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'''National Cycle Route 45 runs alongside ''' travels in sections from Chester to Salisbury, a total distance of 219 miles.<ref>Sustrans.org</ref> Part of the route follows the SVR from [[Hampton Loade | Hampton Loade Station]] towards [[Country Park HaltSevern Valley]]. The Cycle Route leaves between the SVR a short distance before the HaltIronbridge Gorge and Bewdley, turning away into the main area of utilising the Country Park. However a footpath continues to former trackbed and crossing the Halt itselfpresent day railway twice.

The Cycle Route was built by Shropshire County Council in 45 crosses from the east bank of the [[River Severn Valley Railway Timeline 2000-2009#2003 | 2003]]to the west bank via Abraham Darby’s bridge at Ironbridge. The SVR was initially opposed to its construction as From the site of the former [[Ironbridge|Ironbridge station]], now the main town car park, it would be on then closely follows the SVR’s land disused trackbed southwards via [[Jackfield Halt]], [[Coalport]] and in close proximity [[Linley]] to the lineedge of Bridgnorth Golf Club. However agreement was reached after considerable discussion with From there the CouncilRoute follows roads through the town, continuing up Hollybush Road where it passes under the footbridge outside [[Bridgnorth|Bridgnorth Station]] and today crosses the route is popular with both cyclists former line between the station and walkers[[Bridgnorth Tunnel]].

South of Bridgnorth, the Route then follows the road through the villages of Eardington and Chelmarsh, returning to cross the railway at the [[Underbridge at Hampton Loade]]. From there it runs alongside the present day railway from [[Hampton Loade | Hampton Loade Station]] towards [[Country Park Halt]].  This part of the Cycle Route was built by Shropshire County Council in [[Severn Valley Railway Timeline 2000-2009#2003 | 2003]]. The SVR Board initially decided to oppose its construction as it would be on the SVR's land and in close proximity to the line. However it transpired that the SVR's rejecting the cycle path could have adversely affected a number of other projects being put forward for European funding at the time, including [[The Engine House]]. After revised plans were drawn up including suitable fencing and landscaping of the cycle path to minimise its impact on the Railway, and following considerable discussion, the Board agreed to support the project.<ref>SVR News 146, "Boardroom Notes"</ref> Today the route is popular with both cyclists and walkers. Route 45 leaves the SVR a short distance before the Halt, turning away into the main area of the Country Park. However a footpath continues to the Halt itself. After passing through the Country Park, Route 45 crosses the railway again at [[Arley Station Bridge]], then enters the [[Wyre Forest]], where it follows the trackbed of the [[Wyre Forest Line]] towards [[Bewdley]].  Between Bewdley and Stourport, Route 45 passes under the part of the [[Stourport Branch]] owned by the SVR via the road underbridge between Bewdley South junction and Mount Pleasant tunnel (item SVR022* in the [[Wyre Forest District Council Local Heritage List]]). East of [[Stourport]], Route 45 re-joins the former trackbed by the old railway bridge over the [[Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal]]. From there it follows the trackbed towards [[Hartlebury]] for approximately 1 mile before turning away towards the south at Charlton Lane. There are a number of [[List of infrastructure | farm crossings ]] between Hampton Loade and Country Park which also cross the Cycle Route. <gallery mode=packed heights=150px style="text-align:left">File: Crossing_13_20150528.jpg | Hampton Loade Station seen from the Cycle Route (right)File:Mercian Way 20090817.jpg | This Mercian Way marker overlooks the railwayFile:Cycle path through Wyre Forest - geograph.org.uk - 1149603.jpg | Road overbridge in the Wyre ForestFile:SVR022star.JPG | Bridge SVR022* on the Stourport Branch</gallery>

[[List Farm crossing north of infrastructuremilepost 145]]<br>[[Farm crossing north of near milepost 145]] ==References==<references/> ==Links==*[https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-45/ Route 45 on the Sustrans web site]