New Much Wenlock Walks Launched

During the last year a project has been underway to establish five circular walks around Much Wenlock, including a route which has been named after William Penny Brookes, who is recognised as inspiring the modern Olympic Games.

The walks were officially launched on Saturday 13 August by Paul Francis of the Wenlock Footpaths Group at the Priory Hall.

Following a short opening ceremony the ribbon was cut by Wenlock Mayor Cllr Lesley Durbin, and members of the public then joined the group on a walk along the William Penny Brookes route.

At the launch it was also announced that Much Wenlock has also recently been awarded Walkers are Welcome status.

Sections of the Shropshire Way long distance footpath in the area have also been upgraded as part of the project. The work was funded by the Shropshire Hills LEADER project, Shropshire Council and Pughs of Shrewsbury Ltd.

The walks were planned by the local Much Wenlock Walking Group. Paths have been cleared and new gates; signposts and way-markers have been put in place, to make them as easy to access as possible.

A new guidebook has been printed and downloadable maps are available on this website and the Walking in Shropshire website. Podcasts and GPS co-ordinates will also be available soon.

Shropshire Councillor Steve Charmley, Cabinet member for active and healthy lifestyles, said: “Shropshire has some of the best circular walks in the country and these new routes provide another way for people to enjoy the beautiful Much Wenlock area.”

Milner Whiteman, Shropshire Councillor for Much Wenlock, said: “Much Wenlock is a wonderful destination for visitors and I hope that more people come to see what the area has to offer after the creation of these walks.

“The completion of this project is a fantastic achievement by everyone involved and it is hoped to hold an annual walking festival in future years based on this work.”.

The guidebook is available from Much Wenlock Visitor Information you can download all five walks for free here.

For more details please contact Jim Stabler, the Shropshire Council Access Development Officer on 01743 255067 or by email at jim.stabler@shropshire.gov.uk