Visiting the Weald Moors
Whether walking, cycling, driving or using public transport, there are plenty of ways to get around the east Shropshire moorlands
Cycling
Wellington lies on Route 81 of the National Cycle Network (which connects mid-Wales to the West Midlands), while Route 55 (which will eventually link Ironbridge and Preston) travels through Newport on its way to Stafford. To find out how these long-distance trails link into the local picture, it may be worth downloading a copy of Telford and Wrekin Borough Council’s cycling and walking map, which contains a plethora of options for heading out from either town onto the moorlands. Once there, you’ll find the Weald Moors is also home to an officially designated network of ‘quiet lanes’ suitable for cyclists, walkers and riders, which is centred around the village of Kynnersley.
Should you need help with spares and repairs, they can be found in Wellington at Perry’s Cycles, (33 Tan Bank TF1 1HJ) and in Newport at Nova Cycles (2 The Square, TF10 7AG).
Walking
Wellington is a ‘Walkers Are Welcome’ town, a national accreditation scheme that not only recognises excellent walking opportunities for local people and tourists but the quality of information available to them. For more details about local rights of way in the area, take a trip to the Wellington group’s website. For accessing the Weald Moors directly on foot, it’s hard to beat Newport as a starting point, and a walk down the old canal to Edgmond will present the intrepid walker with a range of options for travelling right into the heart of the Weald Moors using Public Rights of Way.
Public Transport/By Car
Wellington is the closest railway station to the Weald Moors and lies on the mainline between the mid-Wales coast and the West Midlands, with hourly services to Shrewsbury, Aberystwyth and Birmingham, and a twice daily train to London. Details and timings of local services can be found by visiting the National Rail Enquiries website (station code: WLN). Information about travelling with bicycles can be accessed via the websites of West Midlands Railway and Transport for Wales, the companies responsible for the majority of local services on the line.
Details of local bus services travelling through Wellington, Newport and the Weald Moors can be found by visiting the website of Arriva, the local service provider.
If you’re planning to visit the area by car, free parking is available at several sites around Wellington and Newport town centres. Limited parking (and some helpful tourist information boards) can also be found at Edgmond Village Hall, which is a great base for exploring the central moorlands on foot.
Light Refreshments
If you’re cycling or walking in the Weald Moors area and feel the need for a quick snack, general stores can be found in a number of villages around the moorlands, including:
Edgmond Village Stores and Post Office (TF10 8JW)
Waters Upton Community Centre (TF6 6NL)
The Humbers Stores, Donnington (TF2 8LR)
Spar, Shawbirch Shopping Centre (TF5 OLU)
Should you feel the need for a more substantial meal, there are a number of options outside Wellington and Newport:
The Queens at Horton (TF6 6DW)
The Lamb, Edgmond (TF10 8HU)
Red House Inn, Lilleshall (TF10 9EW)
Sutherland Arms, Tibberton (TF10 8LJ)
The Woolpack, Shawbirch (TF2 0LW)
The Ugly Duckling (formerly Buck’s Head), Long Lane (TF6 6HA)
Are we missing your business out? Let us know, and we’ll add it to the list.
Other Local Attractions
Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom (TF6 6DJ): Hoo Farm is a family run countryside attraction nestled in 32 acres of woodland and paddocks between Preston Upon The Weald Moors and Donnington.
Harper Adams University College (TF10 8NB): Located in the village of Edgmond, Shropshire’s premier seat of higher education has a stellar reputation for excellence and innovation in environmental sciences and sustainable food technology.
Shrewsbury and Newport Canal Trust (TF6 6DE): An organisation committed to returning the canals of the Weald Moors to full navigation, the SNCT is based at the historic Wappenshall Wharf. Bear in mind that you’ll need to check the website for open days at this private property, which is not normally open to the public.