Cheswardine Walks – Walk 3 – Soudley, Hopshort, Little Soudley

Walk directions

1. Step 1

   Turn right at the Parish Hall into Podmore Road. At the end turn right onto Cheswardine High Street. Carry straight on past Westcott Lane and pass a further lane on the right.

2. Step 2

   After about 200m enter a field on the left at the waymarker and go diagonally across towards the end oak tree. On leaving the field cross and go along the lane opposite. (Depending on the season, this path may be inaccessible or difficult, in which case, carry on along the road, taking the first left by the bungalows and then the right fork 200m along continuing along the lane.)

3. Step 3

   At the T-junction, The Old Nook (double gates) is on the left, turn left and follow the road down keeping to the left.

4. Step 4

   Take the first right turn and as the road bends to the right (25m) go through the gate at the corner of the field. Head diagonally across to the oak tree midway along the hedge. Go through a gate, go straight ahead keeping the hedge on your right

5. Step 5

   Turn left into the lane and stay on the Newport Road (approx 500m) through the hamlet taking care to watch for traffic.

6. Step 6

   Just before Soudley Park Farm (half-timbered house) turn right and follow the track, black barns will come into view. Go between the trees (this is not the official path but to avoid walking through crops the landowner has given permission to use it). From here there are lovely views of The Wrekin. At the crossroads of footpaths take a left turn through the offset gate and left down the mown path towards Ellerton Wood Farm.

7. Step 7

   Cross the New Brighton canal bridge (No 51) and immediately take the steps to the towpath and go left under the bridge. Follow the towpath past Fox Bridge (No 52) to Halleman's Bridge (No 53).

8. Step 8

   Exit the towpath here and turn right onto Westcott Lane. Follow the lane for approx 500m. ** (Alternatively, carry on along Westcott Lane at **, turn left then left again to the Parish Hall.)

9. Step 9

   Turn left into the field over the stile by the waymarker. Head diagonally to the right across the field and cross another stile. Cross the farm track and keeping the hedge on the left, head for the village. Go through the gate into the narrow lane (Hell Lane) between the houses and on to the Parish Hall located on the right, past the playing field.