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The Ironbridge Gorge

The Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire is an extraordinary place where nature and history have combined to produce a landscape of great beauty.

  • England

  • 6 nights
  • Half Board
  • Culture

  • May

    Aug

    Oct

  • Average group size: 12-14

Moderate

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Walking grade

Grade 4

This Grade 4 moderate holiday includes walks at a moderate pace and each day will include an element of sightseeing; usually at the start or end of the day. Terrain will often be hilly and paths generally good. The walking each day will be around 3.5 hours of walking (plus sightseeing time) and the average length of the walks is 7 miles. Ascents and descents will be between 170m and 450m. 

See the 'Proposed Itinerary' section for more information.

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Meticulously curated, guided walking holiday itineraries that delve into the culture, wildlife, cuisine, and rich history of the world.

Overview

Holiday Highlights

  • The Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where nature and history have combined to produce a landscape of great beauty.
  • Walks take us along lanes, dismantled railway lines, canal paths and footpaths. There are wildflowers in profusion in spring and summer and autumn colours in the woodland.
  • Enjoy views of the River Severn in the magnificent gorge.
  • Walk the Coalbrookdale Trail and enjoy its industrial heritage.
  • Stop at Ironbridge Museums and other local landmarks with some free time to enjoy them.

The Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire is an extraordinary place where nature and history have combined to produce a landscape of great beauty. After the Ice Age, the River Severn carved out the gorge, which revealed the iron, coal and clay seams that provided the raw materials for the Industrial Revolution. The area was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

Most walks start directly from your hotel and take you along lanes, dismantled railway lines and canal tow-paths as well as countryside footpaths and bridleways through farmland and valleys. The gorge is surrounded by woodland, conserved by the Severn Valley Countryside Trust.

Walks will include sections of long distance trails such as the Shropshire Way, The Severn Way and The Coalbrookdale Trail. You will also venture further afield to Benthall Hall, Buildwas Abbey and Much Wenlock with its Priory.

We include a Passport Ticket to all of the Ironbridge Museums. We'll allow for some free time to explore more. Darby’s blast furnace in Coalbrookdale, Coalport China Museum, Jackfield Tiles, the inclined plane system at Blists Hill to move barges between levels without locks and of course the Bridge itself, built by the ironmasters in 1780 as the first iron bridge in the world, are among the highlights. You'll also gain an insight into the lives of the industrialists, engineers and workers who made this such an iconic place.

  • En suite three-star hotel accommodation on a half board basis
  • Annual Passport Ticket to the Ironbridge Gorge Museums – valid for 12 months
  • All local transport required for the itinerary by private taxi
  • Services of a Discover Tour Leader
  • Wenlock Priory entrance - free to English Heritage members
  • Buildwas Abbey entrance - FREE OF CHARGE to all
  • Benthall Hall entrance - free to National Trust members
  • Personal expenses (such as your bar bill)
  • Lunches
  • Discretionary tips
  • Optional excursions
  • Travel insurance

Holiday Information

Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.

NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen

View Holiday Information Sheet

Tour Codes

79766

Itinerary & Travel

Itinerary Details

Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.

Your Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival day

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Independent arrival at The Valley Hotel from 3pm. Meet your tour leader in the hotel at approximately 6.30pm for a briefing before dinner. All evening meals are taken in the hotel restaurant.

Day 2

Coalbrookdale and beyond

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    3.5 plus time for sightseeing hours

  • Distance

    6.5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    285m

On this holiday we include five walking days and visits to most of the Ironbridge Museums (an annual Passport Ticket for entrance to the Ironbridge museums will be given to you by your leader today).

There will be the opportunity for some sightseeing in the morning as you walk up the Sabbath Walk route to Coalbrookdale. Reaching the village via the mill stream, you'll stop to admire the well preserved houses of rich and poor and admire the blast furnace where Abraham Darby smelted iron using coke. After a visit to the Museum of Iron, you will continue into the hills to Little Wenlock and back through meadows to the hotel.

Day 3

Broseley and Benthall Hall

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    4.25 plus time for sightseeing hours

  • Distance

    8.4 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    260m

There will be time in Broseley today; a delightful village with a welcoming community with iron sculptures. There is a pleasant coffee stop on the way to Benthall Hall and the route we take passes through the narrow alleys known as the 'Jitties' and we also walk past the former lime quarries and kilns of Benthall Edge Wood. Time can be spent at the National Trust property of Benthall Hall and after we descend to the Iron Bridge via the Shropshire Way. 

Day 4

Blists Hill

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    3.5 plus time for sightseeing hours

  • Distance

    6 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    260/264m

Today is a varied walk starting through the upper streets and alleys of Ironbridge then the woodland of Lloyds Coppice to Blists Hill where we will explore the canals, former mines and blast furnaces, and the iconic Inclined Plane. There is then some free time for lunch and visits to the attractions of the Victorian town. Travel back in time to the Victorian days at Blists Hill - perhaps buy 'old money' at the bank and join in a sing song at the pub. 

Day 5

Jackfield and Coalport

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    3.5 plus time for sightseeing hours

  • Distance

    8.6 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    128/134m

Today's walk takes us first along the firmer Severn Valley railway line to Coalport, the junction of canal and river, and site of the China works, now a museum. There will be time for a morning coffee stop and the option to stop at a delightful pub for lunch next to the river. 

Finally, you will walk down to Jackfield, the site of the former tile industry, and visit the stunning Tile Museum.

Day 6

Much Wenlock to Buildwas

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    3.5 plus time for sightseeing hours

  • Distance

    7 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    191/355m

Private transport takes you to Much Wenlock, the site of St Milburga’s Priory and also home of the founder of the new Olympics for your final walk of the holiday. There will be time to look around this bustling and friendly market town. Your walk then ascends Wenlock Edge and descends through woods, fields and along Sheinton Brook to meet the River Severn near Buildwas Abbey and return. There is an option to shorten the walk slightly and walk directly down to the Iron Bridge rather than visit the Abbey. 

Day 7

Departure day

Meals

Breakfast

Farewells and independent departure from the hotel. Check out is by 11am. 

Please remember that your Passport Ticket is valid for 12 months. 

We hope you have enjoyed your holiday and look forward to welcoming you on another soon.

Departure dates for your selected tour

18th May 2025 - 24th May 2025 (6 Nights)

24th Aug 2025 - 30th Aug 2025 (6 Nights)

5th Oct 2025 - 11th Oct 2025 (6 Nights)

Travel Details

Private transport to and from the trailheads, if necessary, is included.

Accommodation

Accommodation information

Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.

Valley Hotel

We stay at the three-star Best Western Valley Hotel, situated very close to Coalbrookdale and the Iron Bridge. It was once the home of Henry Dickinson, ironmaker, and then Arthur Maw, tilemaker, and is still decorated with Maw's products. A beautiful terrace and lawn stretch down to the River Severn. The spacious bar and 2 AA Rosette restaurant, where breakfast and evening meals are taken, overlook the gardens. 

The Best Western Valley Hotel is a Grade two listed building built during the 1750’s, and pre-dates the famous Ironbridge. Some rooms are situated in the old house, and some rooms are located in the old servant quarters and the stables have been absorbed by the main hotel to provide Mews style accommodation, accessed by glass covered walkways.

The well-appointed bedrooms are all clean and comfortable and tastefully decorated offering a 'home from home' environment for you to relax and unwind. All rooms have tea/coffee making facilities, flat screen television and complimentary Wi-Fi. 

Please note that whilst the hotel does charge a single room supplement, all of the single rooms are quite small and have an actual single bed. Please do not expect to have a double room for sole occupancy. 

Trip Information

All the details you need

Holiday Grade

This Grade 4 moderate holiday includes walks at a moderate pace and each day will include an element of sightseeing; usually at the start or end of the day. Terrain will often be hilly and paths generally good. The walking each day will be around 3.5 hours of walking (plus sightseeing time) and the average length of the walks is 7 miles. Ascents and descents will be between 170m and 450m. 

See the 'Proposed Itinerary' section for more information.

Walks & Excursions

Local Transport Costs

In the holiday cost, we have included all local transport expenses related to the advertised activity programme for your convenience. If there are additional visits or excursions to enrich your experience, you can choose to participate and cover the costs locally. Depending on the itinerary, local transport may involve a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses, and ferries.

Optional Excursions

At your destination, you may have the option to book various local excursions and activities through a local operator. It's important to note that we are not involved in these activities or excursions, and we do not operate, supervise, or control them in any way. Your contract will be directly with the local activity supplier, and we bear no responsibility for their actions or omissions.

Spending Money

Holiday Budgeting

When budgeting for your holiday, you will need to consider drinks, non-included entrance fees, optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally and any souvenirs or additional services such as laundry. 

Entrance Fees

Please can you budget for visits to Buildwas Abbey (free to all and free to English Heritage members), Benthall Hall (£9 per person in 2024 or free to National Trust members) and Wenlock Priory (£8.10 per person in 2024 or free to English Heritage members). These entrances are not included in your holiday price. At the time of writing, 2025 prices are not available. 

Tipping

In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.

Tour Leaders & Local Guides

Tour Leaders

Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organised they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations.  Your tour leader takes care of all the local administration, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.

Leader's Evening Briefing

Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.

Your Travel Details

Personal Details Check

To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.

Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.

You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.

Meals

This tour is offered on a half board basis. Meals are provided at the hotel, and lunches are at your own expense.

Footwear & Kit List

Footwear

Lightweight waterproof walking boots with a good, moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks.

General Kit List

Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.

If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:

  • Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers
  • Lightweight quick-drying trousers
  • Walking T-shirt/shirts
  • Walking socks
  • Fleece or jumper
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and sun block
  • Warm hat and gloves (if appropriate)
  • Swimwear (if appropriate)
  • Day sack (this should be able to carry all you would need for the day's activity)
  • Day sack liner
  • Water bottle - at least 1 litre capacity (more than 1 bottle may be required)
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Lunchbox
  • Walking poles (should you find them useful)
  • Sit mat

This list is not exhaustive, and every walker is different and may have their own preference.

Travel Documents Checklist

Documents and Information to take with you:

  • Holiday money
  • Credit or debit cards (and separate details of who to call if lost)
  • Car parking ticket and car park directions (if prebooked)
  • Coach or rail travel tickets (if prebooked)
  • Holiday booking confirmation document
  • Travel insurance details (if applicable)
  • Details of any medical condition or allergy your holiday leader should know about

Water To Go

Opting for filtered water from a reusable bottle with its built-in water filter, like the Water-to-go bottle available at www.watertogo.eu, is a sustainable alternative to single-use sealed water bottles. Simply refill it from any water source and contribute to saving the environment from disposable plastic bottles.

Exciting news: Water-to-go has introduced two new bottles to their collection. The Active bottle is designed to fit bike water bottle holders, and the Sugarcane bottle is an even more planet-friendly option. Crafted from fibrous cane, a by-product of liquid extraction, it undergoes a process to create plant-based plastic. Explore the details on the Water-to-Go website for this innovative new range.

As a token of appreciation for your commitment to the environment, we've secured an exclusive 15% discount with Water-to-Go for you. Visit www.watertogo.eu and use the code RWH17 during your order.                        

Note: If you're booked on a long-haul holiday, you'll receive a complimentary Water to Go bottle, sent to your home address 2 or 3 weeks before your holiday. Thank you for being a part of our sustainable journey!

Maps, Guidebooks & Other Information

Maps, Guidebooks & More

The walks we carry out on this holiday are covered by:

Explorer 242 Telford, Ironbridge & The Wrekin (1:25,000) or the smaller Yellow Map available for just £3.99 from the Museum of the Gorge. 

Further reading - Ironbridge Gorge by Catherine Clark.

The Map Shop

If you cannot find the maps or books locally, we recommend:

The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England

Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com

If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.

Weather

Visit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:

Staying Healthy On Holiday

Health requirements in destination can change, and it's crucial for you to take responsibility in staying informed. Ensure that you consult a professionally qualified source and comply with any health requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before your departure. Your GP can provide advice on vaccinations. Stay proactive about your health preparations to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Health Advice for United Kingdom

No compulsory immunisations are required for holidays in the UK although you should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended for life in Britain. Tetanus immunisation is recommended.

Further Travel Advice

For further advice please visit:

You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.

Travel Insurance

It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.

The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.

Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.

In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.

If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.

Our house broker MPI should be considered for whom we are an affiliate and contact information is on our website and will be referred to in your booking confirmation.

If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.


Personal Safety

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is your go-to for the latest info on security, local laws, and the nitty-gritty of passports and visas at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Make sure to take a quick peek at the current advice for your upcoming destination—it'll only take a few minutes.

When you're out and about, stay aware of your surroundings. Take smart precautions with your credit cards and passport, and maybe tone down the flashy accessories. Less is more, especially when it comes to carrying cash—just enough for the day will do. Consider using a money belt for that extra layer of security. Stay alert, stay safe, and make the most of your travels!

Cultural Awareness

Responsible Travel

We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust

Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust is passionate about making the outdoors more accessible for more people from all communities. We grant funds to many organisations and have recently partnered with Mind Over Mountains, Adaptive Grand Slam, and other groups to create an enduring impact on people’s lives and to support them to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, the Trust makes many small grants to local organisations such as Ramblers Groups, Walkers are Welcome, My kind of Books and recently provided a small grant, via his scouting group, to enable a young man whose family had fallen on hard times to complete his DofE Gold award.

Patron of the Trust is the renowned explorer, Mark Wood. Over 20 years Mark has undertaken expeditions to some of the most remote parts of our planet. Our shared values make for an exciting partnership, and we believe that by standing shoulder to shoulder we can encourage people from all communities to enjoy being active outdoors in whatever way suits them best.

For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.

Heart and Sole

We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. See our website for more information and details of some of the projects we support.

Staying In Touch

Mobile Phones

Kindly share a mobile phone contact number with us. We'll utilize this solely for crucial communication pertaining to your holiday arrangements.

Ensure your mobile phone remains switched on and easily accessible when en route to the airport or during transit delays. This way, we can promptly reach you with any last-minute updates concerning your travel plans.

In consideration of others, we request that you switch off your mobile phone during walks or try to limit its usage. Additionally, during group meals, please minimize the use of mobile devices. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone on the journey.

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