Places Stories

The final day - the last leg of the inaugural Geopark Way that began over a week ago in Bridgnorth was scheduled to end in Gloucester some time in mid-afternoon. 

That deadline was put to the test immediately, as our coach was forced to make a lengthy detour, due an abnormal load that led to road closures.

Warning sign

At Birdwood, we paused at a garden centre for a ladies' comfort stop, which led to one of those cameo scenes that are hilarious to those present, but not perhaps to remote readers.

Suffice to say, memories of Fred Karno and his circus sprang to mind!

We crossed the busy railway, where the backmarker paused for this photograph.

Minsterworth

After taking an early lunch beside the church at Minsterworth, guest walker Tom Richards (Geologist – Earth Heritage Trust) explained the influence that the River Severn has on the area.

He commented on the phenomenon that is the Severn Bore, which draws large crowds to witness the spectacle, when the tidal wave can attain a height of two metres.

On the high spring tides, which occur around new moon in each lunar cycle throughout the year, an increased volume of water surges up the narrow river channel and rides over the outgoing river water.

The biggest bores occur around the spring and autumn equinoxes. 

Tom Richards

Tom's talk proved so interesting that a group of local residents listened attentively and ruminated on his talk.

The walk from Minsterworth to Gloucester was followed against the meandering flow of the River Severn.

Our destination, the Cathedral, was occasionally and teasingly glimpsed, like a mirage, as we trudged the final eight miles of our hundred miles-plus walk.

As we entered the city, we crossed the aptly named Over Bridge, made of sandstone from the Forest of Dean.

First glimpse of journey's end

The bridge was designed by Thomas Telford who, amongst many other projects, designed the beautiful church in Bridgnorth, at the start of our walk last Saturday week.

A short distance further on brought the party to the ultimate destination.

The magnificent cathedral is built of oolitic limestone, obtained from the nearby Cotswold escarpment.

All concerned agreed that the walk along the Geopark Way had been an outstanding success, made all the more interesting by the guest walkers along the way.

Persons wishing to emulate the walk are strongly urged to buy a copy of the Geopark Way trail guide.

It is packed with details about the landscape and also information related to the area's heritage and general interest.

Journey's end

In conclusion, the walk succeeded in attracting many first-time visitors to the area.

People came from as far afield as Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Preston, Taunton, Whitley Bay and furthest of all San Diego in California!

The latter flew over from the USA exclusively for the nine-day walk!

Each visitor stayed in local accommodation, thereby contributing to the local economy.

One particular person, bent on a one-man mission to save local hostelries, contributed a significant amount to the coffers of several local inns.

The complete walk was led in partnership by Anthony Collis and Derek Starkey otherwise known as Ant and Dek!

All good fun!