The Severn Valley Railway is included in a new geology app that tells the user how the landscape was formed over millions of years

The surrounding geology is fundamental when it comes to learning how the landscapes of our world were created.

Here in the UK, we have a great variety of landscapes from the flatlands of Somerset and Norfolk to the Pennines, the Peak and Lake District to the Welsh and Scottish Highlands.

These landscapes are not just popular with geologists but with hikers and cyclists too, as trails and routes wind their way across the varying landscapes.

With this in mind, a new app has been launched called The Geopark Way app.

This map covers a walking trail from Shropshire to Gloucestershire, located within the Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark. The trail also passes close to and crosses the Severn Valley Railway.

While the full length of the hiking trail is an impressive 109 miles long, the 16-mile heritage railway between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth has been added to the app so that passengers can learn about the local geology from their phone as they travel along the railway.

Developed by local geologist Mike Brooks, this experience offers users a glimpse into millions of years of Earth’s history through a series of downloadable mapped walking routes, audio stories, and graphics.

Those who choose to download the app will see these features play automatically when the app is open. This will enable users who are travelling on the SVR or following a trail on foot to learn about the local geology around them and how it was created.

The app is free to download from the App Store and Google Play and is recommended for use on smartphones.

‘This is a wonderful user-friendly way for passengers on the SVR and walkers to learn about and understand the rocks alongside and beneath the track. It’s exciting because this is the first time the geology and landscape of a railway in the UK have been delivered within an app.’

Kidderminster geologist Dr Peter Oliver Geopark Way App Developer

‘We’re delighted that the GeoPark team has created this app, and it’s fascinating to discover more about what lies beneath the surface of our line and its surrounding area. Undoubtedly, the SVR line passes through some stunning countryside, and this app will add an extra dimension for our visitors.’

SVR’s managing director Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster

Originally used to help blind and partially sighted people to find their way round stations, audio guides have been evolving with some telling stories on apps, which are a great way for passengers to learn about the local area they are travelling through.

It is a growing trend here in the UK. In the Summer of 2023 Transport for Wales teamed up with locals to launch the Window Seater Audio Guide, which covers the history of the surrounding areas along the Cambrian Line from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth.