Walks And Walking – Ironbridge Walking Festival

Walks And Walking – Ironbridge Walking Festival – Saturday 3rd May 2014 – Sunday 11th May 2014

Now in its ninth year and bigger than ever before, the Ironbridge Gorge Walking Festival is offering a choice of over 50 free, varied and rewarding walks in and around the stunning Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, where the Industrial Revolution began over 300 years ago.

From challenging all day hikes for the more experienced walker, to family friendly trails and short informative walks, this year’s Festival has something to whet the appetite of all ages and abilities. With the newly acquired Walkers are Welcome status a warm welcome is guaranteed in the town.

As well as nearly 20 new walks, the 2014 Festival will be introducing the first 100 Mile Ironbridge Challenge. Those taking part must finish seven specified walks on seven different days with the combined mileage toping over 100 miles. Walkers completing the challenge will receive a certificate and woven badge for their rucksack.

All walks are free however pre-booking is essential; well behaved dogs on a lead are welcome on most walks but please check before booking by clicking here.

Walks And Walking – Ironbridge Walking Festival

About Ironbridge

The Ironbridge Gorge is a deep gorge formed by the River Severn in Shropshire and was originally called the Severn Gorge. The gorge now takes its name from its famous Iron Bridge, the first iron bridge of its kind in the world, and a monument to the industry that began there. The bridge was built in 1779 to link the industrial town of Broseley with the smaller mining town of Madeley and the growing industrial centre of Coalbrookdale.

There are two reasons the site was so useful to the early industrialists. The raw materials, coal, iron ore, limestone and clay, for the manufacture of iron, tiles and porcelain are exposed or easily mined in the gorge. The deep and wide river allowed easy transport of products to the sea.