walk

Dawn Chorus in Benthall Woods Shropshire
Here we are up bright and early to enjoy a dawn walk through the woodland surrounding Benthall and Ironbridge in Shropshire, the walk will cover about one and a half to two miles and last roughly about two hours, walking over bridleways and woodlands paths. Most of the walk will be over old ground which we have cover before as we listen to the sounds of the Dawn Chorus as this old woodland comes alive to the sounds of the local Birds that inhabit theses woods at this time of the year. This walk will start on the Broseley side of the River Steven at Ironbridge in the Station Hotel Car park( this is a pay and display car park so please remember to buy your ticket from the machine nearby) taking in some of the views from this beautiful area Shaped by the Industrial Revolution many years ago.Starting out by following the track on our left from the car park we start walking along and old railway line, this line used to run from Bridgenorth in the south alongside the river towards Shrewsbury carrying all the coal, limestone and other goods to the bigger city's, passing under the old brick bridge and the Steven picnic area on the right hand side. The side of the track here is home for numerous ferns and wildflowers ranging from the delightful Wood Anemone and Traveller's Joy to the more common Garlic Mustard, Violet, and Red and White Campion's, while you'll also find Early purple Orchids and Yellow Pimpernel hiding amongst the Ferns growing on the left hand bank one of which is the Hart's-Tongue and the Maidenhair spleenwort both beautiful ferns will worth discovering.

But its not only the flowers and the views that's makes this area what it is, its also the wildlife, the old wild fox and Badgers and the Roe Deer that roam this Ancient woodland that's makes it so magical today, not forgetting the birds from the common Wood pigeons, Rooks, Crows to the Robins, Wrens and Blackbirds that live in theses woods all year round, along with the summer visiting birds like Wood Warbler's, Chiffchaff's, Blackcap's and even the Cuckoo indeed this morning we should hear all of theses and more. As we carry on along the rail track we will pass on our left the old ruins of limekiln workings, one of the many that dotted this area years ago at the height of the industrial age was in full swing, here we can hear wood warbler's and chiffchaff's along with another summer visitor that being the WhiteThroat which nest in the Bracken and other vegetation that grow around theses Kilns Ruins, while in the dark corners and the cracks and holes in the brickwork of the kilns are Bats awaiting the downing of the sun so the once again they can leave their home and go out hunting the fly and moths along the nearby river banks.

At the end of the rail track we come to a small path on our left with a little incline, with the cooling towers of the Buildwas Power station in front of use we turn left onto this woodland track and climb up this incline about 30 feet before coming to a small clearing with a gate in front of us. Here there is a bench where we will rest up as we listen to the magical sounds from the woodland Orchestra which is is fine tune before once again setting off on our walk. In front of us here there is a sign post/ way marker pointing the way upwards to patten's Rock, this is the way we are going to take this morning, so passing though the Sile at the side of the gate we now start to climb the many steps towards Patten's Rock.

While climbing theses step's we will often stop to rest and will have a chance to look over our shoulder to enjoy the views of the river up stream from Buildwas and the Steven flood plains, while under foot we can see many difference woodland plants and fungi growing among the dead and rotting wood, home to numerous tiny bugs in all shapes and sizes which in turn become food for the many baby birds that depend on then in this busy time of the year. The climb is hard and i would take a few rests before we top out where we can look over the old limestone quarry that is Patten's Rock on the edge of the gorge with beautiful views overlooking Ironbridge and the Steven Gorge all the way as far as Coalport in the distance, while the rocks themselves are home to Rooks, Crows, Jackdaws and the odd family of Peregrine Falcon's while high above can always be seen and heard the cry of the old Buzzard who live nearby. In the bottom of the quarry we can find marsh Orchids and sometimes Bee Orchids where Roe Deer and the young Rabbits hop.

Here at the top overlooking the quarry there is a bench where one can sit and enjoy a well earned rest while taking in the beauty of the surroundings.. This bench was put there in memory of a childhood friend of mine a MR JOHN JONE'S who was also a well known Rose grower in his day, John Sadly died while enjoying life and was only in his 40s when he passed away and on this bench you'll be able to read theses words...

'In memory of John Jone's He Loved This Place'

Moving on we how follow a woodland path away from the quarry, with limestone workings on our left hand side passing under old beech trees that are 100s of years old until we meet up with another path from left to right, this is the Shropshire Way and is the main pathway though theses woods, here we could turn right and follow the path up until we pass the gamekeeper cottage and Benthall Hall before passing though a gate and walking through two Fields until we again meet the Shropshire way a little way along from here but today we are turning left here passing the gate and heading towards Broseley, after about 20 yards the woodland path comes out of the woods and continue between farmland with overgrown hedges on both sides. Here Robins, wrens, wood warbler's and Yellow Hammers can all be seen or heard while overhead you'll hear and see Skylarks as they fly on warm summer days 100s of feet into the blue sky singing their heart's out in a magical moment of pure delight.On both sides of this pathway lie fields of golden buttercups, Daisy's and other summer meadow flowers untouched by modern insecticides where butterflies such as the Adonis Blue, Copper and the Dryad along with others fly safely and spotted flycatchers, Swallows and House Martins hunt the many insects needed to feed growing family's on.Walking on we soon come to a tarmacked road known as Spout Lane walking pass a number of cottages that as been build over the years we should soon see the water spout on our left.... This water spout near runs dry and comes from a underground spring with the source in the Shropshire Hills some miles away, the water is very clean and ice cold so is therefore safe to drink, indeed many walkers have in fact stopped here to enjoy a nice cold one before carrying on their walk. Walking pass the spout we come to the main road ( Ironbridge Road) turning left here cross the road and join the roadside footpath on the right hand side downhill towards Ironbridge, Please walk with care here as the road is narrow and walking two or three abreast would be very dangerous.After about 300 yards downhill on the right hand side we will pass the ruins of one of the largish water wheels in this country ( knocked down in the 1960's) this water wheel was around 70 feet high and was working right up until 1958 ( my father help to knock it down ) the wheel ended up being sold for scrap to local man named Oakley who is still in the scrap business today.Passing on we find ourselves back on the car park by the Ironbridge from where we started an hour or so ago....

Dawn Chorus in Benthall Woods Shropshire

Here we are up bright and early to enjoy a dawn walk through the woodland surrounding Benthall and Ironbridge in Shropshire, the walk will cover about one and a half to two miles and last roughly about two hours, walking over bridleways and woodlands paths. Most of the walk will be over old ground which we have cover before as we listen to the sounds of the Dawn Chorus as this old woodland comes alive to the sounds of the local Birds that inhabit theses woods at this time of the year. This walk will start on the Broseley side of the River Steven at Ironbridge in the Station Hotel Car park( this is a pay and display car park so please remember to buy your ticket from the machine nearby) taking in some of the views from this beautiful area Shaped by the Industrial Revolution many years ago.
Starting out by following the track on our left from the car park we start walking along and old railway line, this line used to run from Bridgenorth in the south alongside the river towards Shrewsbury carrying all the coal, limestone and other goods to the bigger city's, passing under the old brick bridge and the Steven picnic area on the right hand side. The side of the track here is home for numerous ferns and wildflowers ranging from the delightful Wood Anemone and Traveller's Joy to the more common Garlic Mustard, Violet, and Red and White Campion's, while you'll also find Early purple Orchids and Yellow Pimpernel hiding amongst the Ferns growing on the left hand bank one of which is the Hart's-Tongue and the Maidenhair spleenwort both beautiful ferns will worth discovering.

But its not only the flowers and the views that's makes this area what it is, its also the wildlife, the old wild fox and Badgers and the Roe Deer that roam this Ancient woodland that's makes it so magical today, not forgetting the birds from the common Wood pigeons, Rooks, Crows to the Robins, Wrens and Blackbirds that live in theses woods all year round, along with the summer visiting birds like Wood Warbler's, Chiffchaff's, Blackcap's and even the Cuckoo indeed this morning we should hear all of theses and more. As we carry on along the rail track we will pass on our left the old ruins of limekiln workings, one of the many that dotted this area years ago at the height of the industrial age was in full swing, here we can hear wood warbler's and chiffchaff's along with another summer visitor that being the WhiteThroat which nest in the Bracken and other vegetation that grow around theses Kilns Ruins, while in the dark corners and the cracks and holes in the brickwork of the kilns are Bats awaiting the downing of the sun so the once again they can leave their home and go out hunting the fly and moths along the nearby river banks.

At the end of the rail track we come to a small path on our left with a little incline, with the cooling towers of the Buildwas Power station in front of use we turn left onto this woodland track and climb up this incline about 30 feet before coming to a small clearing with a gate in front of us. Here there is a bench where we will rest up as we listen to the magical sounds from the woodland Orchestra which is is fine tune before once again setting off on our walk. In front of us here there is a sign post/ way marker pointing the way upwards to patten's Rock, this is the way we are going to take this morning, so passing though the Sile at the side of the gate we now start to climb the many steps towards Patten's Rock.
While climbing theses step's we will often stop to rest and will have a chance to look over our shoulder to enjoy the views of the river up stream from Buildwas and the Steven flood plains, while under foot we can see many difference woodland plants and fungi growing among the dead and rotting wood, home to numerous tiny bugs in all shapes and sizes which in turn become food for the many baby birds that depend on then in this busy time of the year. The climb is hard and i would take a few rests before we top out where we can look over the old limestone quarry that is Patten's Rock on the edge of the gorge with beautiful views overlooking Ironbridge and the Steven Gorge all the way as far as Coalport in the distance, while the rocks themselves are home to Rooks, Crows, Jackdaws and the odd family of Peregrine Falcon's while high above can always be seen and heard the cry of the old Buzzard who live nearby. In the bottom of the quarry we can find marsh Orchids and sometimes Bee Orchids where Roe Deer graze and the young Rabbits hop.
Here at the top overlooking the quarry there is a bench where one can sit and enjoy a well earned rest while taking in the beauty of the surroundings.. This bench was put there in memory of a childhood friend of mine a MR JOHN JONE'S who was also a well known Rose grower in his day, John Sadly died while enjoying life and was only in his 40s when he passed away and on this bench you'll be able to read theses words...

'In memory of John Jone's He Loved This Place'
Moving on we how follow a woodland path away from the quarry, with limestone workings on our left hand side passing under old beech trees that are 100s of years old until we meet up with another path from left to right, this is the Shropshire Way and is the main pathway though theses woods, here we could turn right and follow the path up until we pass the gamekeeper cottage and Benthall Hall before passing though a gate and walking through two Fields until we again meet the Shropshire way a little way along from here but today we are turning left here passing the gate and heading towards Broseley, after about 20 yards the woodland path comes out of the woods and continue between farmland with overgrown hedges on both sides. Here Robins, wrens, wood warbler's and Yellow Hammers can all be seen or heard while overhead you'll hear and see Skylarks as they fly on warm summer days 100s of feet into the blue sky singing their heart's out in a magical moment of pure delight.
On both sides of this pathway lie fields of golden buttercups, Daisy's and other summer meadow flowers untouched by modern insecticides where butterflies such as the Adonis Blue, Copper and the Dryad along with others fly safely and spotted flycatchers, Swallows and House Martins hunt the many insects needed to feed growing family's on.
Walking on we soon come to a tarmacked road known as Spout Lane walking pass a number of cottages that as been build over the years we should soon see the water spout on our left.... This water spout near runs dry and comes from a underground spring with the source in the Shropshire Hills some miles away, the water is very clean and ice cold so is therefore safe to drink, indeed many walkers have in fact stopped here to enjoy a nice cold one before carrying on their walk. Walking pass the spout we come to the main road ( Ironbridge Road) turning left here cross the road and join the roadside footpath on the right hand side downhill towards Ironbridge, Please walk with care here as the road is narrow and walking two or three abreast would be very dangerous.After about 300 yards downhill on the right hand side we will pass the ruins of one of the largish water wheels in this country ( knocked down in the 1960's) this water wheel was around 70 feet high and was working right up until 1958 ( my father help to knock it down ) the wheel ended up being sold for scrap to local man named Oakley who is still in the scrap business today.Passing on we find ourselves back on the car park by the Ironbridge from where we started an hour or so ago....
I hope you have enjoyed taking part in this walk and that you'll join me again next time for another Shropshire Walk...

The Duck Pond

This walk is a short walk of about 1 mile and takes in the countryside near my home in Telford

The walk takes us through some nice countryside and is a walk that you did enjoy on a Sunday afternoon.

The walk is mostly over gravel pathways and footpaths which are well managed round two lotal ponds in Telford

We start the walk in the car park of the middle pool near Trench Lock in Telford, this pool used to be two during the 50s & 60s before the old railway line was knocked down and the area build upon with the upper valley pool and the old middle pool becoming one called the middle.

The pool is surrounded by housing and roads but has a wide mix of wildlife with geese, duck ,and other water birds being joined by swallow, house martins, chiffchaff, and other summer visiting bird as well as damselflies and Dragonflies while the trees surrounding the pool are mostly birch Gorse, Ash and Alder. The pool is stocked with freshwater fish and is fishable all year round with large head of Pike,carp,Bream, Roach, Tench giving many a good days sport.

We leave the car park and walk to our right following the gravel track as we pass the locked gate and walk round what used to be the valley pool ( the island is on our left hand side) here passing under the Ash trees we follow the gravel path as it swings around the top narrower end of the pool, we will notice the storm drain at the top end which gives us a chance to overlook the beauty of this pool as we can look down the length of the pool moving on we continue again following the gravel path around and walk with trees and bushes on both sides while on the grass side we will find Ox-eyes Daisy's, Herb Robert and other wildflowers, Look out for rabbits and the odd fox which hunts the many small birds and mammals here, after about 200 yards we come to a small clearing in the path here below us is another storm drain which feeds this pool and from here we have a chance to view the whole pool and its wildlife with the island in front of us.

From here we continue along the gravel pathway and note the path meets another from our right a little feather on you will note a tunnel pass this and carry on around to our left we are now at the bottom of the pool this is the old middle pool as there is a straight line from the car park to the second storm drain where the old rail line used to be that was used to spilt the pool in half after about 50-60 yards the path forks we take the right hand forks and now leave the middle pool behind us as we walk toward Trench on Tarmac paths we follow the path crossing the A442 road bridge until we join the road turn left here and walk down hill until we meet the old Blue Pig Pub here we continue down pass the metal gate and walk around what is now Trench pool.

Trench pool is a balancing pool has a wild mixer of wildlife as well, the fishing is better and you can enjoy a nice cold pint from the Blue pig while you await that bite, The pool has the A442 on the left hand side with houses on two of its other sides.

During the year the pool is home to large flocks of Geese,with ducks, grebes

and swans seen daily as well as kingfishers and always as a few cormorant which fish the lake for their dinner.

At the end of the Tarmac road ( before the end) we turn right onto the footpath running along side the hedge and follow this as we how walk poolside round Trench pool here the will find more wildflower during the summer as well as see damselflies and dragonflies dancing along as they hunt the many insets that live along the bank, while on our right the bank as many rocks which in turn hide mouse and (Sadly) Rats while supporting many birds with nest sites in which to breed, there is a few bushes and old elm trees along here but mostly it is bare until we get to the far corner and start to walk along the wood end of the lake in the grounds of the old Bridge school here ash trees with smaller willow, and other bushes form a safe haven for many birds and its is here where many of the water fowl nest.

Walking along the school playing field we containe untill we again meet the tarmac road with the blue pig on our right turn left and walk 50-60 yatrds untill we meet the footpath which takes you back over the A442, turn back onto the footpath and cross the A442 and follow the path untill its meets the same path we were on at the bottom of Middle pool, here turn right and walk around the Blockleys side of the middle pool untill we arrive back at the middle pool car park.

Short Wood- A Walk with flowers.

woodlands, a vital part of our living natural world also form a source of enjoyment and relaxation for all of us. Offering support and shelter for a wide range of wildlife- plants, birds, insects and mammals which in return provide us with the opportunity to appreciate and contemplate the rich diversity of wildlife right on our doorstep.

Everyone will have their own favourite season of the year, but for most people the spring and summer are a special time.

The plants on the woodland floor start to flower early in the spring racing to do so before the tree canopy overhead comes into full leaf.

At many difference points on theses walks you will find many wild flowers as you walk firstly through swathes of Bluebells and Ramsons, instantly recognisable by their while flowers and strong garlic scent.

Theses aren't the only plants as we will find the yellow-nettle like flower of the Archangel and the white flowers of the Wood Anemone,Wood Sorrel with the pink flowers of the Herb Robert along with the likes of Violets,Yellow pimpernel, Wood Avens and Bugle.

When spring moves into summer with the trees in full leaf and looking Magnificent there will be summer flowers replacing the earlier flower such as Foxglove,Dog Rose, white-flower Enchanter's Nightshade with deeply perfumed Honeysuckle.

Today's walk is around Short wood near the Ercall in Telford firstly getting there we first need to join the old A5 into Wellington heading along the A5 towards Shrewsbury ( add M54) we should come to a set of traffic lights by the side of the Cock Hotel, The Swan Pub is also on our right.

Here turn into Dawley Road heading towards Dawley cross over the M54 and pass the car sales garage on the left, after this we come to ward New Works here look for a lane on your right, Turn into this lane ( named new works lane) and park in lay by..

The Walk is mostly over woodland, field paths with one section along a road and should take no more then 1 1/2 hours.

Starting in the lay by in new works lane we walk downhill along the road before turning left to go along a track. Crossing a stile we walk diagonally right across a field, passing near the pylon and following a line of old posts.

We enter short wood at a stile and continue along a path as its dropped down into a gully carry on and passing a pond on your left carry on and walk through the farmyard at Steerway.

We now turn left and follow the track uphill keeping the field and farm on our left towards limekiln pool.

After about 200 yards we take a left hand fork leading toward limekiln pool and after 100 yards after a stile we cross a field passing the pool on our right and carrying on we cross another field before reentering short wood again after crossing another stile he we follow the path that is shared by a stream and does uphill until we past some holly bushes crossing another stile we cross another field before joining the woods again.

The path becomes more indistinct here and you need to try and keep to a straight line if possible, but care is needed as you walk pass the old mine workings.

After a while you should pick up a wider track and pass under some power cables and approach a gate next to the bungalow ignore the gate but cross the stile on the left and turn left along the road back to the layby.

Pattens Rock

Today's walk will see us walk over old ground to discover Patten's Rock in Benthall Woods Near Ironbridge in Shropshire, Patten's rock is an area of outstanding beauty overlooked by may people who walks the woods near Ironbridge, but to me its is just has importance as the other attractions in the Ironbridge Gorge Because the Rock are millions of years old and hold some Geological interest with Geologists visiting the Rocks from all over the world to appreaciate their significance.

The Rocks are Limestone which is found in many parts of Shropshire, and is found all along the Ironbridge Gorge area with many limekiln's and Quarries dotting the landstape from the industrial Revolution when the Ironbridge area was at the front of the new industrial age.

So lets first start our walk, firstly the walk is mostly over woodland paths and steps with a steep climb up to Pattens Rock's and should last around 1-2 hours, we start on the Broseley side of the Ironbridge parking in the car park by the Station Hotel, this is a pay and display car park costing £1.00 for the day, 50p for up to two hours there is no charge for disable blue badge holders.

From the car park we turn right and follow the old railway line/ Shropshire way passing under the brick bridge we walk along with the River Seven on our right and the Benthall woods on our left, After about 500 yards we will notice a small clearing to our left, here there is ruins of the old limekiln's that dot this area and althought just off the main path are well worth a look by following the short pathway thats leads to them.

After seeing the limekiln's we rejoin the main pathway and continue along the old railway track with wildflowers and ferns lining both sides of the path while Hazelnut, Sliver Birch,Oak and Beech trees provide shade on a warm summer evening walk until we come to the cooling Towers of the Buildwas power station which is right in front of us, The power station was build in the 1960s as a replacement for the old B power station which was also on the site ( this sadly was pulled down during the 1990s), Here passing through a sile we walk up an steep incline for about 20-40 yards untill we come to a clearing where we will find another gate and sile with a post way marker pointing the way.

From here its forward and upwards as we pass through the sile and start to climb the first of many steps leading to Patten's Rock's ( notice this is a very steep climb and there is alot of steps to climb) but the steps are new and are all in first class condition and are well managed by the woodland trust who does some great work to keep the area in top condition, While climbing we pass under many trees that make up this woodland ranging from Oaks, Beech, Ash, and Chesthut while under foot there is many Mosses and grasses filled in spring/ Summer with flowers such as wood anemone, wood sorrel, Herb Robert and violets as well as the Fox Gloves, dog roses, white flower enchanter's nightshade and perfumed honeysuckle,

Here you'll also find butterflies such as Speckled Woods, Black-Veined Whites, and large Tortoiseshell as well as summer migrant birds such as the Wood Warbler, Chiffchaff, and Cockoo alongside the more common woodpeckers, pigeons, finches and Blackbirds, while in the late evening in summer you may be lucky to hear the lotal Tawny Owls.

While climbing up the step look out for some of the many differance fungi that grows on the dead wood that has fellen down as you dont know what you'll find from one day to the next as you make your way up the steps until you reach the top where we are able to look back and see over the Ironbridge Gorge and the valley of Coalbrockdale while away to our right we over look the River with Ironbridge and Madeley Bank clearly seen from the top of Patten's Rock which is in front of us, here you'll find a bench that as been placed there in memory of a Mr Dave Jones with the words 'He Loved This Place' writen onto the backrest of this bench placed over looking the rocks and the Ironbridge Gorge. Dave was a we known Broseley lad and rose Grower who lived in Broseley all is life and passed away at the age of 53 years of age, I knew Dave very well myself and I have never known a better rose grower in my 49 years he was up with the very best.

After having a rest and taking in the beautiful views seen from the top of Patten's Rock and the Quarry we containue our walk by following the pathway leading away from the rock's into the woods passing more limestone workings along the way until the path we are on meets another running left to right ( Note the way marker post) , here we can turn left and follow the path leading to Broseley add spout lane or like we did turn right and head towards Benthall along the old Shropshire way following the path through the woods under the Oaks, and beech trees we can enjoy views over looking the Seven Gorge and Buildwas while looking down upon buildwas power station going under the power lines we turn left and walk up an incline untill we top out by the white Gamekeepers cottage, passing the cottage we follow the path/road as its swings left until we find ourselfs in the lane by Benthall edge farm passing the farm and graveyard on the right we walk untill meeting the main road leading to Benthall Hall with we can now see in front of us.

Benthall Hall was build in the 1700s by the Benthall Family and is the home of Edward and Sarah Benthall who opens the hall and gardens every Easter to late october for the public,

the home is a national trust listed building and is well worth a visit as indeed is the little white Church of St Bartholomew's along side the Hall.

Passing the Hall and entering the field through the wood gate we cross the field keeping the hall on our left untill we meet another wooden gate, here on our right we will find a avenue of 33 old chesthut trees with many well over 200 years old, theses trees look bril in late spring when covered with their white blooms from their flowers while in the early autumn every young lad from the nearby village of Benthall and Broseley would spent many an afternoon filling his pockets with bright brown conkers ready to play a game of conkers we anybody who wanted a game.

Carrying on through another gate we meet the land/path coming from Benthall woods we turn right here walking along between the fields untill the path ends and we start walking on the road down spout lane passing as we go the water spout on our left, the water spout runs all years and comes from an under ground spring, this water is pure and is safe to drink by both dogs and humans it is ice cold even in the hottest of summer months and is a very welcome drink after a walk.

Passing the water spout that give the lane its name we containue downhill untill we meet another road this is Bridge Bank turning left here containue downhill we will pass after 500 yards or so on our right in the trees the old water mill, this has a bit of history with my family as there was an write up about in the paper a few weeks ago, sadly the watermill isnt there anymore being pulled down in the 1960s by my father because it was unsafe with the metal from the wheel being sold for scrap, but it used to have the biggest water wheel in England, passing the watermill we containue down the bank with the Ironbridge in front of us untill crossing the road we find ourselfs back at the car park where we started from at the end of our walk.

The Ercall Woods

Today's walk is going to take us through the Ercall woods near the Wrekin in Telford.

The Ercall can be found by leaving the m54 at junction 7 turning right towards Little Wenlock and heading towards the Wrekin after a while passing the car park at the side of the road near the foot of the Wrekin we turn left into Ercall Lane go along this until you see sign for Ercall Nature Reserve.

Firstly a little about the area and the woods itself.

The Ercall quarries are renowned for their Geological interest with the rocks dating back some 560 million years and around 450 million years ago these rocks were 60* south of the Equator and today Geologists come from far and wide to appreciate their significance.

The grassy areas are areas where during the summer butterflies can be found theses include The Dingy Skipper,Green Hairstreak and Wall as well as being home for The brilliant Red winged Cinnabar and Burnet Moths.

On The upper slopes Tall oak trees Predominate; theses are termed sessile Oaks, as the acorns sit on the twigs without any stalks, while below the Oaks in the Acidic soil can be found such plants as Bilberry, Climbing Corydalis and Heath Bedstraw.

The Ercall woods in early spring is alive with many birds and often resound with birdsong ranging from the sweet song of the Wren to the wood pigeons and the yaffle of the Green woodpecker.

So lets us start our walk. We will be walk mostly on Woodlands Paths which are steep at first, along the top of the Ercall and then back past Ercall Quarries.

The walk should take around 1 1/2 Hours.

The Start of the walk is at the Entrance to the Ercall Nature Reserve, turn right along the road and walk pass the Buckatree Hall Hotal, 25 m later turn right along a footpath which is Gently uphill at first but does become steep later.

We follow this path up to the top of the Ercall, the path here swings left following the ridge of the hill,gradually descending.

Keep to the ridge, avoiding paths going down on the right, after a while the path will go under some large, spreading Oaks trees.

Soon the path Forks- we take the right hand fork descending from the ridge. As the sound from the nearby M54 traffic increases, but before you reach the fence in front of it, turn sharply right on to another path by the Holly trees we now follow this path going uphill a little until this path meets a wider path, here we turn left and walk downhill past the Ercall Quarries on our right. Here you will note an interpretation board and a poem on a rock which explain the Geological story of the exposed rock faces. After this we continue along the path until we are back where we started from.

Deer Park Walk.

Today walk will take us through our local Deer park at Attingham Park Near ShrewsBury in Shropshire. The walk through the park is mostly on good woodland parkways which had been build by staff at Attingham park with help from The National Trust.

Attingham Park is west of Telford on the old A5 (Roman Road called whiting street) in the small village of Atchum. Nearby there is the Town of shrewsbury with its museums, Theatres, Abbey, shops. Shrewsbury is The birth place of Charles Darwin.

Also nearby the the village of Wroxeter where there is an vineyard growing and producing wine as well as a old Roman village which is well worth visiting.

The cost of entry into the hall and grounds of Attingham Park is £3.80 with family tickets around £4-5 .

The park opens at 10am and closed at 5pm although there is planned longer opening hours in the summer months.

Our walk today starts in the courtyard of this House build for lord Berwick who's ashes are buried in the Deer park.

Walking though the archway we follow a tarmac path right as it swings around the walled garden of the great hall until we are at the front of the house under the arches of the front door theses arches are a grand example of stone work as indeed is the hall itself.

While from here you will have grandstand views over the parkland with the Wrekin in the distance and the River Steven not far way. Going on to our left we move down hill towards the deer park and the River Tern on the sides of the path there is a few very old trees planted by lord Berwick theses are Atlas Pines, Beech and oak with under planting of Snowdrops and other spring flowers Primrose, Bluebell.

Passing the tree we cross over the River Tern and walk toward the gate leading into the deer park ( please if you got dogs put them on leads while in the deer park) There is a good size herd of fellow deer in the park and you all have a good chance of see them. the best time to visit at the weekends and during school holidays when they feed the deer in the park at 2pm every day.

Walking up hill over grassland we are now walking in the deer park, if we go forwards we meet another path running right to left we turn left and walk along the top with an wood area on our right ( we could have gone right but its only gos so far then we would have had to turn back) While walking along here we get a smashing view of the hall and ground from the deer park while over head we could see buzzards swirling on the warm air as they eye the countryside looking for a meal. To the left there is a small pool, here you can find the deer drinking during the late summer evening while during the day dragonflies and Damselfly's can be seen including some rare ones.

Passing the pool we meet a path going off to the right, although we could carry on straight ahead we turn here a take a short walk though some woodland with chestnut, oak,sliver birch, fir,beech being the main trees seen. Here during the autumn you can find many fungi growing in the woodland and if you wanted you could join one of the many fungi walks that take place at Attingham during October early November.

Walking through the woods we circle around and meet the same path we were on earlier passing at the same time the last resting place of lord Berwick which is to our right under the fir trees in a little clearing. Turning right onto the path again we walk until we meet the gate (we are now leaving the deer enclose) passing through the gate we enter woodland again (Here dogs can be let off the leads) we now follow the woodland path as it cuts through the woods which in spring is covered with millions of Snowdrops, following theses we get Bluebells and other woodland plants but its during late February and early March when you really see the beauty in theses woods

We follow the path until its turn left at the wooden carving and walk under the trees in the shade of beech, oak, chestnut, and ash while listening to the sounds of wood warblers and other woodland animals during the summer soon the path turns a corner while in front of us is the rope bridge across the River Tern crossing this we follow the pathway as it swings right and left through the trees along side the garden here we find hazelnut trees and sliver birch mixed with the beech,oak,chestnut and ash along with others shrubs as we find oursefts following the path around the meadow were longhorn cattle can be seen until we pass the house and are back at the Hall.

The walk is about 3/4 mile over fairly even ground and would take about 1-1.5 hours.

The Shropshire Way

Today's walk will take us along part of the Shropshire Way that's runs through the valley of the Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire.

The walk will be over 2-3 hours and takes in some of the most beautiful sights seen in this world Heritage site.

We start the walk on the Broseley side of the river parking in the car park of the Station Inn in Ironbridge ( Theres a charge for parking add Machine set at £2.00 per day) Disabled is free.

In Front of us is the worlds Famous Ironbridge( which give its name to the town) This was build by Abraham Darby 111 in 1779 after he successfully melted Iron using Coke at his furnace in nearby Coalbrookdale.

We start by walking along the old railway line ( going right) and heading up stream, this railway line was part of a network of steam railways that linked the gorge with Shrewsbury,Bridgenorth,with other links to the main networks taking goods,people to London and other parts of the uk.

The Bridgenorth based StevenValley Railway is trying to reopen this line from Bridgenorth to Ironbridge for visitors again.

Passing under the brick bridge we walk along a bridleway, this is the Shropshire Way on the right we got the River Steven while on our left we got Benthall Woods along the sides of the Bridleway grows many wildflowers such as Ramsons, Lords-and-Ladies, Bellflower, Campion as well as Orchids, ferns and Mosses with Oak,Ash, Chestnut and Beech Trees making up most of the tree cover.

There is lots of wildlife in the area and as you walk along you could find yourself face to face with Deer, Foxes and Badgers during early morning or late evening walks, while most of the time you can see many different species of Birds, Butterflies, Moths,and Bats, indeed during the 1970s this area was the last place in Shropshire where a Nightindale ( Luscina Megarhynchos) was heard and Nested, Althrough there has been a few reported sightings since theses sighting have never been confirmed.

While walking along looking to our right over the river we look at Linton Hill and the Rounda why its called the Rounda i'll never know, but its been called that for many years so the name kind of shuck.

Now we are coming up to the end of the Bridleway and in front of us we should see through the trees the cooling Towers of the Buildwas Power Station this is the ( new) station build in the 1920s to help with demand and to replace the old power station that was knocked down in the 90s The towers are over 100 feet height and can be seen from miles around, Here we turn left and walk up a woodland path for about 50 yards until coming to a patch in front of a gate, We can continue along this pathway( Shropshire Way) or pass though the gate and turn right onto an old part of the Shropshire Way ( which is what we are doing) in front of us on our left we should see a number of steps( we will be coming down theses later on) keeping right we now walk up a little incline on old woodland pathways, this is infact a incline used by horses to transport coal, clay and other goods down to the river to be loaded onto Ferries to be transported to the big city's like London, Birmingham and the world, after a while the pathway starts to get a little overgrown and Narrower this is because we are walking on the old footpath where others don't go, the path is also a little steep here also but the quietness, and loneliness more then makes up for it as you walk along with only the sounds of the birds to be heard.

We push on pass the back of the power station following the pathway until the path meets another path going left to right ( this is the New Shropshire way marked path) joining this path we follow it for about 300 yards until we come out onto a wider path, here we can choose weather to go right and walk towards Benthall Hall or turn left and walk along the private Driveway ( you are allowed to do this) which is the way we are going today, Please keep any Dogs of their leads here as there may be Deer in this area.

We are now joining the path we walked before and will pass the little white cottage in the wood on our right after about 300-400 yards, turning left we now walk down a winding path under the power lines that comes up the gorge from the Buildwas power station which you should now be over looking on our left, along the pathway heading toward Benthall we pass under towering beech trees and come to a pathway going off to your left with a gate in front of you, Here we turn left and walk along the rocky pathway with limestone working on our right following the pathway( new Shropshire way) until we top out overlooking the Ironbridge Gorge again while below us is the old Quarry in Benthall woods to the left here is a path follow this and we should come to the wooden steps go down theses ( there is alot of them) until at the bottom where you'll find yourseft back in the patch of wood where you were early on.

How we turn right and still on the Shropshire Way we walk along the top of the woods over looking both the old bridleway below us on our left and the River Steven here you'll find lots of Hazelnut Trees as indeed there is in other parts of the woods, keep on this path and you meet a few more steps leading down hill and at the bottom you pass though a Sile and find yourseft in Hodge Bower, This is were many of the boat used to ferry goods down river were build and moored we now rejoin the bridgeway walking back towards Ironbridge until we again end up back at the start in the station Inn carpark.

Granville Nature Reserve

Our walk today is around my lotal Nature Reserve in Telford, the walk will take around an hour to two hours, and is mostly on the flat through woodlands paths.

Firstly i would like to inform you all about the reserve, Granville has a complex history that is deep in lagacy of past mining and ironmaking thats dates back to medieval times when monks at the nearby Lilleshell Abbey mined coal and worked an iron smithy.

The land was mostly deer forest was acquired by the Laverson Family after the Dissolution on the Monasteries and used as a Hunting park. In 1562 wood from the deer park was used to fuel one of the Earliest charcoal furnaces in Shropshire-Evidence that the shallow seams of coal,ironstone and stone were worked on an incresingly large scale from the sixteeth century onwards.

Today the deer are long gone, but foxs,Badgers still live in the newly regenerated woodland as over the years the deer forest was gradually cleared as the mining intensified, greater quantities of waste material were brought to the surface and large spoil heaps were formed.

Theses steep-sided,flat-topped pitmounds are characteristic of the Telford Landscape.

Theses later became colonised by a succession of differance Vegetation types ranging from mosses and lichens to grassland, scrubs, Oak and birch woodland.

The mine at Muxton ( Granville) closed in 1912 but the remains of the winding house are still to present with the remain of the up and down shafts marked with a ring of bricks to the East can be found in the wooded pitmound called The Freehold in the reserve just off the Donnington Wood Roundabout. Also found nearby is the remains of an early pumping engine house, Scheduled as a momument by Engish Heritage.

Sometimes the pitmound contained calcareous clays which in turn provided idea conditions for a wide variety of wildflower to grow especially where past grazing has pervented woodland from forming. Two sites worth looking at are the Waxhill Meadow and Barnyard Pitmound where a diverse range of wild flowers, including species of Orchid, Oxeye Daisy and Hay rattle can be found during the Months of June and July.

Also found around here are species of Butterflies such as the Dindy Skipper and Green Hairstreak which can be seen taking Nectar from the many wildflowers found.

So lets start our walk today....

Firstly Granville Nature Reserve is Found just off the B5060 Donnington Wood Way in Donnington Telford turning into Granville Road at the Roundabout following the Signs to The Shropshire Goft Course follow the road for about 1000 yards untill sign shows the main carpark.

( Warning here this carpark is locked during the winter months at 5pm so ensure you are back at your car before then or you'll be locked in for the night but its stays open untill 8pm in the summer) So once at the carpark we head left meet a wide path,(Bridle) here we can go forward keeping to the wide flat path thats spits the mounds or climb the 10-15 steps up the Barnyard to the top from the top of the barnyard Pitmound you are given a great vantage point in which to look over the surrounding countryside as on a clear day you could see the clock tower of the church in nearby St Georges to the south, with the hills of the Wrekin,and Ercall, Hawkstone, Chetwynd and Lilleshall. At the other end of the top we come to a kissing gate pasting through this we how have to climb down the barnyard ( here there are more steps and it is a little Steeper ) getting to the bottom we again met the wide Bridle path turning right and following the path we walk on along the old canal line towards Muxton Bridge Colliery Pit Mound Here you will find the remains of the winding house and shafts and pass the remain of the pumping house near to the carpark in Muxtion Lane turning left we walk along keeping to the main pathway untill after a time we come to the road this is MarshbrookWay turn right and walk along a little bit looking for the pathway on the Opposite side of the road and picking it up walking along it into the Freehold Colliery Pit Mound we follow this path around the pool untill its meets a path from our left here we turn right keeping the water on our right through the woodland along the path before turning Right at the second path from our right this takes us through the woodland untill is bears left at Muxtion Marsh. Muxtion Marsh is an SSSI--- Site of Special Scientific Interest formed as a resuilt of the water from the canal flowing into it via Culvert and along Ditches near Donnington Wood Roundabout. The Marsh is unusal as its contains a variety of Habitats ranging from dry to wet conditions here there is a attractive wildflower meadow with Orchids and other Interesting plants,marshy grassland, wetter areas of reed bed dominated by sedges with willow woodland and Oak behind on the mound. This Area is not accessible to the Public because the land is used for grazing but can be viewed from the footpaths nearby. Walking along the wild path ( Bridle way) we again meet the Marshbrook Way road crossing it we again pick up the path of the old canal and follow it walking along side the mound of waxhill Meadow the path (Bridle way) can be muddy around here passing the flower meadow on our left along side of the barnyard again untill we see the gate back into the carpark we can now return to the car or continue along the bridle path to the end and crossing the road (Granville Road) following the path around past the Reservoir and the LODGE Furnaces... This is a very atmospheric area of Granville Nature Reserve with its sandstone walls rising Mysteriously out of the secluded woodland Reminiscent of a lost Inca city hidden in a Jungle, it is indeed hard to imagine that on this spot stood the Furnaces which were once the most Productive in Europe.

The earliest furnaces were built around 1825 by the Lilleshall Company and had expanded to 5 furnaces by the time they closed in 1888. The forty-foot walls are all that remain of the charging ramps that would have allowed the materials to be tipped into the top of the furnaces, of the farnaces all that remain are the two rings of melted firebricks at the base of the ramps. Passing the old canal basin we now continue untill we again meet Granville road turning right we how walk along the road before crossing into the carpark again and end back where we started.

The walk is mosly along a flat Bridle pathway and takes you through some beauitful countryside were there is lots of intrest to be found. Its is one of my most Favourites walking areas being near my home, somewhere i can find inner peace.

Walking Amongst The Bluebells In Limekiln Woods.

Ok not really walking amongst them in January But in May we will be. Todays walk is through the forest of the Wrekin in Limekiln Wood.

Limekiln wood was once part of the Royal forest of Wrekin, and is one of the most botanically interesting woods in Telford surporting a range of limestone Flora. Over 150 plant species have been recorded here. You may see at the side of the path Sanicle, which as tiny white flowers on a upright stalk. Also later on you'll see the flowering spikes of Orchids. The woods is made up mainly of Ash but do have some old Oak and Sycamore Trees with Hazel and hawthorn providing the understory.

As with much of this area, these woods have a long history of Mining and Quarrying, which reached its heyday during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today the remnants of old workings are all that remain, including the ruins of old limekilns; the lime was used in nearby Coalbrookdale and for improving agricultural land. Coal was mined here in another part of the wood called Short Wood. The adits of abanddoned mineral working are known to have been rooting sites for Daubentons,Brown,Long-Eared and Pipistrelle Bats.

So Lets start our walk today..... We start at the Steeraway in Limekiln Lane, and cross a stile to take a path alonside the farm into the woods ( Following the Red way Markers). After about 200 Metres at a fork in the track bear right and continue uphill. Shallow limestone workings are evident on both sides of the path, which now starts to level off. At the Junction with another track we turn right, and continue downhill passing on our right Maddocks Hill Quarry while in front is the Wrekin Hill. Soon afterwards we turn Right along another path continue walking along with the Golf course on your left while enjoying the views of the Ercall Quarries untill the path swings to the left to cross the Golf Course ( Look out for Golfers!) here you get some beauitful views of the Wrekin also. Just pass the water tank on your left, and before you reach the club house we again turn right along another path here you will find the Bluebells in May with the area becoming a Sea of Blue as millions of Bluebells start to flower. When this path reaches a Junction we turn left downhill. There are paths leading off to both the right and the left but ignore theses and keep straight downhill untill you come to a path over looking a field, with the M54 Motorway and Wellington in Background here at the T junction in front of the field we turn right onto the broader pathway continue along this pathway behind the cottages untill you meet the gate pass through this and we return to the Steeraway.

Time Allow 2.1/2 hours.

Terrain... Mainly woodland paths

Follow Red Way Markers.

The Wrekin.....

Here we are with another walk, this time we are going to climb our lotal landmark here in Shropshire the Wrekin Hill. Firstly the Wrekin is located some 4 miles west of Telford on the border between Shrewsbury and Atchum and Telford and Wrekin and can be accessed by leaving the m54 motorway at( j7) before its turns on to the old A5 which continues to Shrewsbury. The Wrekin Rise to the height of 407 metres( 1335 feet) and is part of the Shropshire Hills Os Grid Reference SJ628080. So we will start at the foot of the Wrekin in the old forest Glen carpark we how cross the road and enter the track up the wrekin by the old toilet block(sadly not in use) The track is well used and the ascent is steep in places.

We walk upwards for about 500-1000 yards rounding a bend and climbing untill we reach the haftway point at the haftway house, this house is lived in and offers drinks and light snacks during the summer for visiters to the hill, also on sale are lotal books about the Wrekin

after the house you turn left and start to climb up though the beech trees that overhang the pathway up towards the gateway of the old hill fort.

The Hill Fort is iron age and is almost 8 hectares in size where the lotal Celtic Cornovil tribe lived from the bronze age to the first century corn found during an archarological dig that was carbon-dated to arrive at this date ( 900 BC ). The last ruler was Virico when the conquering Roman army arrived and the Roman build there fort 4 miles away to the west calling it Viroconium in Honour of their defeated foes. The gateway is the outer gate of the hill fort and called Hell's Gate and is to big to defend so would have been used by animals and would have had a inner gate with ramparts to the side ( a schoolboy found a Roman spear in the ramparts years ago) we how start to climb into the fort and onwards to the summit passing on the way the inner gate called Heavens Gate and more ramparts just off to the right you'll see the lotal Tv and Radio Mast in this area there is remains of the set of House circle bases with the second set of house bases found nearby under the trees.

We are now near the summit and should be able to see its trig point and toposcope ( Viewfinder)

pinpointing the lotal countryside points of intrest where you'll get some of the best views of Shropshire countryside to the left will be the lotal power station in the steven gorge while abit to the right you'll see the Melvern Hill's as well as the Welsh hill's and Chester, in fact from the top of the Wrekin you can see 15 counties looking ahead we can see the south-west gate just off from the mound we can if we wish containue and walk down this way or turn around and go back the way we came following the tack back down untill we come to the road again.

It Is claimed that the inspiration for Tolkien,s Middle Earth in the acclaimed series of Books-The Lord of The Rings came from around the Wrekin as Tolkien used to live nearby and drew inspiration from the Shropshire Landscape.

Nearby to the North theres is a smaller, wooded hill known as the Ercall with many pleasent way marked paths which is notable for its extraordinary geology and exposed quarries and beauiful wildlife but thats another walk in coming weeks.........

Walking off Christmas.....

Here we are on a cold day in early Janurary 2009 its 09.30am on a cold freezing foggy morning with a top temp of -4c we start the walk from the avenue opposite Benthall Hall for a walk of around 1 mile mostly flat walking keeping left we follow the lane pass the graveyard towards Benthall edge farm under the horse chestnut tree and pass the front door of the farm you start a gentle rise through the open countryside over looking Benthall edge in the lane you'll find many wild flowers as well as the birds and animals. You also get some very nice sunsets seen here while over looking the edge, the flowers found here include orchids, primrose, Daisy, Herb Robert and many other.
While there is butterflies to look out for during the spring and summer months ranging from the Tortoiseshells,Peacocks and Speckled wood to the rarer painted lady, fritillary and Holly Blues.
There is also a chance to see wild deer here as there a small herd running the woods although i have only seen them 4 times this year...
After the rise you walk down hill a little until you come to a fork in the lane it doesn't matter which way you go as the lane will meet up later on anyway but if you go to the right like i did today its takes you pass the woods keepers cottage you walk up his driveway, while hes happy to let you and other walkers do so, he does ask that dogs are put back on the lead as there is often a high chance the deer will be around here somewhere a small price to pay. Now you start to get in the woods which is mainly full with Oak, Birch, Ash and Beech following the path left you top over looking Buildwas Power station with its 4 cooling towers and the view over the Steven valley below. Following the way marker ( Shropshire way) you walk for around 500-1000 yards before meeting a gate across the path hopping over here you walk along keeping the old canal on your right hand side until you come out on to the pathway leading towards Broseley Wood The fields on your left are wild flower meadows and are left all summer for the flowers that grow there the farmer then cuts the hay and let horses use it until November when he stops them useing it and let the fields and the grasses start growing again, the hedges on both sides are full of flowers and ferns and many birds and animals finds their homes there.
After a sort time the lane come to a kissing gate, here you turn right and pass though the gate to walk across open farmland toward Benthall Hall and back towards your car the fields are sown with wheat mostly during the spring, here you may find and see buzzards and kestrel as well as owls hunting for mice and voles along the hedgerows. Near the Hall you pass the avenue of trees, here there are 33 horse chestnut trees as well as oak and yew a place where as kids we did spent many a Saturday afternoon getting our conkers under the watchful eye of the owner of the Hall, you are now nearly back at the start, staying on the path you now pass in front of Benthall Hall itseft, This is a beautiful Hall build in the 1700s its how been taken over by the national trust who looks after it, but its still the home of James and Sally Benthall and the little church ( St Barthlowmews) next door build for the locals again in the 1700s.
And now we are back at the start, the walk is both enjoyable and exercise for me and is just one of a number of walks through theses woods which i hope you will take with me again.