National Cycle Route 45

Part of the 270 mile National Cycle Route 45 follows the Severn Valley between the Ironbridge Gorge and Bewdley, utilising the former trackbed and crossing the present day railway twice.

The Cycle Route crosses from the east bank of the River Severn to the west bank via Abraham Darby’s bridge at Ironbridge. From the site of the former Ironbridge station, now the main town car park, it then closely follows the disused trackbed southwards via Jackfield Halt, Coalport and Linley to the edge of Bridgnorth Golf Club. From there the Route follows roads through the town, continuing up Hollybush Road where it passes under the footbridge outside Bridgnorth Station and crosses the former line between the station and 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. It then follows the present day 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 SVRSevern Valley Railway was initially opposed to its construction as it would be on the SVRSevern Valley Railway’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 SVRSevern Valley Railway 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.