Last night and this morning I breakfasted in M and G's motor caravan. It is so comfortable and the conversation so convivial I could have stayed much longer, but there was a job to be done.
Severe rain had been forecast but I saw none all day. Pleasant walking had me between Coalport and Ironbridge for lunch where I found a bench to munch cheese sandwiches enhanced with Gayle's chutney followed by her tea bread - I really have been spoilt.
At Ironbridge I crossed paths with my 2008 LEJOG and more recently my Severn Way. It is difficult to devise a route that does not coincide with previous ones. There is one of those English gems in Ironbridge, and taking the slogan from another it is a "celebrated pork pie establishment". Despite being recently victualled I had to succumb which meant crossing the bridge when my route did not.
After that I missed some turning and found myself on an ever diminishing, perilous riverside path perched above the river. I knew there must be a proper path higher up and I had a desperate time scrambling up a steep banking, but I'm still here.
Next I followed an ambiguous Cross Britain Way sign pointing up wooden steps. I must have climbed five hundred of these right to the crest above the Ironbridge gorge only to find I had been misdirected, so it was back down again - all good fitness training; mmm!.
Why oh why didn't I take photos of the banking scramble and the steps?
Massive valley side reconstruction contra floods above the R. Severn between Coalport and Ironbridge
Long may Eley's continue
I think that will be three photos I have in my collection of this famous bridge
Looking down to Ironbridge from the top of the steps
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It stayed dry (and even sunny this afternoon) for us too. All of the trees needing attention are now at least half their original height and all waste tipped; didn't expect to achieve that with today's forecast.
ReplyDeleteDid the shoes fare okay? We've held on to the old pair, just on case.
I love the sign over the pie shop: 'Hand Raised Pork Pies'!
ReplyDelete:-)
I'd love to have done this walk with you Conrad. I'm just catching up, but notice you've been in Beckbury, just down the road from Ryton, where I lived from 1954 to 1961 after moving there from Wolverhampton. I went to junior school in Albrighton and often cycled to the Ironbridge area on trainspotting trips.
ReplyDeleteHappy Days!
Gayle - I sent you an email which I hope you've received. Shoes are fine. Please ditch the others. Well done with the trees. Thanks for everything.
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John J. - there are some comments it is wise not to reply to, but I do appreciate your humour.
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Phreerunner - that is true coincidence. Such a small village. I am enjoying this Macmillan more than the Boston/Abbotsbury