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Tong Walk

Whiteladies - A walk fit for a king

Map illustrated by Amy Walford from Oldbury Wells School

Start: Church in village of Tong off the A41 just north of junction 3 of M54. Grade: Moderate. Distance: Seven and a half miles including Boscobel House option. Terrain: Mainly level walking on bridleways and tracks which can be muddy. Quiet lanes. Refreshments: Tearoom at Boscobel House. Recommended map: OS Explorer 242 Telford and Wrekin Parking: Roadside near the church. White Ladies Priory: Open all year and free admission. Boscobel House opening: March 24 to May 31 Thur-Mon. June 1 - August 31 daily. September 1 - October 31 Thur - Mon

After fleeing from the scene of the battle of Worcester in 1651 Charles 11 first sought refuge at White Ladies Priory. It was after his very brief stay here that Charles was moved to nearby Boscobel House where he took shelter for two nights hiding for some of the time in the now famous oak tree. This East Shropshire walk visits the site of White Ladies Priory - named after nuns in white habits - with an optional extension to Boscobel House.

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The Route

(1) With your back to the church gates go right on the road to walk through the village. When the road bends sharp right to join the A41 go forward on the concrete road which runs parallel to the motorway. When what eventually becomes an unmade road bedns left to Tong Park Livery Yard go ahead on an enclosed path.

(2) Join another concrete road and go right to make a gentle descent and pass under the motorway. Immediately go left through double gates and ahead a few yards. Then go left a few paces to a marker post and then right and ahead up to the facing boundary. Here go right and forward with the fence on the left towards Shackerley Mill. Pass through a gateway and out on the road to pass RAF houses on the right.

(3) At the junction go left on Shackerley Lane. Keep this quiet road for just under two miles crossing over the motorway. Pass White Ladies Farm to arrive at a small parking area and a sign indicating White Ladies Priory, left. Boscobel House is another 1.25 miles further along the road with the necessity to retrace steps to this point.

(4) Go left round the barrier and ahead on the clear path. The priory ruins are left through a kissing gate. To continue the walk go ahead on the bridleway which passes over a stream. Pass through a gateway and head up the field on the right-hand boundary. Continue ahead on an enclosed path to Meashill Farm.

(5) At the farm go forward on a concrete path, going right and then left to follow the boundary walkway round two sides of the yard keeping the stables immediately on your right. Exit the yard and go right out on the farm driveway which soon bends sharp left.

(6) Within a few paces when the metalled driveway swings right go forward on the enclosed track. The route now keeps to this green lane for just over a mile and a half ignoring all tracks and footpath off. Pass Tong Hill Farm and continue ahead on the road to arrive back at Tong church.