Hi folks.
Everybody gearing up for a river trip this year?
The more adventurous families always incorporate a few water activities into their holiday while abroad. Stories are frequent about the Ardeche and Dordogne rivers from a UK visitor perspective but ever wondered what’s in your own back yard?
Take the World Heritage site of Ironbridge Gorge. Close to Telford, Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Oswestry participants can paddle a 7 mile stretch taking 2½ to 3½ hours. You can choose from a canoe, double or single sit on top kayak, mini raft or Mega stand up paddle board. This stunning section, that I have run numerous times, includes a free minibus shuttle upstream to the start so your car is waiting at the end.
It’s great to know there are such fun stretches of river like this one in Shropshire that starts in the southern tip of Ironbridge Gorge and finishes in the stunning market town of Bridgnorth.
Whether it’s the big Grey Heron that routinely follow us downstream or the Kingfishers darting in and out of the river banks, the Shropshire solitude calms you.
As soon as you set off from Coalport under your first bridge, you’ll see the Woodbridge Inn on your right side. A great pub to visit for a bite to eat or a drink by the river in its picturesque setting. You’re soon immersed in the peace and quiet of the Shropshire countryside, so take a breath and let the stresses of everyday life wash away as you paddle downstream.
After passing by Apley farm bridge and Apley Hall which is halfway through your trip keep a keen eye open for the sandstone caves. Sorry but the caves are too high up to access!
Enjoy the rest of the beautiful scenery as you paddle downstream back to civilisation. At the end of your trip in Severn Park you have a 2 minute walk back to your car for add convenience. With lots of places to eat and drink in Bridgnorth, independent shops and the famous Cliff Railway you can really make a fun day out with family and friends after your trip on the river.
Check out your local river canoe hire firm to find local gems. As the author, as a father and a long standing river guide, I too (like you) can enjoy canoe hire near me.
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