This is an important and attractive fourteen mile green corridor route for walkers and cyclists between Bratton and Coalport. Much of the route follows either the former GWR (Great Western Railway) Wellington - Market Drayton railway or the former Shropshire Canal, later replaced by the Wellington - Coalport railway.
It was created remembering Lewis Silkin, the Minister responsible for the post-war Labour Government's New Towns Act, 1946. Dawley New Town was designated in 1963 but expanded and renamed Telford in 1968. The Town Park - Coalport section of the route was opened by Prime Minister, Jim Callaghan, in 1977; the northern part was added later. It is marked with distinctive black iron wheels at important junctions.
Along the Silkin Way, there are examples of the area’s past. Of particular interest are:
- Apley Castle Park
- Leegomery Mill
- Hadley Park Lock
- the award-winning Town Park with its variety of man-made and natural features
- the spectacular Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site
- the Blists Hill Open Air Museum
- Coalport China Works
- Coalport Bridge.
Whilst it can be walked one-way or easily cycled both ways in a day, its fascinating environment merits a more leisurely exploration.
Download the Silkin Way walking and cycling route
View our image gallery of the Silkin Way walking route
Last updated: 22/03/2021 11:53
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