Kidderminster to Blakedown 11 miles (23/05/22)

Attendees; M.Sadler, A.Dulson, A.Sear, R.Steel, J.Hickling, K.Maguire, D.McDonnell, G.Corbett, P.Coterill, R.Jones, H.Jones (11 members)

Starting the walk at about 10:15, we made our way through Kidderminster Town centre before joining the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal running parallel with the river stour until we left it at Wolverley, passing through the picturesque village. Just after, we followed a trail to join a quiet lane a short distance before traversing a little valley, someone's back garden, then onto another lane, taking in the view of some houses carved into sandstone rock. Back across a short trail we rejoined the lane before turning right at Drakelow passing by the ex-military top secret 3 1/2 mile network of coldwar tunnels. Another field path off to the left we descended some steps to walk through the enchanting Kingsford forest Park where we broke for lunch at a bench and some heavily fern-ensconced rustic logs.

On our way again we made a short climb out of the woodland to cross a lane and then onto the sandy North Worcestershire path passing by many grazing ponies.

Another bit of lane and field path again was where our luck ran out with the weather. T'was a short sharp shower which in itself wasn't a problem, but left a lasting legacy of wet fields to moisten our lower apparel.

Not too long after we joined Wagon Lane and then a shaded path off right, gradually descending and crossing the railway to the Old House At Home pub where we stopped for refreshments.

A shame that the weather came in a little earlier than expected but still an enjoyable scenic walk.