John Newnham Walk – Around the Severn Loop to a Hidden Brook

Walk directions

1. Step 1

   From the town end of the Welsh Bridge walk along Victoria Quay into the Quarry Park and follow the path along the river bank. The first bridge is Porthill suspension bridge, a footbridge opened in 1923. Look out for a large wooden post with a huge hook as you approach the second bridge. This is the old ferry point. You now pass under Kingsland Toll Bridge which is a listed building.

2. Step 2

   As you approach the third bridge take the left fork, passing the needle monument to a prominent nineteenth-century surgeon and MP, William Clement, then turn right to walk across the Greyfriars footbridge. Use the pedestrian crossing ahead and turn left along Longden Coleham. Coleham Pumping Station Museum is on the opposite side of the road.

3. Step 3

   Cross Belle Vue road and take the minor road in front of the Seven Stars pub leading to a path under a railway bridge. Another pedestrian crossing then takes you to Asda car park. Cross the car park with the store closely on your right. At the end of the building you will see the Reabrook in the gulley ahead. Turn right along the footpath with the Reabrook on your left. After passing through the first gate do not use any of the gates through the fence along the river bank but keep closely to the buildings on your right. The path rises to a gate at the end of the buildings.

4. Step 4

   Go through the gate and turn left along the bank. This is an embankment of an old railway called The Potts Line. After 200yds and before you reach the road, descend to the left to find a tunnel under the road. Go through the gate into the field. Continue following the stream, now on your right, to another road tunnel and open fields. There are picnic tables in this area.

5. Step 5

   As you reach the houses ahead, take the path to the right to find a footbridge. Go over the bridge and then through a road tunnel leaving the Reabrook behind.

6. Step 6

   Take the first left into Grove Road and continue in this direction along Adams Ridge to the end. Turn right and then first left into Primrose Drive.

7. Step 7

   Look for Buttercup Way on the right which will take you to a footbridge over the railway into Montague Place.

8. Step 8

   Go straight ahead for 100 m and take the right turn leading to another railway bridge. Proceed into Havelock Road. This area is a maze of narrow little Victorian streets and squares with a variety of small and not so small houses. Criticised in the 19th Century for its lack of planning, the jumble of styles and sizes of property now has its own charm. At the T junction turn right and then next left into Belle Vue Gardens.

9. Step 9

   At the cross roads go straight over Longden Road into Kingsland Road. The old Trouncer's Brewery buildings are on your right, now luxury apartments. Go down the Pengrove bank to a footpath on the right. You are back to banks of the Severn.

10. Step 10

    Passing the Boathouse take the path going uphill to the left and zigzag up to the top of the bank. You are now in front of the old Foundlings Hospital and subsequent workhouse with its clock tower - now Shrewsbury School.

11. Step 11

    Take the path along the top with the school on your left. Pass through a small gate and continue until the path descends to the river bank.

12. Step 12

    Cross the Porthill suspension bridge noticing its bounce as you walk! Turn left for the Welsh Bridge and back to the start point.