Ifton Meadows is a local nature reserve reclaimed from Ifton Colliery. Spoil heaps and industrial clamour have been replaced by rolling rough grassland providing summer nesting for skylarks – listen out for their extended and varied tumbling trill.
Discover Shropshire Circular Walk 8 – St Martin’s
4 mile walk across Ifton Meadows Nature reserve to Wats Dyke.
Walk directions
Start
This is an attractive walk of considerable natural and historical variety. It starts at Stan’s – a substantial local supermarket, to the side of which lies our path.
Step 2
Soon you join a lane that takes you towards Ifton Meadows, a local nature reserve reclaimed from Ifton Colliery.
Step 3
A descent into a deep valley leads to a sharp climb levelling alongside a plantation of poplars.
Step 4
You cross Morlas Brook by an 18th century road bridge (it’s not obvious) and briefly join Wat’s Dyke at Escob Mill.
Step 5
The old Ellesmere/Oswestry railway embankment offers only a minor challenge, before the path joins the canal and leaves Wat’s Dyke at Preeshenlle Bridge.
Step 6
Leaving the canal the path takes you back up into the village.
Step 7
Go round the church dedicated to St Martin of Tours and cross to return to Stan's.