In Walking

Escape the hustle and bustle of Christmas with a Winter walk in Telford.  

Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll around a beautiful urban park, a nature trail, or a walk on the wild side we have something for you our little guide to great festive walks will inspire your next adventure.  Go and explore and you will find frosted woodlands, frozen lakes and glistening pools, rewarding summits and beautiful rural landscapes.  

1. The Wrekin AONB, Near Wellington 

This giant of a little mountain will reward you with some of the finest views. The Wrekin is perfect for a winter sunrise or sunset walk, whether you are with family, friends or just want some me time.  Winter is a special time on the Wrekin and if you are lucky, you might just enjoy some snowfall on the peak.  It’s a great place to breath in the beauty of nature and with its epic views and 360-degree panorama, its no wonder it has inspired writers and film makers such as J R Tolkien. Enjoy this 6.4-km loop trail which will take around 2 hrs to complete. Parking is available at the base of the walk at The Wrekin Forest Glen Car Park.  

After your walk pop along to the Gratitude Café in Wellington for some winter warming treats a big breakfast, a hearty lunch or homemade cake and tea.  

2.  Dale Coppice, Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site 

Escape into the tranquillity of the magical woodlands around Ironbridge Gorge.   Dale Coppice is one of a collection of woodlands managed by Severn Gorge Countryside Trust and part of the Sabbath Walks laid out by Ironmaster and Philanthropist Richard Reynolds.   This ancient woodland is dominated by oak and beech trees, home to sparrowhawks, woodpeckers and tawny owls.  Watch out for the interpretation panels celebrating heritage including the cottage and gardens of Hannah Reynolds and the Doric Temple. To get started on your walk, park in central Ironbridge at Dale End or the Museum of the Gorge Car Park,  then follow the route up Paradise splitting off to the right and then walk straight up the path for 130 metres before going through a wood gate in the trail.  

After a great walk, its time for a warming Hot Chocolate or Coffee and Cake in one of the great team emporiums or cafes in the Gorge from Eight Six’d to The Bolthole or Darby’s   

3. Telford Town Adventure Trails. Telford Town Park

Urban Parks do not come better than Telford Town Park.  Voted one of the Top 10 UK Parklands, at 450 acres in size, it’s the perfect urban walking destination with a route, trail and track perfect for everyone and its full on fun and adventure for the little ones.  Discover the parks epic history, wild habitats, and breath-taking woodlands with Winter walks on their Heritage and Nature Trails.   The Visitor Centre is a great place to start your adventure with waymarked iron signs to take you on your journey. Whether you are looking for a 3 mile family adventure on the Silkin Way, a walk into the wild to visit Exotic Zoo or a leisurly stroll around one of the beautiful gardens, the choice is your's.  

Escape into Telford Town Park this festive season for a great winter walk and after your adventure grab a Coffee or Caramel Latte or bite of Lunch at one of the great eateries in Southwater in the heart of Telford. 

4.  Lilleshall Discovery Walk, Lilleshall Near Newport 

Discover a piece of English heritage with beautiful Capability Brown inspired Gardens, historic woods and an epic country estate that today is inspiring the next generation of elite sports.   Your starting destination is at Lilleshall Hall and Gardens.  Originally built as a country house and hunting lodge for the Duke of Sutherland, the Capability Brown inspired garden are home to some amazing gems including the Italian water garden, the pet cemetery and the world-class sport facilities. There is a cafe bar, Queens Bar, at the start of the route to allow you to enjoy refreshments before or after your walk.

After your winter wander, drop into the heritage market Town of Newport and explore their beautiful artisan and independent shops.

5. Woodbridge to Coalport Circular, Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site 

They call Ironbridge Gorge the Valley of Invention and on this walk you will see why, as you venture through epic landscapes, iconic industrial heritage and beautiful creative communities that shaped the world and continue to inspire and fire imaginations.   The Woodbridge to Coalport Circular is one of the most popular walks. The route follows an old railway line along the southern banks of the River Severn before crossing into Coalport to join a section of the Silkin Way path for the final stretch. Watch out for Winter water leisure enthusiasts with people kayaking, canoeing, and even drifting around on a coracle.  

Then back to enjoy a Pint of real ale beside the fire and some great Winter flavours with lunch at The Woodbridge Inn. If you want to explore even more extend your walk and vis the Iron Bridge and make sure to capture a photo for your memory box. 

6.  Norbury Junction Canal Walk, Near Newport

Take a walk along the canal side this Winter for some waterway leisure with a difference.  Drive out from Newport to Norbury and you can park up and enjoy a canal walk from Norbury Junction. There is a pub and café open all year round and as they are dog friendly you can enjoy an outdoor adventure and warming reward after. 

On your return pop into the historic town of Newport, its independent shops and artisan stores and gift emporiums offer a very different shopping experience.

7.  The Tree Trail, Apley Woods Nature Reserve

What better time to escape into the natural world than during Winter and one of the all-time favourites for visitors and locals is Apley Woods.  Apley Woods is a place of calm when life is busy with its 56 acres of meadows, pools, trees, and winding footpaths.   Apley Woods is a fine example of a 19th century landscaped woodland. The woodlands here while dating back to the 13 Century, today the woods you journey through were largely created during the last 200 years, they formed part of the ornamental gardens at Apley Castle, a Georgian mansion house built in 1792 and demolished in 1955.

The Tree Trail is the perfect walk at the Apley Local Nature Reserve.  With 10 of the finest tree specimens to uncover from the great Red Oak, Birch and Yew and iconic sculptures to enjoy,  it’s a great place for a Sunday morning stroll.

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