For most of the day I am following the Wenlock Edge. This narrow escarpment cuts through the countryside for 19 miles from Craven Arms to Much Wenlock. It was created from a coral reef formed in shallow subtropical seas about 425 million years ago.
I drop off the path to walk into Much Wenlock.
Dr William Penny Brookes & Baron Pierre de Coubertin (photos: Wikimedia Commons)
This market town is famous for the Wenlock Olympian Games. These games, founded by local boy Dr William Penny Brookes, were the forerunner of the Modern Olympic Games. Baron Pierre de Coubertin visited the Wenlock Games in 1890 and went on to form the International Olympic Committee which created the modern games. One of mascots for the 2012 London Olympics was named Wenlock in honour of the town.
Selfie with Wenlock
And then through Benthill Edge Wood on the edge of Ironbridge. As I walk through the woods I see glimpses of the red towers of the riverside Ironbridge Power Station.
"Power Station at Ironbridge 1"
"Power Station at Ironbridge 2"
Leaving the woods I arrive at the iron bridge (at Ironbridge), but don't cross it. Follow the gorge to Jackfield.
Then across the footbridge to Coalport and my hostel for the night.
