Along The Severn
by NickFord on 18/09/09 at 4:42 am
The River Severn is the longest river in Britain.
The River Severn is the longest river in Britain. The Severn Way is a long distance path that follows the river from its source in the Welsh hills to the Severn Estuary.
Here are some of the highlights that can be found along the route.
1. The source of the Severn
Source: Wikipedia
The River Severn rises from a peat bog in the Cambrian Mountains near Llandiloes.
2. Powys Castle, Welshpool
Source: Wikipedia
The river winds its way through rural Welsh valleys to Welshpool. Powys Castle is in the hills near Welshpool. It has wonderful terraced gardens and was once the home of Clive of India.
3. Shrewsbury
Source: Wikipedia
The river enters England close to the historic market town of Shrewsbury. Many half timbered medieval buildings still stand in the town centre. The river loops in a defensive meander around the town.
4. Ironbridge
Source: Wikipedia
The Ironbridge Gorge is said to be the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Abraham Darby came here in 1708 he wanted to undercut the prices charged for the brass cooking pots that were being imported from Holland. In doing so he developed a new way of producing iron that swept the world. His grandson Abraham Darby III developed the business and built the first iron bridge in the world in 1781.
5. Bridgenorth
Source: Wikipedia
The river passes through the small town of Bridgenorth
6. Bewdley
Source: Wikipedia
The bridge at Bewdley was built by Thomas Telford in 1798. It replaced an earlier bridge that was swept away in floods in 1795. The resilience of the modern bridge may be due to secret strengthening work that took place during the Second World War to allow the bridge to carry tanks if necessary.
7. Worcester
Source: Wikipedia
The river passes through Worcester. The cathedral which contains the tomb of King John is built on the river bank.
Source: Wikipedia
8. Tewkesbury
Source: Wikipedia
Tewkesbury has many medieval half timbered buildings. It also has a magnificent Abbey, said to be the finest example of Norman architecture in England. The town lies at the confluence of the Rivers Severn and Avon and is prone to flooding. Although modern (2007) floods have been intrusive, the local tradition is that floods rise to the foot of the medieval gardens and no further.
9. Gloucester
Source: Wikipedia
The river becomes tidal at Gloucester. Sea going vessels reach the town using the canal from Sharpness. In Roman times Gloucester was developed as a civitas, or settlement catering for the local tribe. It has always been important as a gateway into Wales. Even today it is possible to look out across the wide Severn plain, see hills rising in the distance and know that the bridge crossing the Severn at Gloucester leads to wild places.
10. The Second Severn Crossing
Source: Wikipedia
At the Second Severn Crossing estuarine conditions prevail. This is considered the end of the River Severn.
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