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[[File: Route_45_20150528.jpg|thumb|200px|right| National Cycle Route 45]]
'''National Cycle Route 45''' , also known as the "Mercian Way", travels in sections from Chester to Salisbury, a total distance of 219 miles.<ref>Sustrans.org</ref> Part of the route follows the [[Severn Valley]] between the Ironbridge Gorge and Bewdley, utilising sections of the former trackbed and crossing the present day railway twice.
Route 45 crosses from the east bank of the [[River Severn]] to the west bank via Abraham Darby’s bridge at Ironbridge. From the site of the former [[Ironbridge|Ironbridge station]], now the main town car park, it then closely follows the disused trackbed southwards via [[Jackfield Halt]], [[Coalport]] and [[Linley]] to the edge of Bridgnorth Golf Club. From there the Route follows roads through the town, continuing up Hollybush Road where it passes under the footbridge outside [[Bridgnorth#Footbridge_outside_Bridgnorth_Station |footbridge outside Bridgnorth Station]] and crosses the former line between the station and [[Bridgnorth Tunnel]].
South of Bridgnorth, the Route then follows the road through the villages of Eardington and Chelmarsh, returning to cross the railway at the [[Underbridge at Hampton Loade]]. From there it runs alongside the present -day railway from [[Hampton Loade | Hampton Loade Station]] towards [[Country Park Halt]]. <gallery mode=packed heights=150px style="text-align:left">Crossing_13_20150528.jpg | Hampton Loade Station seen from the Cycle Route (right)Mercian Way 20090817.jpg | This Mercian Way marker overlooks the railway</gallery>
This part of the Cycle Route was built by Shropshire County Council in [[Severn Valley Railway Timeline 2000-2009#2003 | 2003]]. The SVR Board initially decided to oppose its construction as it would be on the SVR's land and in close proximity to the line. However it transpired that the SVR's rejecting the cycle path could have adversely affected a number of other projects being put forward for European funding at the time, including [[The Engine House]]. After revised plans were drawn up including suitable fencing and landscaping of the cycle path to minimise its impact on the Railway, and following considerable discussion, the Board agreed to support the project.<ref>SVR News 146, "Boardroom Notes"</ref> Today the route is popular with both cyclists and walkers.
Route 45 leaves the SVR a short distance before the Halt, turning away into the main area of the Country Park. However a footpath continues to the Halt itself. There are a number of [[List of infrastructure | farm crossings]] between Hampton Loade and Country Park which also cross the Cycle Route. After passing through the Country Park, Route 45 crosses the railway again at [[Arley Station Bridge]], then enters the [[Wyre Forest]], where it joins and follows the trackbed of the former [[Wyre Forest Line]] towards [[Bewdley]]. <gallery mode=packed heights=150px style="text-align:left">Cycle path through Wyre Forest - geograph.org.uk - 1149603.jpg | Road overbridge in the Wyre Forest</gallery>
Between Bewdley and Stourport, Route 45 passes under the part of the [[Stourport Branch]] owned by the SVR via the road underbridge between Bewdley South junction and Mount Pleasant tunnel (item SVR022* in the [[Wyre Forest District Council Local Heritage List]]). East of [[Stourport]], Route 45 re<gallery mode=packed heights=150px style="text-joins the former trackbed by the old railway bridge over the [[Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal]]align:left">SVR022star. From there it follows JPG | Bridge SVR022* on the trackbed towards [[Hartlebury]] for approximately 1 mile before turning away towards the south at Charlton Lane.Stourport Branch</gallery>
<gallery mode=packed heights=150px style="text-align:left">
</gallery>
===Bewdley Bike Week===
Bewdley Bike Week began in 2015 as part of the Big Bike Revival and National Bike Week.<ref>[https://www.kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/news/13309613.first-bewdley-bike-week-hailed-a-success/ Kiderminster Shuttle]</ref>. The SVR is regularly involved, offering a 'Rail and Ride' facility<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/bewdleybikeweek/posts/pfbid0oXJhJTwikXnn5MUT7eRe94xWbTMQL8K4mxWzz52FtyB2bb7eGxWFtoEARK4prJRGl?locale=en_GB Bewdley Bile Week on Facebook]</ref>.
==See also==
*[[From The Window]]<br>*[[Hampton Loade | Hampton Loade Station]]<br>*[[Country Park Halt]]<br>*[[Farm crossing north of milepost 145]]<br>*[[Farm crossing near milepost 145]]
==References==
==Links==
*[https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-45/ Route 45 on the Sustrans web site]
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