Shrewsbury & Newport Canal gravel towpath

Shropshire's lost waterways were once a hub of industry, transporting coal from Telford to Shrewsbury in the 18th century, and iron ore and limestone during the 19th century. Several feats of engineering grace the now peaceful canals, including the Trench Incline, which raised boats by some 75ft and continued working until 1921; Longdon-on-Tern Aqueduct; Berwick Tunnel - the first tunnel of a significant length which had a towpath through it - and eleven guillotine-gated locks, two of which can still be seen at Hadley Park, Telford. Today, the fine gravel of the towpaths, leisure and liveaboard boats and abundance of wildlife offers a perfect playground for cyclists, walkers and runners.

Gravel path along the old canal lots of walkers.