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Exploring Shropshire

Long before the first appearance of tarmac; before medieval cobbles or Roman paving, this country was covered by a vast network of roads, but by the time the motor car arrived an enormous number of these ancient trackways and byways had fallen into disuse. Frequently overgrown, impassable, sometimes ploughed up or washed away, many of these roads had virtually disappeared, sometimes with old maps providing the only clues to their existence.

The Shropshire Greenlaning group was formed by enthusiasts, mostly members of Clubs such as Glass (Green Lane Association) and the Staffs and Shropshire Land Rover club, who all share an interest in the county's rich heritage of old roads. We are dedicated to opening up these rights of way for the general public to enjoy, so keeping alive the fact of their existence.

Research into these ancient trackways, - green lanes - is the primary objective of Clive Richardson, the local Green Lane Association Rights of Way Officer. Clive is concerned with the preservation and reinstatement of the county's forgotten Highways.

Staffs and Shropshire Land Rover club also has members of all ages and boasts a fine cross-section of vehicles, with Land Rovers in various incarnations proving the dominant choice. S & S LRC are a club dedicated to 4X4 off road trial-style competitions organised by the club on private ground throughout the area all year round. There are members however who also enjoy the slow amble of greenlaning on ancient roads which have superb views and an ambience to enjoy and preserve.

The emphasis is very much on careful driving. There is simply no advantage in tearing about the countryside and cutting up the road surfaces. That would antagonise farmers and inconvenience other users. We work in partnership with landowners such as the National Trust and carry out remedial work to keep the roads from becoming overgrown and deteriorating. The club promotes sensible use of public roads; anyone interested in playing in deep mud is pointed toward the trials ground or fun days on a specially designed track in order to teach and refine off-road driving skills.

After years of neglect it seems that the potential of Britain's byways is finally being realised. A recent report by the Countryside Commission, "Rights of Way in the 21st Century", recognises that low-key use by vehicles is an established form of countryside recreation and commends the example shown by the "Hierarchy of Trail Routes Initiative" in the Lake District in managing and sustaining their local byways. The Shropshire Laners, by careful and responsible use of our ancient roadways,are setting a similar example and preserving something of our heritage for future generations.

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So if you would like to see and enjoy the routes in Shropshire for yourself they are available along with routes all over the country to down load.

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