Shropshire Star

Fun in the sun at Shropshire beauty spots

It may have been a tad chilly but the sun and the easing of lockdown restrictions saw people flock to Shropshire's beauty spots and outdoor activities over the weekend.

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Jemima Jones at Alderford Lake, near Whitchurch

Parks across the county were busy with families and friends enjoying meeting up outdoors.

And at Alderford Lake, Whitchurch, people took to the water with the launch of its kayaks and paddleboards for hire.

Kelly Lowe from Alderford said staff had been delighted to welcome people back.

Annabel Jones, 12, having fun at Alderford Lake

"We have had such good support from customers when we have been open for walks around the lake and for takeaways," she said.

"And now it is great to see people on and in the water and enjoying our land-based activities.

Alison Biddulph from Shrewsbury takes a dip in Alderford Lake,

"It is just lovely to see families having fun in a Covid-safe way outdoors in the fresh air walking round the lake and enjoying the play equipment."

Mark Harnden from Get Paddling and Get Outside runs the water and land based activities at Alderford from the hire of kayaks and paddleboards to a climbing wall and archery.

Mark Harnden, from Get Outside The Classroom at Alderford Lake, with Annabel Jones, 12, and Mia Hancock 13

His company, Get Outside the Classroom, had to diversify when school and residential activities came to a halt 12 months ago.

"It is great to be back at Alderford," he said.

People enjoying the sun at Alderford Lake, near Whitchurch

"Everyone is keen to get out and there is a really nice atmosphere. It is cold but the sunshine is making all the difference.

"There seems to be an overwhelming sense of relief that people can get out and enjoy being together with their families or friends by taking part in activities."

Ashton Cobb, 9, from Newport, watched by instructor Jayden Jones, on Sky Reach, the high ropes course at Telford Town Park

"We only went into the hire of equipment last year because of lockdown but we are enjoying our link up with Alderford, it is a superb venue."

He said that went residential activities were able to go ahead again in may the company was linking up the the lake for primary school camps.

People were out at at Telford Town Park

Elsewhere, people were out enjoying the sunshine at Telford Town Park where Sky Reach, the high ropes course, is now back open for business.