The Hay Inclined Plane is a canal inclined plane in the Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire, with a height of 207 feet (63 m). It was located at the end of the Shropshire Canal, part of a network of canals that linked the industrial region of east Shropshire with the River Severn. The inclined plane was in operation from 1793 to 1894.
🐦54+ species recorded in this area — summer evenings are best for activity; watch for Woodpigeon and Robin
✦Historic character is a year-round quality here — summer brings its own atmosphere to the setting
☕Coalport Cafe — makes this an easy full-day family visit without needing to pack food
🌤️ Visiting this summer
🐦54+ species recorded in this area — summer evenings are best for activity; watch for Woodpigeon and Robin
✦Historic character is a year-round quality here — summer brings its own atmosphere to the setting
☕Coalport Cafe — makes this an easy full-day family visit without needing to pack food
Good to know
£Free to visit — no entry charge
🐕Dogs welcome
☕Café🅿️Parking· Paid
Best for
11 activities
🦅
Bird watching
Very strong match
Birds — Woodpigeon, Robin, Blackbird +51 more · last seen 2026; Deciduous woodland — woodpeckers, warblers and woodland birds
Free
🦉
Wildlife
Strong match
Birds — Woodpigeon, Robin, Blackbird +51 more · last seen 2026; Deciduous woodland priority habitat
Free
✦
Heritage
Strong match
Historic site with public access
Free
🦋
Insect spotting
Strong match
Insects — Harlequin Ladybird, 7-spot Ladybird, 10-spot Ladybird +73 more · last seen 2026
Free
🍂
Seasonal nature
Strong match
Plants — Herb-Robert, Cleavers, Lords-and-Ladies +144 more · last seen 2025
Free
🛝
Family friendly
Good match
café
Free
Trails nearby
Within roughly 5 km
🚶
Walking
▾
11 signed routes nearby · 8 public paths nearby
Signed route nearbyPublic paths
Monarch's WayWalking route990 km▾
approximate route of Charles II's escape
Named routeRef MWLength 990 kmRegional walking route
Telford T50Walking route50 km▾
The T50 Trail links parks, woods, nature reserves, and historic sites across Telford, starting and ending at Town Park. It’s easily accessible from estates and bus routes, with key points at Ironbridge, The Wrekin, Lilleshall Hill, and Granville Park.
Named routeLength 50 kmLocal walking route
Shropshire Way - stage 08Walking route20.1 km▾
Named routeRef ShW08Length 20.1 kmLocal walking route
Shropshire Way - stage 09Walking route17.1 km▾
Named routeRef ShW09Length 17.1 kmLocal walking route
Woodland and Countryside Walk, Benthall HallWalking route4.8 km▾
This hike through native woodland takes in quarries and fossils, then opens up to reveal expansive views of north Shropshire. This can be muddy in wet weather and winter months, so sensible walking footwear is advised.
Named routeLength 4.8 kmDuration 01:30Round tripLocal walking route
🚴
Cycling
▾
70 signed routes nearby
Signed route nearby
Mercian WayCycling route▾
Named routeRef 45National Cycle Network
Route NCR55Cycling route▾
Named routeRef NCR55
Silkin WayCycling route▾
Cycle route that follows disused railway lines and canal beds. The path was opened in 1977 by Prime Minister James Callaghan, and was named after Lord Silkin; who was a parliamentarian responsible for creating New Towns including Telford.
