Scarlet, silver and gold

We’re heading for Coalbrookdale, using a path we haven’t walked before (old maps show a pre-railway age tramway following the same route) to descend from Broseley’s maypole towards the new free bridge, a modern silver-painted steel structure half a mile downriver from its more famous cousin. A ruddy stream betrays the content of the hillside, a reminder of why it all happened around here, some 250 years ago. When we reach Darby’s coke hearth, at the top of the dale, we’ll head for home – pausing only for tea and scones beside the Severn…