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As the leaves turn golden and the air takes on that crisp autumn freshness, there’s no better time to head outdoors and explore Telford’s most loved walking spots. From legendary hills to riverside trails and sculpture-filled woodlands, these walks offer a perfect mix of scenery, history, and local charm. Whether you’re after a gentle family stroll or a more challenging hike, each route reveals a unique story and a reason to linger a little longer.
Why locals love it
Rising 407 metres above sea level, The Wrekin is Shropshire’s most iconic hill, steeped in legend and offering panoramic views across up to 17 counties on a clear day. Known affectionately as the “little mountain,” it’s a beloved landmark for walkers, photographers, and folklore fans alike.
Ways to walk
Choose a brisk climb to the summit or opt for gentler circular trails that loop through the surrounding woodland and connect with the Ercall Nature Reserve. The main path from Forest Glen car park is well-trodden, with steep sections, while alternative routes offer quieter, shaded walks through ancient forest.
Hidden gem
According to local legend, the hill was formed when the giant Cawr dropped a shovel of earth on his way to flood Shrewsbury. Geologists, however, reveal its roots in ancient volcanic rock, making it one of the most geologically diverse spots in Britain. At the summit, you’ll find the remains of an Iron Age hill fort built by the Cornovii tribe, later stormed by Roman invaders.
Turn it into a day out
After your walk, reward your efforts at The Huntsman of Little Wenlock. This cosy country inn serves up hearty roasts, seasonal specials, and local ales beside a roaring fire, perfect for warming up after a golden hour hike.
Why locals love it
The world’s first Iron Bridge, woodland paths, and the story of Britain’s Industrial Revolution, all in one stroll. Few places capture the spirit of Telford quite like Ironbridge Gorge, where every step tells a story of innovation and nature intertwining.
Ways to walk
Choose from gentle riverside walks to magical woodland trails, with options to explore Lloyds Coppice, Benthall Edge, and The Dingle. Each offers a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage.
Hidden gem
Tucked just beneath the Iron Bridge, the Old Coracle Shed is the last remaining coracle maker’s workshop in England, a true hidden treasure of the Gorge. Peer through its window to glimpse the tools and traditions of the river men who once crafted these bowl-shaped boats for fishing and transport.
Follow the Coracle Trail to the New Coracle Shed at the Green Wood Centre, where the free exhibition brings their stories to life with puppets, artefacts, and interactive displays.
Turn it into a day out
After your walk, warm up with coffee and cake at the Courtyard Cafe, known for its homemade scones and riverside views. For something heartier, head to the White Hart, a family-run pub serving locally sourced meals in a cosy setting just steps from the Iron Bridge.
The Wharfage is home to a vibrant mix of independent businesses, including The Jeanshack and Vintage, Copper Fox, and Homeward Bound, perfect for browsing artwork, clothing, and home décor after your walk.
Why locals love it
Apley Woods is a true hidden gem, spanning 56 acres of meadows, ponds, and mature woodland. It has earned both Local Nature Reserve and Green Flag status. Here, history and creativity intertwine, with striking sculptures, notable specimen trees, and the historic ruins of Apley Castle quietly nestled among the trees.
Ways to walk
Flat, family-friendly trails range from 20 to 40 minutes, with information panels at each entrance to guide your route. Whether you’re after a short stroll with little ones or a longer wander to take in the whole reserve, the woodland has options to suit.
Hidden gem
Keep your eyes peeled for Energy Rising, a striking carved stone sculpture, as well as owls, birds of prey, and woodland animals crafted from timber. The old mansion site reveals the footprint of a once-grand Georgian estate, with stone armchairs hidden nearby for those who pause to sit and take it all in.
Turn it into a day out
After exploring the meadows and sculptures of Apley Woods, refuel at one of two nearby family-run pubs. The Pheasant Inn in Admaston offers hearty British classics, a large beer garden, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for walkers and families alike.
Just a short drive away, The Queens at Horton serves up locally sourced dishes in a relaxed countryside setting. Both venues pride themselves on fresh ingredients and warm hospitality, making them ideal spots to round off your visit.
Why locals love it
A place where nature and heritage live side by side, creating a landscape that tells the story of Telford’s past while offering a peaceful haven for today’s visitors. Once at the heart of Shropshire’s mining and ironworking industries, the park has been beautifully reclaimed by nature, now home to wildflower meadows, ponds, and thriving woodlands that burst with autumn colour.
Ways to walk
Most of the paths are gentle, making them ideal for relaxed dog and family walks, while more adventurous routes lead over steeper pit mounds that reward walkers with sweeping views across the Shropshire landscape.
Hidden gem
Among the greenery lie the remains of blast furnaces, a winding engine house, and the Donnington Wood Tub Boat Canal, one of Britain’s earliest canals, built in 1768. Within the woodland, you’ll also find Waxhill Barracks, once part of the Lilleshall Company’s mining operations, which worked coal and ironstone until the early 1900s.
Turn it into a day out
After your walk, refuel at The Sutherland in Muxton, a stylish spot offering hearty meals and hand-crafted cocktails. For something more casual, the nearby Hundred Acre Kitchen serves up breakfast rolls, steak burgers, teas, coffees, and cakes. Perfect for a warm bite and a cosy sit-down.
Why locals love it
Winding through the heart of Newport, the canal offers a peaceful escape rich in heritage and wildlife, perfect for an autumn walk. Built in the 19th century to support Newport’s industrial trade, it now stands as a quiet reminder of the town’s past.
Along the leafy towpaths, you’ll spot historic wharves and bridges that hint at a bygone era of coal transport and local industry. Today, the canal is a haven for nature lovers: kingfishers flash across the water, moorhens nest in the reeds, and dragonflies glimmer in the crisp autumn light. Hedgerows and woodland burst with seasonal colour, creating a scenic backdrop for walkers of all ages. Whether you’re after a reflective stroll or a family outing, Newport Canal beautifully blends cultural legacy with natural charm, making it a must-visit this season.
Ways to walk
The Newport Canal walk offers a scenic and accessible route suitable for walkers of all ages, providing a tranquil setting for a stroll. The path is predominantly flat, making it ideal for families and dog walkers.
While the towpath is generally firm, it's advisable to wear appropriate footwear, especially during wetter conditions, as some sections may become muddy.
Hidden gem
As you walk along the canal, you'll encounter several historical features that offer a glimpse into the area's industrial past. Notably, a ‘Roving Bridge’, a unique structure that allowed horses to cross the canal without being unharnessed, stands as one of the few remaining examples of its kind in the UK.
Turn it into a day out
Time it with Newport’s indoor market (Fri–Sat) for fresh pastries, local produce, and craft finds before exploring the high street.
Simple autumn strolls with hidden magic
These walks aren’t just routes; they are ways to slow down, reconnect with nature, and uncover stories of giants, industry, and community. With every path leading to food, culture, or a hidden gem, a simple autumn stroll in the borough can become a whole day of discovery.
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