Planets Align in Shifnal
Shifnal has been on my destination list for ages, and today, everything fell into place. My monthly scan of Ramblers Group walks revealed the Shrewsbury Group was heading there—perfect timing. That’s the beauty of the Ramblers: one subscription grants access to countless walks and groups, each filled with fascinating people.
In today’s group, I met a man who very nearly ran the best steak pub in the county and another planning a Saturday pub crawl through all the Bathams tied houses. If only the Cape of Good Hope was still open—and if I weren’t already bound for the Albion on Saturday!
Another great perk of Ramblers walks? No planning required. You simply show up and set off on what feels like a magical mystery tour. Today’s route didn’t just shine thanks to the glorious weather—the walk leader, Kath, had done her homework, sharing stories and facts about the manor houses and mills dotted along Wesley Brook.
Walk Photos;
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| Ramblers always assemble at stiles |
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| Much debate about the distant hills - Wrekin and Clee Hills, my bet |
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| Lodge Hill, which we circumvent |
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| Mill Owners showing that humour is not just for Halloween |
Shifnal has a rich history tied to its role as a bustling coaching stop during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Situated on the London-to-Holyhead road, it served as a key staging post for horse-drawn coaches traveling between major cities. And this can mean only one thing - Coaching House pubs. A conversation in the Micropub told me that there were once 26 pubs in town. Of course, the number has significantly reduced now but 3 in the Good Beer Guide is not a bad haul.
The Plough is a C17th freehouse. I'm busy taking photos, waiting for another patron to enter. This leads to the landlord saying "I have no customers all day, then two enter at once".
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| Bingo! First GBG Tick of November |
Three Tuns XXX is one of my favourite pints. Alas, this wasn't up to scratch here. More punters required. Still, a decent enough traditional pub, with nice Xmas decorations.
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| Xmas comes to Shifnal |
In this part of the world, there's bound to be a Black Country Ales Pub. When I return, there will be two, with the White Hart going through a refurb. Today, it's a little walk to The Anvil but all worth it for the roaring fire.
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| Accidental Selfie |
Everything else in order with the BCA blueprint. Cobs, traditional games and beers that you have never heard of but are well kept. Moonraker by the Crafty One brewery anyone?
Just enough time for the perfectly positioned King's Yard MicroPub. Chip shop to the left, kebab to the right. Indian to the right +1. In fact, the Indian is unlicenced and you are allowed to take your pints from here and they will return the glasses. Biodiversity in action.
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| Perfect Positioning |
A couple of Wye Valley (my local's brewery), so I spent far too long perusing the chalk board before settling on pint of the day. Three Acre Brewery Harlequin Green Hop.
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| A Pubby Micro |
A painless return home, with all public transport running to time. We'll file today under "Success". Let's hope the Shrewsbury Group pick another good pub town in the near future. Or I get an invite to next year's Bathams crawl.
