Dowles

Settlement in Shropshire Wyre Forest

England

Dowles

Trimpley Reservoir, Severn Valley With the camera facing south, this is the view of Trimpley Reservoir from the adjacent railway line — Trimpley Reservoir, Severn Valley Credit: Rob Newman

Dowles is a small village located in the county of Shropshire, England. Situated in the Wyre Forest district, it lies approximately 5 miles west of the town of Bewdley and 13 miles north of Kidderminster. The village is nestled in a picturesque setting, surrounded by lush green fields and woodland areas.

With a population of around 400 residents, Dowles maintains a close-knit and friendly community atmosphere. The area is known for its tranquillity and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life.

The village is home to Dowles Brook, a small river that meanders through the area, adding to its scenic charm. Dowles Brook also offers opportunities for fishing and wildlife spotting, attracting visitors from near and far. Additionally, the nearby Wyre Forest provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and horse riding.

Despite its small size, Dowles boasts a rich history. The village is home to Dowles Manor, a Grade II listed building dating back to the 16th century. This historic manor house is an architectural gem, and its grounds are often used for community events and gatherings.

In terms of amenities, Dowles has a village hall that serves as a hub for various social activities and events. The nearby town of Bewdley provides further amenities such as shops, restaurants, and schools, ensuring that residents have access to essential services.

Overall, Dowles is a charming village that offers a peaceful and idyllic setting amidst the natural beauty of Shropshire. Its rich history, friendly community, and proximity to scenic attractions make it an appealing place to visit or call home.

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Dowles Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.388183/-2.334253 or Grid Reference SO7776. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Trimpley Reservoir, Severn Valley

With the camera facing south, this is the view of Trimpley Reservoir from the adjacent railway line

Rob Newman

Bewdley Bridge in 1987

The bridge carries the B4195 road over the River Severn. The large red brick house over the bridge on the left hand side stands in Severn Street South. The church tower is that of St Anne's.

John Baker

2 new houses, Bewdley

Alex McGregor

Riverside Caravan Park, Bewdley

Alex McGregor

Car park off Dry Mill Lane

This is a new car park for people walking in the Wyre Forest and is the recommended car park for visitors to Knowles Mill. A fellow collaborator has kindly confirmed my position and view direction.

Chris Allen

Knowles Mill

Preserved derelict flour mill on the Dowles Brook in the Wyre Forest. The remains of the overshot waterwheel are behind the curved wall in the foreground and the tail race is in a tunnel.

Chris Allen

Knowles Mill - the remains of the waterwheel

This was an overshot waterwheel with the leat coming in at high level on the left and the portal of the tail race tunnel visible to the right.

Chris Allen

Knowles Mill - machinery

A nineteenth century watermill that went out of use in 1891 when it was damaged by a flood following a big freeze. It is the only recognisable mill in the Wyre Forest. This somewhat sharpened (really!) shot shows the pit wheel, wallower, great spur wheel and crown wheel. There is a surviving stone nut and quant on the right with a bed stone on the floor above. The other stone nut and the other stones have gone. There is a fragmented French burr stone on the ground inside.

Chris Allen

Knowles Mill

Nineteenth century watermill that has been out of use since 1891 and is now preserved by the National Trust. The bridge in the foreground crosses the Dowles Brook.

Chris Allen

Gated entrance to track in Wyre Forest near Bewdley

There is both a kissing gate here, and a gate wide enough to let a vehicle pass through. On the other side is a track, with a rough stone surface, which makes a steep descent down to a pond and a steam. SO7676 : Track to pond in Wyre Forest, near Bewdley. SO7676 : Pond and track in the Wyre Forest near Bewdley.

P L Chadwick

Track to pond in Wyre Forest, near Bewdley

The pond is at the bottom of the track, but not visible in this photograph. SO7676 : Gated entrance to track in Wyre Forest near Bewdley. SO7676 : Pond and track in the Wyre Forest near Bewdley.

P L Chadwick

Pond and track in the Wyre Forest near Bewdley

The pond is on the left but difficult to see, as its surface is reflecting the trees which hang overhead. It is one of several which are linked by a small stream, and appears to be either artificial or enlarged from the original. SO7676 : Gated entrance to track in Wyre Forest near Bewdley. SO7676 : Track to pond in Wyre Forest, near Bewdley. SO7676 : Pond in Wyre Forest near Bewdley.

P L Chadwick

Pond in Wyre Forest near Bewdley

The pond may be artificial or artificially enlarged. It lies on a stream which runs through the forest. SO7676 : Pond and track in the Wyre Forest near Bewdley.

P L Chadwick

Junction of two paths in the Wyre Forest near Bewdley

The lower path runs alongside a pond. The other path climbs steeply. SO7676 : Pond in Wyre Forest near Bewdley.

P L Chadwick

Ferns in the Wyre Forest near Bewdley

Ferns were flourishing in this area.

P L Chadwick

Public convenience, Dog Lane Car Park, Bewdley

This is one of the modern type of pay to enter public conveniences, where you have various buttons to press, and the fear that making the wrong choice will result in a minor disaster.

P L Chadwick