Length 4.17 miles
Maximum height 246.51 feet
Minimum Height 143.33 feet
Height ascended 152.62 feet
Height descended 106.72 feet
I have chosen this to be the start of the guide to this leg although the English Heritage site is not on 45. It is a wonderful place to visit as the city was the fourth largest in Roman Britain, and was abandoned shortly after the end of the Roman occupation. It has not been spoilt by any later development. Although there is not much of the city to be seen above ground, what there is gives a good idea of its former glory. Most of the city is still buried under the ground. The information centre is a great place to learn about this city; entry is free to members of English Heritage. More information here. Leave the site and turn left towards Wroxeter.
Uriconium with the Wrekin in the background.© Mike Clarke
From Uriconium continue straight at the next junction, you may see Sustrans 45 signs here they have been placed in error. You now arrive at the entrance to the Wroxeter Hotel. Opposite the hotel entrance is a lane that leads to Atcham although there are no Sustrans signs this is NCR45. South NCR45 continues straight on past the Hotel and St Andrew's Church through Wroxeter towards Ironbridge.
There are no 45 signs at the junction opposite the Hotel, but there is a footpath fingerpost signed 'The Severn Way'. The lane from the Hotel is level and then downhill; there are some magnificent views over the River Severn. Be careful on the downhill section, as the road is very rough and muddy during and after wet weather. The end of this lane joins the B4380 turn left, there are no Sustrans signs. Continue along the B4380 to its junction with the B5061 formerly the A5 and turn left to Atcham following the Sustrans NCR45 signs.
I used this road regularly 30 years ago on my journey to work it amazes me that it can be as busy now as it was then, even though the new A5 dual carriageway road has replaced it. This road is busy and the traffic is fast and pays little attention to the 40 m.p.h. speed limit. Before arriving in Atcham the road crosses the River Tern. From the bridge you can see where the Tern joins the Severn, to your left when facing towards Atcham. On the other side there are some superb views of Attingham Park and the beautiful house. It is likely that none of the motorists whizzing by you now, have ever seen this view. The road is straight and level into Atcham. Take the right turn after the entrance to Attingham Park following the Sustrans NCR45 signs to Berwick Wharf. If you have time visit St Eata's church it is well worth looking at, parts date to the 8th century; dressed stone from Wroxeter was used in its construction. St Eata was a disciple of St Aiden in Northumbria and was the Bishop of North Northumbria and Hexham he died in 686a.d. His Saint day is celebrated on the 26th October. The history of the Stained Glass and the Organ and other interesting facts are well explained in a leaflet on offer in the Church. Please make a donation if you take one. In the grounds of the Church there is a delightful area overlooking the Severn and some places to sit. There are also good views of the old bridge, built in 1774, it has been closed to traffic since the new bridge was built in 1929. The entrance to Attingham Park is also in the Village the House and Estate really require a whole day to see properly.
For more information see Attingham Park
From Atcham the road is level and then slightly uphill, at the junction there is a black and white fingerpost with a sign at the top informing the traveller that they have arrived at Berwick Wharf. This post has also been used to display the temporary Sustrans signs; follow these to the right. As the name suggests this was an important place on the Shrewsbury to Newport Canal 24 ¾ miles in length 25 locks and one tunnel. The tunnel 'Berwick Tunnel' is still nearby it was the first ever to be built with a tow-path through it and the key stone is dated 1797.Have a look at the Canal Society web site for more information.
Shrewsbury to Newport Canal Society
On leaving Berwick Wharf there are some fine examples of traditional hedge fencing the road is slightly uphill and in a fair condition. Views begin to open out towards Haughmond Hill and Upton Magna. You will smell and hear the busy A5 dual carriageway long before you see it, but it is soon left behind after you cross the bridge over it. The junction on the right before crossing the bridge leads to Upton Forge and the river Tern. There is not much evidence now but this was once an industrialised area. Remains of an iron works probably connected with Upton Forge were found when the footings for the bridge over the A5 were dug. The links for Telford's Menai suspension bridge were made here. There is a temporary Sustrans sign at the junction continue over the A5 and over the Shrewsbury Wellington rail bridge to Upton Magna. This .pdf file has a superb set of photographs showing a journey along the Tern and has some more information about the area.
pdf file photographs of a journey down the river Tern and information about this area
The road from Upton Forge to Upton Magna is mostly uphill the views across to the Wrekin are marvellous. Upton Magna is a beautiful village nestling on the southern slopes of Haughmond Hill, it has many fine buildings, a church and a pub.
The Church is dedicated to St Lucia. Saint Lucy of Syracuse, also known as Saint Lucia, Santa Lucia, or Saint Lukia, was a wealthy young Christian martyr. She is the patron saint of the blind, her Saint day is December 13, the longest night of the year. Lucy was a Christian persecuted during the reign of Diocletian. She would not marry a pagan, so her husband to be, informed on her to the Governor of Syracuse. When the guards went to seize her they were unable to move her even with a team of oxen so they cut her eyes out; even then she was still able to see, and then they stabbed her to death. Her remains are now housed in the church of San Geremia in Venice. In mediaeval art she is often depicted with her eyes removed and on a plate she holds.
The pub is the Corbet Arms.
On the approach from Berwick Wharf 45 joins NCR 81 at the junction by the Corbet Arms the joint route continues uphill through the village. The centre of the village has a Sustrans sign post but it is unusual in that it is black and white and not the usual colours, the Villagers insisted upon this as they felt that the Sustrans signs were too colourful and not in keeping with this part of the village. Whitchurch is signed and a distance of 30 miles is displayed as is Shrewsbury via the 81. When travelling south it is not apparent from this signing that 45 joins 81 through the village so be aware of this fault with these signs. On leaving the village on 45 there is a small industrial estate on the right, adjacent to the road they have preserved an old weigh bridge.
To find out more contact Mike Clarke at email mikeclarke@ncr45mercianway.co.uk
