New direction for Telford T50 50 Mile trail
The popular 50 mile walking trail around Telford and Wrekin takes a step in a new direction.
Originally, the route was only marked clockwise but volunteers have been busy posting the distinctive pink Telford 50 circular route markers in a new anti-clockwise direction and Newport’s Hutchison Way has added and an extra spur.
Created to help celebrate the town’s 50th anniversary and supported the council’s Telford 50 Legacy Fund, the trail has proven to be a huge hit with walkers since it opened in the summer of 2018.
The sections between four and 10 miles use footpaths and Rights of Way, passing through five Sites of Scientific Interest (SSI) and 13 Local Nature Reserves (LNRs).
Trail spokesperson Anne Suffolk hinted at more exciting developments planned for 2019. She said: “One of our aims for the trail was to promote tourism and support local food, drink and accommodation outlets.
“We’ll soon be publishing a guide book with historical and wildlife highlights as well as fresh route descriptions. We’re hoping that local businesses will support us to keep costs as low possible.
“We’re also looking to recruit trail champions to help us keep track of any missing or damaged way markers and problems like litter or overgrown vegetation.”
Far exceeding the founders’ expectations, the trail has helped hundreds of people discover the borough’s countryside and is well used by runners and during March, teams will join the T50 Relay Challenge - entries are still open.
It is also proving popular as a charity fundraising challenge with Telford & Wrekin Council’s highway’s team completing the trail in under 24 hours, raising more than £2,500 in memory of a colleague.
Councillor Arnold England, Cabinet Member for health and wellbeing said: “The Telford 50 50 Mile trail has been a fantastic success in attracting new people to the borough and helping residents discover the fabulous open, green spaces that are quite literally on our doorsteps.
“A huge thank you to all volunteers who have made it possible – it’s another fabulous example of how the community has come together to create a lasting legacy of Telford’s 50th anniversary.”
If you would like to get involved with being a trail champion, email info@telfordt5050miletrail.org.uk while details of the relay challenge can be found here.
There will also be a ‘Friends of the Telford T50 50 Mile Trail’ meeting, open to all on Tuesday, April 16 in Wellington Library at 7.30 pm.
