Leighton’s River Severn bend is easy to enjoy. With roadside parking and direct access to the viewing point, it’s a peaceful spot for everyone to take in the river’s slow curve through Shropshire and local wildlife including herons, ospreys, buzzards and kites.
Parking: Open air layby/surface off the B4380. No parking charges.
Accessible Parking; No designated Blue Badge parking is provided/
Number of Bays Available: Parking for up to 6 vehicles.
Surface Type of Car Park: Combination of Tarmac and a loose surface.
Bus Stops: Within 0.5 miles.
Due to the nature of the road, it is not recommended to walk from the bus stop in Leighton to the Viewing Point
Train Stations: The nearest train station is Telford (9 miles/14 kilometres).
Emily Giles, an artist with a learning disability, has made a special ceramic tile to help visitors connect with the landscape.
You can find it at the viewpoint.
Emily moulded clay and materials found in the local area into an organic shape and added simple tactile marks, textures, and words so everyone can ‘feel the landscape’.
This tile is one of a series created for the Open Horizons project, led by Lead Artist Roz Donati of Pneuma Affinity CIC, and made in collaboration with My Options, Telford & Wrekin.
Artist Statement
Emily loved being part of this project. She especially enjoyed painting the meandering river at Leighton Bends and spent time focusing on the details and patterns of the land around it.
Emily said, “I want people to enjoy my plaque and to notice the ‘S’ bend in the river. I loved working with the clay and would like to do it again.”
Emily took pride in her work and is excited to share it with others.
There are no barriers between the small car park and the viewing area.
The surface of the car park and viewing area is made up of a combination of Tarmac and a loose surface.
The ground is mainly flat but does have an uneven surface in places, including potholes.
Seating: One bench with brick backrest and armrests provided.
Level Access to Seating: Level access provided.
Touch: No particular touch sensory features.
See: Much loved view of the River Severn meander. Sheep in the fields.
Smell: No particular smells.
Hear: Wildlife such as birds and bees in the spring and summer months. Regular
traffic.
No general WC facilities on site.
No accessible WC facilities on site.
Nearest Changing Places facility is Morrisons Supermarket, Lawley Village, Telford TF3 5ES (6 miles/9.6 kilometres).
The Princess Royal Hospital, Apley Castle, Telford TF1 6TF
01952 641222 Open 24 hours.
Defibrillator provided at Leighton Village Hall.
A beautiful valley with accessible parking and benches to perch and enjoy the view.
The Knapp at Castle Pulverbatch offers a brief, gentle walk from the car park to a historic mound with wide views. Maintained paths and clear waypoints make it a welcome visit for all abilities.
The Soaring Club opens up endless horizons without the hard climb. With nearby parking, level access from the car park, and vast open space to watch gliders sweep the sky, it's a view everyone can enjoy.
A 30-hectare ancient oak woodland with a disused quarry nestled near Pontesbury, Poles Coppice offers hidden panoramic views across the Shropshire Hills.
