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Download the Railways, Bridges and Pools Map A circular route - a gentle 3 hour ride or great for a whole day out with lunch Our Railways, Bridges and Pools ride takes you from the Bicycle Hub along National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 45, along the old Severn Railway line to Coalport Bridge. Here you cross the river Severn and turn left onto NCN Route 55 along the Silkin Way (named after Lord Silkin - Commissioner of New Towns), another disused railway line. The London and North Western Railway was responsible for transporting a lot of the produce to London and Liverpool. This takes you north to the 175 acre green space which is Telford Town Park, where you will loop round both Spout and Withy pools, and return down the Silkin Way. Eventually you cross the railway line that is still used to take fuel to Ironbridge power station. The metal walled bridge has a graffiti signage of the Silkin Way. After this bridge turn right to go under the arch of a former railway and then turn immediately right along Rough Park Way. Follow this woodland route adjacent to the railway till you arrive in Coalbrookdale with the railway aqueduct towering above you. Follow the road down to Ironbridge - a super descent, gentle and wide enough for all. At the Merrythought teddy bear factory turn left along the Wharfage of Ironbridge and you will come across the Iron Bridge on your right. Walk your bicycle across the bridge, and imagine having to pay your toll - just after the First World War was the last time that it was enforced. Turn left into the car park and you're back on to NCN Route 45 and the Severn Valley Railway line which will lead you back to the Bicycle Hub. |
