Getting to and Around Shropshire

Posted by VAP (Virginia) on 02/19/15 04:45 AM

Though a trip to England is a year away, I first want to visit Ironbridge and lodge at the YHA hostel at Coalport for a few days.

Which would be the better station to get off the train -- Shrewsbury or Telford? And once off, what is the best way to get to Coalport?

I found the travelshropshire.co.uk website, but its a little maddening. However, bus seems the easiest, but there are lots of walking and biking trails, including an old railroad right of way from Telford to Coalport. I am alright with a 5 or so mile stroll.

Posted by James

02/19/15 09:09 AM

2599 posts

Go to http://www.traveline.info
and put in for Telford to TF8 7NR (= the postcode for the Coalbrookdale YHA. (Telford is the place to leave the train - not Shrewsbury).

However, Shrewsbury is an excellent rail centre as 6 routes converge on the town. If you want a scenic rail journey, go by train to the west coast of Wales to Aberdovey (Aberdyfi in Welsh) or Barmouth - which involves crossing the beautiful Mawddach estuary. (Direct trains run to both from Telford & Shrewsbury). See www.nationalrail.co.uk

Shrewsbury is well worth a look around as is Ludlow.

Posted by steven

white plains, ny, usa

02/19/15 03:03 PM

4164 posts

Will you have a car ? For my money , that is the best way to get around Shropshire , or any place in rural UK . The sites at Ironbridge are somewhat spread out , and while I love walking , you can waste a lot of time getting from the bridge to Blists Hill , for example . Since I use a car , I can't help with Buses . In Ludlow , visit St Laurence Church , I believe the collection of in situ carved Misericordia is the largest anywhere , and A.E. Housman , author of " A Shropshire Lad " is buried in the churchyard . Ludlow has a wonderful collection of half - timbered buildings , some of which date back to the fifteenth century , with magnificent woodcarvings on the structural frame . Of particular note is the Feathers Hotel . A view of Wenlock Edge is a must , and some time in Church Stretton is time well spent

Posted by Neil

Whittington

02/20/15 09:57 AM

984 posts

The ARRIVA bus company - http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/Midlands/- will take you to (almost) anywhere you want in Shropshire and has Day Saver Tickets at present at £6.20. I suggest if making three journeys or more per day with the company it will likely pay.

Posted by VAP OP

Virginia

02/21/15 11:49 AM

897 posts

Neil, thank you. From the looks of things it seems Arriva's 77, 88, or 99 are the buses/routes that would get me nearest to Coalport with only a little walking.