Easy hikes and walks around Morville

Bridgnorth Cliff railway

BRIDGNORTH, St. Mary Magdalene. Photo taken from the bridge

Bridgnorth is beautifully perched atop a sandstone cliff with spectacular views of the Severn Valley. Being divided by the river gives off the impression of it being two towns really, a high town and a low town. It's a pretty place and has an interesting history going back to the English civil war and some more. Well worth a visit.

Path no muddy in July

Bridge can get very busy so worth pushing the bike at times. Excellent views when water is up.

These riverside meadows in Bridgnorth underneath the A458 are grassy with taller species like Knapweed and Oxeye daisy. A lovely place to stroll around and you can read about the different species present on our information board next to the river. B-lines (short for Biodiversity Lines) are a simple, yet elegant, landscape-scale approach to help address pollinator declines. Since the 1930s we have lost a staggering 97% of semi-natural grasslands in the UK; that’s the equivalent to an area the size of Wales). Urbanization, agricultural intensification and development have dwindled wildflower-rich habitats to marooned islands in an increasingly busy world. Meaning pollinators cannot move to find food, nest or hibernation sites, or in response to climate change.

Location: Quayside Bridgnorth was once one of England’s most important inland ports. In 1756, there were 75 sailing vessels registered here. Bridgnorth had at least three boat-builders. The Severn trows were usually 60ft. (18.3m.) long by 14ft. (4.3m.); but one, built here in 1850, was 96ft. long (29m.). The river trade died out after the railway arrived in 1862. Historians think that there might have been a bridge here in the 10th century, but it was certainly here in 1272, when there was a fight recorded on Bridgnorth Bridge between two Broseley men. The bridge you see now has been much altered over the years and, in a previous form, had a gatehouse, houses and a chapel on it. Sponsor: Perry & Phillips Funeral Directors Perry & Phillips Funeral Directors have proudly served Bridgnorth and the surrounding areas since 1835. The name of Perry & Phillips is synonymous with all that is best in funeral direction, and the services, facilities and premises provided at Perry & Phillips have been carefully developed to produce a combination of efficiency, immediate attention and very personal help. When called upon to arrange a funeral, complete responsibility is taken so that relatives have no more to worry about than is absolutely necessary at that difficult time.

Location: Castle GroundsSponsor: The Gild of Bridgnorth Freemen The first known castle in Bridgnorth was built by the Saxons and adopted by a Norman Earl in 1101 as a base for a plot against the King. Henry 1’s army took the new castle after a month’s siege and, from then on, a walled town began to grow in its shelter. In 1646 there was another siege in the English Civil War, and Parliamentary troops took the castle and then began its demolition. Explosives were used on the keep and that is what you see now, tilting at the crazy angle of 17 degrees. Artist: Amy Higgins Amy Higgins is a local painter and decorator with an artistic flair. She has always loved art and attended Bridgnorth Endowed School. She then attended Shrewsbury College where she completed a two-year course and apprenticeship in painting and decorating. She became self-employed with the help of the Prince’s Trust and now has 11 years’ experience of running a very successful business. Amy enjoys painting murals and has designed and painted many, particularly in children’s rooms, and has also supported her children’s school by painting backgrounds for their nativity. Amy’s design is based on the Freemen’s current role of guarding the Town Mayor on civic occasions, together with their ancient rights of driving sheep over the bridge and being drunk in the road without charge (alas no longer their right).