Step out on the Brookes walk to celebrate launch of new routes

People are invited to enjoy a new Much Wenlock walk named after William Penny Brookes this weekend to celebrate the launch of six new routes in the area. 

During the last year a project has been underway to establish six circular walks around Much Wenlock, including the route which has been named after William Penny Brookes, who is recognised as inspiring the modern Olympic games. 

Sections of the Shropshire Way long distance footpath in the area have also been upgraded as part of the project.  The work was funded by the Shropshire Hills LEADER project, Shropshire Council and Pughs of Shrewsbury Ltd. 

The walks were planned by the local Much Wenlock Walking Group.  Paths have been cleared and new gates, signposts and waymarkers have been put in place, to make them as easy to access as possible. 

A new guide book containing details of the walks is available, and the Walking in Shropshire website will be upgraded with downloadable maps, guides, podcasts and GPS co-ordinates. 

Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for active and healthy lifestyles, said:

“Shropshire has some of the best circular walks in the country and these new routes provide another way for people to enjoy the beautiful Much Wenlock area.” 

Milner Whiteman, Shropshire councillor for Much Wenlock, welcomed the walks as an excellent addition to Much Wenlock, adding that the town was a wonderful destination for visitors and that it was hoped to hold an annual walking festival in future years based on this work.

People are urged to join the walk along the William Penny Brookes route on the anniversary of his birthday on Saturday 13 August.  The 4km walk will start from the Priory Hall car park at 2.30pm. 

For more details please contact Jim Stabler, Shropshire Council access development officer on 01743 233147. 

Further details of Shropshire walks are available at http://shropshire.gov.uk/countryside.nsf or http://www.shropshirewalking.co.uk  

For more information about the Shropshire Hills LEADER project click here.