Wenlock: Walton Walk

Walk directions

1. Start

   FOLLOW THE GREEN MARKERS FOR 3km

   Start from the clock tower in the square. The SPAR shop was once owned by Thomas Cooke, Much Wenlock’s greatest philanthropist, who provided the square’s clock tower. He also repaired the tower of the Parish Church, adding new bells in memory of his wife. Turn right towards Broseley along Barrow Street, so named because in mediaeval times the hamlet of Barrow, with its Saxon church, was more important than Broseley. As you walk along Barrow Street you will soon pass, No. 29, a double-fronted house with bow windows and railings. In Victorian times it was one of many pubs in the town.

   Cross the road and look back at this house. It forms part of a long row of linked homes dating from mediaeval times. Originally, they had no upper windows. Further along Barrow Street on the left is Milburga’s Row. The remains of the Wimpress Well is at the bottom - one of the sources of water for the town until Victorian times. The large white building at No 2 Barrow Street was previously the Royal Oak pub. At the sharp bend in the road stood the town’s gasworks which opened in the mid 1800s. The manager’s house is still standing and marked by a small plaque. Until the late 1920’s Wenlock’s streets were lit by gas lamps. Some attribute the late arrival of electricity to the fact that some wealthy local people had investments tied up in the gasworks! Stick to the right hand footpath beyond the entrance to Forester Ave. Where the footpath comes to an end, turn right on to the footpath that joins Walton Ave.  (Marker 1)

2. Step 2

   Go down a narrow alley into the Walton estate, turn left up the road to the top and then between numbers 16 and 18 turn left along a narrow path, through a kissing gate.(Marker 2)

3. Step 3

   Climb up, and to the right, to the top of Walton Hill.(Marker 3)
   A bench to the right gives a pleasant view of the town.
   

4. Step 4

   Go through the kissing gate, and along the left hand-side of the field. In clear weather Brown Clee, the highest point in Shropshire, is visible to the south. Follow the hedgerow until the path reaches Merrywell Lane. (Marker 4)

5. Step 5

   At the large farm gate, turn right down the road. Beware traffic can be heavy and fast. (Note: The local farmer usually leaves a narrow footpath along the hedge within the field.) After about 300m, turn right through two large farm gates. (Marker 5)

6. Step 6

   Follow the path between the trees, and then along the left-hand side of the field, leading back to the estate and Walton Avenue. (Marker 6)

7. Step 7

   Follow the road down to Barrow Street and retrace your steps to Much Wenlock.