The ideas for the four-mile route include linking the two paths by means of a footbridge over the B4363 Wolverhampton road. The other proposals are to create a dedicated car park, either next to the cemetery or in the old quarry to the right and halfway up Hermitage hill and to carry out minor repairs to slipping paths.
The society also wants to see the sandstone steps at Jacob’s Ladder on High Rock reformed, trees thinned out to open up selected views and the steep incline from the cemetery through Tippings Cross Coppice replaced by a new zig-zag path.
Members suggest that in later years, once the walks become more used, an adventure playground could be created within the woods with attractions including rope walks and rope-pulley rides.
They would also like to see one of the Hermitage caves fitted-out to illustrate their previous residential use. The society’s package which has not been discussed with any council or landowner is the first of a series to be revealed aimed solely at generating public debate and comment.
“Currently these walks are split by that busy road and suffer from a lack of adjacent car parking, so in consequence they are under-used by residents and tourists alike,” said society chairman Michael Rainsford.
“The society believe that if these two problems were addressed the route would become one of the most popular semi-urban walks in Shropshire. It is readily accessible to the two main areas of population of Telford and Wolverhampton, adjacent to popular caravan and holiday home sites and enjoys superb views over Bridgnorth and the river from the elevated position along the Hermitage ridge.
“The walks themselves run north-south along the wooded escarpment and take in two major viewing points, at High Rock and Hermitage trig-point, as well as providing walkers with a chance to view old cave dwellings at Hermitage Rock.”
For an artist’s impression of the proposed bridge, see this week’s Bridgnorth Journal.
