I had the pleasure of
growing up only a few miles from Attingham Park, so this National Trust
property and its beautiful woodland walks have held my affections for more than
twenty years.
Just a short drive from
Shrewsbury, this estate has seen many changes in its two hundred and twenty
seven year history, from being home to successive Lord and Lady Berwicks to
operating as an Adult Learning College.
Perhaps its most
beneficial developments have occurred this century, with the National Trust’s
commitment to restoring the mansion and grounds as part of the Attingham
Re-discovered project.
For the walker, this
programme of development is providing new areas of the park to explore, which have
previously been out of bounds to visitors.
This new route extends the
existing Deer Park walk to three miles and winds its way through woodlands.
Unfortunately for me, this extra route was closed for shooting, so I will have
it to look forward to on my return visit.
The fittingly named ‘Mile
Walk’ offers not only a shorter route around the park, but an accessible
pathway too.
Both routes start from the
Carriage House and follow the River Tern as it cuts its way through the park,
setting its sights on the River Severn to the south of the grounds. Inquisitive
walkers can venture into the Walled Garden and the brave amongst can take a
peek at the bees in the new observation hive.
The path meanders its way
through to the first crossing of the River Tern on this walk. Here the
state of the art suspension bridge has replaced the once narrow and very bouncy
bridge that I remember from my youth.
The family dog once
nervously attempted to tackle it by lying on his belly and dragging himself
across, but learnt quickly from this folly and always choose to swim the
stretch on future walks.
We also held many fiercely
contested pooh stick races here, with the successful contender being the first
one to emerge from under the bridge.
Once on the other side of
the Tern, the route can become quite muddy underfoot, but it is well worn and
signposted throughout the woodland.
Passing through a kissing
gate you enter the deer park, with beautiful open views across the river
towards the mansion and the heavy presence of the Wrekin looming to the east.
The large herd of fallow
deer that call this park their home are quite used to sharing this space with
walkers and will allow you to get close enough for a good photo opportunity.
The walk heads back over
the Tern once more and up to the mansion where I like to stop and survey the
view across to the Shropshire hills; a sight largely unaltered since the first
Lord and Lady Berwick stood here in the late 1700s.
The route reaches its
conclusion back at the Carriage House where weary walkers can treat themselves
to a heady mix of tea, cake and even local Fidget Pie.
Walking Threads
Although the easy access
Mile Walk is solid underfoot, if you choose to venture out on the longer route
you will definitely need walking boots and maybe even wellies during the winter
months when some paths can become quite muddy.
Most of the walk is
sheltered by wooded areas, but a bitter wind can envelop when crossing the open
field in the Deer Park: a good woolly hat is a must during the colder months.
The Essentials
Location: Atcham, 4 miles
east of Shrewsbury on the B4380
Transport: Free car park on
site
A bus from Shrewsbury and
Telford stops outside the main gate
The Route: Mile Walk – easy
access, mostly flat surface
Deer Park walk- 3 miles,
mostly flat with well-worn but muddy paths in winter
Facilities: Toilets, Café,
Gift Shop
What to See: Mansion House,
Walled Garden, Stables, Fallow Deer
Price: Adult £4.05 Children
£2.15 (Park and Garden only)
The park is open most days
of the year, closing around dusk.
