Ironbridge Gorgeous

After finally getting this ride on the calendar last year I was overwhelmed by the positive reaction it received. For 2026, it would have been easy to just to keep the route the same or reverse it but I’ve actually found us even more new gravel to ride. The backbone of the route still uses NCN Route 45 up and down the Severn Valley but I’m hoping the tweaks I’ve made will bring riders back to enjoy some of the best trails the Severn Valley has to offer in an area steeped in the history of the industrial revolution.

Read my 2025 ride report here

Gravelton Events are not official or sanctioned. They are self-supported group rides. Same route, same day. It’s just you, your bike and your mates having fun.

All riders who wish to join me on a ride agree to adhere to my code of conduct. Have fun and share your ride with everyone else in the community afterwards.

How to Enter

Entry is FREE. Just turn up but I do recommend you subscribe to my newsletter to receive the latest route and event info.

The Route

The original route leaves the Severn Valley Country Park tracking the famous railway and river northwards to Hampton on NCN Route 45. A short climb out of the valley here then takes riders around the back of Chelmarsh Reservoir and off to the outskirts of Bridgnorth via a series of quiet lanes and bridleways.

Crossing the A458 via a bridge, you’ll ride through High Town to pick up the old railway line (NCN Route 45) on the otherside of town and then track northwards to Ironbridge. Just before the town you’ll detour and climb out of the valley and ride through Broseley and Benthall to drop back into the valley before arriving at the famous Ironbridge itself.

After crossing the river, riders climb up and through Rough Park and then descend onto Rough Park Way (new for 2026). From here it’s some new gravel fon a loop around Lightmoor before hooking up with Rough Park Way again to pickup the old railway line again south. At Coalport riders cross back over the river and retrace to Bridgnorth and descend to Low Town and ride out to Dudmaston via Quatford. A loop of Dudmaston Woods beckons with a couple of bridleways and byways to finish before it’s a final push through Alveley and a descent back to the Country Park.

You can download GPS files from the Gravelton GPS Folder in any format you want or use the Komoot link below

Short coursers start and finish in Bridgnorth High Town. Riders drop straight onto NCN Route 45 and can enjoy the solice and beauty of this former railway line.  This flat and fast gravel marvel takes riders all the way upto the famous Ironbridge itself. This way misses out a meaty climb out of the valley to Broseley. After crossing the bridge, riders follow the new route through Rough Park and then around Lightmoor. Then its Coalbrookdale to return on NCN Route 45 back to Bridgnorth. Here riders can bail and finish or take a loop out to Chelmarsh reservoir and finish on the early part of the main route which tracks back to Bridgnorth High Town and your finish.

Need to Know

1. Invite your mates. Tell everyone about the ride.
2. Remind yourself of my code of conduct
3. Park considerately on the day.
4. Always take your litter home.
5. Be self-sufficient. Make sure you have the route, your phone, spares, food, drink, money.
6. Shut any gates.
7. Ride within your capabilities and the rules of the road.
8. Be courteous to other trail users and share your space nicely. A bell is highly recommended.
9. Remember it’s a ride not a race.
10. Share your ride afterwards.

Parking

Parking is available at the Severn Valley Country Park and is Pay & Display

Refreshments

Pre and post-ride refreshments are available from the visitors centre cafe within the Severn Valley Country Park. En-route refreshments are availble from multiplaces within Ironbridge itself.

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