I parked at Bewdley, (Lax Lane car park)
..and walked along the River Severn. If you don't know Bewdley, allow time to explore its architecture, free museum, and cafes.
Bridges across the Severn are quite rare as it gets wider: the next bridge is 4.5 miles away at Arley, which is where I was heading.
A rowing session for new oarswomen
The path is easy to follow for the whole length
Ahead, the supports for the former Bewdley to Tenbury railway bridge.
The route passes some splendidly isolated cottages
... and some cosy-looking chalets; all different.
I admired this bark and wished I knew more about trees!
This bridge carries water supplies from the Elan Valley to Birmingham.
The path goes through Seckley Woods. If you prefer river views, you may like to do this walk in the winter (though the trains don't always run then!)
The green grass is the dam for Trimpley Reervoir
It carries the Severn Valley Railway
A close up: it was built in Coalbrookdale in 1881, by John Fowles, Engineer and Brassey and Co Contractors
A steam train passed nearby.
Arley village, from the footbridge. Lovely cafe, plus another in the nearby Arboretum. But I went to the village shop where they were selling limited edition Worcestershire Plum ice cream. Worth doing the walk for!
I ate it while admiring the view.
I could have returned to Bewdley on the other side of the river, but instead, I re-crossed the footbridge ...
...to Arley Station, with its handy timetable. (Different on different days, so it pays to check beforehand)
The ticket office
The fares: £5 to return to Bewdley. Bargain for such a fantastic experience!
On the platform
View from the train
Trimpley reservoir
You can hang out of the windows on old trains.
Bewdley Station
From the station footbridge.
Another train comes steaming though
A clear view of the fire which stokes the boiler.
It is possible to walk back from Arley, on the other side of the river, making it a walk of around 8.5 miles. But why would you when you can ride on a fabulous old train? Check the timetable by clicking here
Today's walk: Park in Bewdley and follow the riverside path to Arley. The best side is to have the river on your right. The path is clear and it is a good 4 miles - don't believe the fingerpost which says it's 3.5 miles. The walk is clearly signposted and easy to follow. Some of the path may be muddy after rain. And it took me longer than I thought it would. Visit Arley village then walk back over the footbridge to Arley Station. Train ride back to Bewdley, and return to your car.
NB Check the timetables carefully as they change depending on day/season. Allow 2.5/3 hours for the walk: this should give you time for an ice cream/visit to the cafe.
NB 21st-26th September is the Flying Scotsman event. No tickets available on those days. On days when no events are planned, you can just turn up and pay at the station.
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