National Cycle Route 45
Part of the 270 mile National Cycle Route 45 follows the Severn Valley between the Ironbridge Gorge and Bewdley, crossing the railway twice.
After following the disused trackbed from Ironbridge, the route goes through the town of Bridgnorth before deviating away from the course of the river, returning to cross the railway at the Underbridge at Hampton Loade. It then follows the railway closely from Hampton Loade Station towards Country Park Halt.
This part of the Cycle Route was built by Shropshire County Council in 2003. The SVR was initially opposed to its construction as it would be on the SVR’s land and in close proximity to the line. However agreement was reached after considerable discussion with the Council, and today the route is popular with both cyclists and walkers.
The Cycle Route 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.
Although no longer following the railway, the Cycle Route continues through Stourport and Hartlebury.
There are a number of farm crossings between Hampton Loade and Country Park which also cross the Cycle Route.
Hampton Loade Station seen from the Cycle Route (right)
This Mercian Way marker overlooks the railway
