the first of its kind. Other fantastic historic sites and museums for you to visit in and around the Ironbridge Gorge include the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge China Museum and Tar Tunnel, Museum Of The Gorge, Jackfield Tile Museum, Broseley Pipeworks and Enginuity. www.ironbridge.org.uk

Download the Bridgnorth to Ironbridge route leaflet

For more information on the Mercian Way please click here.