Sunday 4 December 2016

04/12/16 - The Coalbrookdale Inn

Distance - 5 Miles
Geocaches - 11
Walk Inspiration - Walk 8 Country Walking Magazine April 2015

Plenty of interest on this walk from Coalbrookdale, near Ironbridge.  We have some fine scenery, tonnes of Geocaches, many museums and a Good Beer Guide pub to tick off.

We start at Dale End Car Park and head straight out into the countryside, climbing through fields and woodland, with the cooling towers of the old power station constantly in view.

Coalbrookdale
Coalbrookdale Coppice
Ironbridge Power Station
Ironbridge Power Station
Views
Stunning views if you look away from the Power Station


If anything, there are too many caches.  Mrs Mappiman is worried about exactly when her lunch will provided.  She's also a little disturbed about some of the camouflage.  Twice she exclaims "is that someone's manky sock" and then refuses to hold the cache whilst I sign the log.

We arrive at the Museum of Iron, ignoring the chance to visit a Quaker burial ground.  Under the viaduct and delight is found in the shape of the Coalbrookdale Inn.

Coalbrookdale Viaduct
Coalbrookdale Viaduct
Coalbrookdale Inn
The Good Beer Guide Recommended Coalbrookdale Inn

The guide has now paid for itself.  This is a little cracker of a pub that I wouldn't have found without the recommendation.  Much needed warmth after a chilly December walk from the coal fire (they have a lot of it around here) and two rolls with chips and two drinks for 40p over a tenner.

Just enough time pre-meal to explore the Victorian glassworks in the three rooms and say hello to the group of old boys who have gone out to "walk their dogs".

Hobsons Town Crier
Pre Chips.  Dog Walkers at the rear
Only trouble with stopping half way through is that its a wrench to get going again.  In hindsight and with better planning, we could have started at the Museum, saving this highlight till the end.

In a bid to keep harmony, I do adapt the walk slightly - knocking a mile off by following the Ironbridge Way marker signs back to its obvious destination.  This turned out to be an inspired choice, as the walking took us through some of the older housing clinging to the hillside and down a very steep flight of steps running underneath a church.

Coming Back into Ironbridge
Through the Houses
Walking under the Church
Under the Church
Ironbridge
To the obvious destination

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