Hampton Loade Walk
This pretty riverside village is located on the Severn Valley Railway in Shropshire. It's a pleasant place to start a walk with waymarked trails, a historic National Trust Property, a local country park and a scenic reservoir to explore. There's also a noteworthy 17th century inn for well earned rest and refreshment after your exercise.
This circular walk starts from the train station and begins by heading south along the Severn Way towards Highley. Here you can cross the river to visit the Severn Valley Country Park where there's nice visitor centre with a tea room.
The route then heads west to pick up a section of the Jack Mytton Way which you can follow north to Chelmarsh Reservoir. Follow the pleasant waterside trail north towards Crateford and you can then rejoin the river by crossing the Mor Brook. The riverside trail will then take you south back to Hampton.
You could extend the walk by heading east to visit Dudmaston Hall. There's pretty lakes, woodland trails and lovely gardens surrounding this National Trust owned property. The area also includes the adjacent Comer Woods. The tranquil woods have their own car park and entrance and are free to access. There's a number of picturesque pools and lots of woodland birds to see in this area.
Postcode
WV16 6BN - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsHampton Loade Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Hampton Loade Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Hampton Loade OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Hampton Loade Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Walks near Hampton Loade
- Chelmarsh Reservoir - This circular walk takes you around the pretty Chelmarsh Reservoir in the Severn Valley
- Dudmaston Hall - This 17th-century country house in the Severn Valley is surrounded by landscaped gardens, parkland, managed woodlands, lakes and farmland.
- Severn Valley Country Park - This 126-acre riverside park consists of woodland, meadows and riverside banks with views of the River Severn
- Bridgnorth - This fine Shropshire town has some fine walking trails through the Severn Valley and a number of local parks and gardens to explore.
This long walk from the town centre makes use of the Severn Way and Geopark Way long distance trails to take you on a tour of the countryside to the south of the town - Upper Arley Circular Walk - This easy 4 mile circular walk explores the countryside surrounding the village of Upper Arley in Worcestershire
- Arley Arboretum - These delightful gardens near Kidderminster are perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll
- Trimpley Reservoir - This circular walk on the edge of the Wyre Forest visits Eymore Wood and Trimpley Reservoir
- Severn Valley Railway Walk - Enjoy a lovely walk along the Severn Valley Railway on this riverside trail in Bewdley
Pubs/Cafes
The Unicorn Inn is located in a lovely spot on the banks of the river. It dates back to the 17th century and serves a find Sunday lunch. There's also a decent Caravan and Campsite with plots for tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes with electrical hookups.
Dog Walking
The river and woodland paths make for a fine dog walk. The Unicorn mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Head north along the river path and you will soon come into Bridgnorth. Heading south will take you to Upper Arley where you can enjoy a waterside walk around Trimpley Reservoir.
Photos
Hampton Loade Station. A Severn Valley Railway train hauled by 0-6-0PT 5764 from Bridgnorth rolls into Hampton Loade station en-route for Kidderminster.
The Hampton Loade Ferry, a ferry that crosses the River Severn at the village. This environmentally sound ferry used the natural flow of the river to move itself across the Severn. It was tethered to a pulley block that runs on a cable suspended across the river, just visible in the upper left of the picture. The ferry is now disused.
A gaggle of geese pose for the camera in the village.
River Severn at Hampton Loade
River Severn North of the village. Quiet stretch of river which is good for bird watching. Chiff-chaffs in large quantities here.
Chelmarsh Reservoir and Sailing Club
Visitor Centre in Severn Valley Country Park. Visitor centre and tea room with views over the River Severn. This is close to a new pedestrian and cycleway crossing of the river and leading towards the Severn Valley Railway.
Across the Severn Valley. Looking westwards across the cereal crop field, the lane (dead end) leads down past the near rape field to Hampton Loade, and the pedestrian ferry to Hampton and the Severn Valley Railway station. In the middle distance the lane leads to the village of Sutton (3.5km/2.5 miles). The Clee Hills mark the skyline.