08/08/16 - The Ship Inn, Highley

Distance - 4.6 Miles
Geocaches - 6
Walk Inpsiration - AA 50 Walks in Shropshire
Pub - The Ship Inn, Highley - Hobsons

Rules to stop Doggers from entertaining themselves forbid us from parking at the Severn Country Park at Highley, Shropshire.  Honestly, height of Summer and the picnic area bolts the gates at 7pm.

We're in Highley to make the most of the fast disappearing light evenings.  There is a walk that has picqued my interest for some time.  Borle Brook is one of those strange places that Shropshire seems to throw up quite regularly.  A deep sided gorge, hidded from the outside world with a splattering of references to it's historical past.  Today, an 18th Century Pack Horse bridge and some light industry from the village's mining past.

To add a 21st Century flavour to proceedings, there is a Geocache trail laid by my 2nd most found CO - BlokieBloke.  Thanks for the caches!

18th Century Donkey Bridge

The splendidly isolated Borle Brook

The walk is OK - overgrown in places, angry bovines in others.  It's a straightforward up and down both sides of the brook and return into the village to check out the amenities.

Handful of Summer Evenings remaining

The Church Micro at Highley

Post walk refreshments?  We looked around Highley Village - its a fair sized - containing shops, takeaways, a sculpture trail to its mining heritage but it was hard to tell if the Bache Arms was actually open.  It looked rather forlorn.  So we headed down to the Ship Inn.

Its nice to be able to report an improvement in pub heritage.  The Ship Inn has a prime location, down by the Severn Valley Railway stop and right on the river.  The last time I went, it had a real run down feel about it - with a couple of scabby looking benches outside.  It appears to have had considerable investment.

A lovely new patio area - only causing problems when you drop a pound coin (me) or a lighter (fisherman) and they disappear down the gap.  No doubt the owner sends down a Miner's offspring to collect up the booty at the end of the week.

Five real ales, including the lesser spotted Banks Mild, and a decent looking menu.

Most importantly, more punters than the staff could deal with.  On a Monday Night.  Great to see.

And my discovery for the evening - Hobson's compliment their wonderful Town Crier with the perfect snack - handcooked scratchings.

Pub Makeover

Perfect Pint, Snack and Views