Telford to Ironbridge Gorge

This mostly traffic-free route links the town of Telford with the spectacular Ironbridge Gorge, which contrasts natural beauty with industrial heritage.

Now a World Heritage Site, Ironbridge Gorge is known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century.

Today, it’s home to ten museums celebrating the social and industrial history of the area, making for an unforgettable experience.

You can also visit the famous Iron Bridge, one of Shropshire’s most famous landmarks, which crosses the River Severn at the Ironbridge Gorge.

Before you set off, you could visit the National Trust’s Sunnycroft in Wellington, a comfortable home telling the story of a brewer, a widow and three generations of the Lander family.

Leaving Wellington on National Route 81, the route soon joins the Silkin Way, a wonderful, well-surfaced cycling and walking route that provides a green corridor from Telford to Ironbridge Gorge.

The route uses a mixture of canal beds and disused railway lines and passes through woodland, meadow and parkland. Opened in 1977, the route was named after Lewis Silkin, an MP who was instrumental in getting the 1949 Access to the Countryside Act passed.

Please note

We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.

However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.

Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.

Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.

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