Downbound Train

Shropshire 15-18 May 2015

Having been home from our Spanish trip for 5 weeks, it's time to get away again!

A forecast of good weather encouraged us to set off bright and early, which also gave us time to  have Theodora weighed on the weighbridge at the local recycling centre, something we had been meaning to do for some time.  The weight was recorded at 3400 kg but that included full water and fuel tanks so there is sufficient capacity for the bikes, carrier and increased quantities of food and clothes for longer trips.

The weather was indeed good, sunny and warm, which prompted a lunch stop at the National Trust  property, Wightwick Manor, southwest of Woverhampton.

This property was given to the National Trust by Sir Geoffrey Mander (MP and part of the Mander family – owners of the paint firm of the same name) and it was his wish that his home did not become a museum.  This has certainly been achieved; it felt as if someone from the time would appear at any moment.  The gardens are quite informal but beautiful nonetheless and we were delighted to see a pair of Canada Geese with their young brood nibbling at the grass.

Our destination for three nights was Woodcock Lodge Farm, a Caravan Club Certified Location at Hampton Loade, south of Bridgnorth.  This is a level and very peaceful site, with lovely views towards the River Severn and Severn Valley Railway.

It's just five minutes walk to the station at Hampton Loade, where we joined the train on which Chris, Marie and Ben had travelled up from Kidderminster, to take us all to Bridgnorth.  Bridgnorth, dating back to 912AD, is a market town with many historic buildings. It straddles the River Severn and comprises the Low and High Towns, linked by steps, a cliff railway or a meandering street and is well worth a visit.

After lunch we travelled down to Kidderminster together, said our goodbyes and John and I completed the round trip to Hampton Loade.  The railway journey is very interesting; we picked up a copy of “From the Window”, which details everything you can see along the line and suggests things to do either at or near to the various stations.  An added bonus was seeing the arrival of a luxurious Pullman train from London, being hauled by one of the Severn Valley Railway's locomotives, Taw Valley, fresh from a nine-year overhaul.

 

The Jack Mytton Way, Shropshire's long distance bridleway, is not far from the site and the next day we had a pleasant walk (just over an hour each way) past Chelmarsh Reservoir through fields to The Bull's Head at Chelmarsh, which provided a welcome refreshment stop before returning to the 'van.

We left the following day, in the rain, but this is certainly another area and site we would like to return to.