Some 2019 Walks - January to April
Reports, mainly from our longer walks, provided by those leading or joining the walks
Earlswood 30 April 2019
This was a lovely, varied Spring walk around the Lakes and golf course, through woods with the trees in fresh leaf and bluebells in their prime, across fields and along the canal with a well-judged pub stop towards the end. Thirty-three walkers enjoyed a fine day’s walking.
Treasure Hunt at Kingsbury Water Park 16th April 2019
A walk with a difference - less chatting and more observing required. 49 questions really made the brain cells work. Some answers were easy to find but others not so easy, occasionally being a bit cryptic. It was good fun and did not get too competitive!! With coffee and lunch provided followed by a three mile walk it was a good day. £60 was raised for Marie Curie. Many thanks to Tony for organising the event.
Tony's report.
At 09:30 the participants started to roll up at Granary Tea Rooms where Denise (our hostess) had the coffee and tea ready for us. The 15 walkers (treasure hunters) were split into teams of 3 and they all set off at 10 a.m. after visiting the single loo, hence it was a staggered start; simpler than the original idea of setting the groups off at 3 minute intervals! Everyone got back for the 13:00 hrs lunch, enough food for the ‘feeding of the 5000’. We scored the event and the winners were: ….. Alison, Andrew and Steve. If anyone wants a copy of the treasure hunt then email me (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) and I will send it to you. One problem I set the treasure hunters was: Q. What has gone missing? A. Bench. Well this partial bench was fixed to the ground and was there a few weeks ago, but someone must have seen my question sheet and completely removed it – it was certainly missing. After lunch we took a 3 mile walk to burn off the food and then everyone went home happy (I think).
Redditch to Feckenham 14 April 2019
Feckenham is a delightful, historic village with fine buildings spanning several centuries, some surrounding the village green where we had lunch before adjourning to the very welcoming pub. The underfoot conditions were good with the ground rapidly drying out and there were sufficient hills and stiles to provide a modest challenge on a lovely spring, Sunday morning.
Three Birmingham Parks and a Geology Museum 9 miles9 April 2019
Thirty members of Solihull Ramblers completed a 9 mile walk around three of Birmingham's parks, Highbury, Kings Heath and Cannon Hill with some brief information about the history of the parks. After this, they had a visit to the Museum of Geology at the University of Birmingham, with a guided tour given by 2 research workers. This lasted for over an hour and gave a fascinating insight into the lives of some of the fossilized creatures on display and the story behind some of the skeletons on show. Particular mention was made of local fossils, such as the Dudley bug, the Cosely spider, and those found in Wenlock limestone. The museum is open to the public but the guided tour brought the exhibits very much "to life".
Ratley (near Edgehill battlefield), 9 miles, 26 March 2019
Leaders: Jean and Jill
The Battle of Edge Hill (1642) took place on the level ground below the hill. The leaders of the armies decided it was a better place to have a decent battle involving the cavalry. In contrast, the walk took us through the delightful undulating countryside and tidy villages along Edge Hil lincluding Ratley and Shenington with a stop for sandwiches in the lovely village of Hornton where the inquisitive children from the village school engaged some of us in conversation. The weather was superb and the conditions underfoot near-perfect following the recent dry spell. Thirty sevenwalkers enjoyed a great walk.
The Malverns, 19 March 2019
Leaders: Myra and Yvonne
What a surprise this walk was. The Malverns are familiar walking territory for many people. We feel we know them well and many of us would count them among our favourite walking areas. But this walk took us along some lesser used paths and avoided the usual North Hill, Worcestershire Beacon, British Camp etc. At times it was quite disorientating trying to work out exactly where you were even though the fine views at times across to the Cotswolds, then to the Shropshire Hills and then to Hay Bluff and the Welsh Hills were all familiar. Towards the end we stopped for a break at the lovely Cafe H2O at Wyche which coped brilliantly with 31 walkers - the ideal end to a great walk.
May Hill Walk, 12 March 2019
Leader: Brian
The weather outlook was not too good - continuous heavy rain all morning followed by heavy showers and some sunshine in the afternoon. This was not enough to deter 13 enthusiastic walkers. Delays on the M5 allowed some of us to enjoy a pre-walk coffee in a lovely cafe next to the car park while others were stuck in the traffic. The day could only get better - and it did, so that by the time we reached the top of May Hill (having learnt something about glass manufacture in the area at Glasshouse) the sun was out, barely a cloud in the sky and superb views over the Severn Valley and Hay Bluff toward the Welsh hills. Underfoot it was muddy as a result of the heavy rain but there was plenty of evidence of Spring with with fine displays of daffodils and other spring flowers, wild garlic providing a green covering in the woods and very young lambs in the fields.
Bubbenhall, 5 March 2019
Leader: Colin
This was a lovely walk through the Warwickshire countryside linking four villages - Bubbenhall, Stoneleigh, Cubbington and Weston under Wetherley, each with it’s own historic square-towered church. Interestingly, Bubbenhall church has two “green men” which was a theme of Viv’s walk on the Green Man Trail in Solihull in February. We had a pleasant mid-morning break in the sunshine in the churchyard at Stoneleigh, lunch in the Kings Head opposite the church at Cubbington and we passed the church at Weston under Wetherly (a lunch stop on an previous walk) in the afternoon on the return leg. We also crossed the proposed line of HS2 at Cubbington Wood so this might be a quite different walk in a few years time.
Hanbury, 3 March 2019
Leaders: Brian and Helen
This was the day the weather broke with barely a glimpse of the sun all day and a sprinkling of rain on and off all day, but it didn't dim the spirits of the 15 walkers. Amongst the highlights was a surprise meeting with the South Birmingham group walking in the opposite direction (and it was good to see one of our regulars amongst them) and our lunch stop on a conveniently placed pile of logs with a fine view of the magnificent timber-framed facade of the the 16th/17th century Mere Hall.
Brewood and Chillington, 26 February 2019
Leader: Richard
Could this really be February? Daffodils and crocuses in bloom, May blossom in the hedges and warm enough to sit outside in the sunshine for lunch at the pub by the canal at Brewood. The walking conditions were good and the route had lots of interest including the Shropshire Union Canal, the Chillington Hall estate (home of the Giffard family since the12th century) with its grand Georgian house and lengthy approach avenue. Then, on to the delightful village (and former market town) of Brewood with so many interesting buildings and, surprisingly, a collection of vintage cars. The 32 walkers had a great day out!
Monkspath 24 February 2019
Leader: Sheila
Spring seems to have sprung early and hopefully our good fortune in the weather will continue. This was a popular Sunday morning walk in fine sunny weather, ideal for sitting outside for the coffee break at the Four Ashes golf club. Unfortuantely there was no time to play a round of crazy golf!
Nether Whitacre 19 February 2019
Leader: Tony
A good nine miles in fine weather for February around Shustoke reservoir through Church End with a delightful place for lunch. Not an area we walk in very often but local with some good paths but some dodgy stiles.
Sutton Park 17 February 2019
Leaders: Brian and Helen
An eight mile Sunday walk with fine weather around Sutton Park. Busy at the start of the walk but the further we went the quieter it became with very few other people. Plans to have a photo of the ponies on the website were thwarted as none were seen.
Cannock Chase 12 February 2019
Leaders: Mike and Bob
A great walk of 10.5 miles with fine February weather. A superb place to walk with visits to the German and Commonwealth graves and also to the Katyn memorial. A wonderful area to "get away from it all". We should do more walks on Cannock Chase.
The Green Man Trail 5 February 2019
Leader: Viv
This 12 mile walk from Knowle followed part of the Green Man trail but might be better named the Three Churches walk as coffee stop was at Temple Balsall church, then passing through Barston churchyard before lunch in Hampton-in-Arden churchyard. Although this was a local walk many of the 25 walkers commented that many of the paths were new to them.
Henley-in-Arden. 27 January, 2019
Leader: Les
A lovely walk, and in an unexpected direction from Henley. Interesting to go past the old point-to-point clubhouse. Adam remembers going to a few in the 50's before they were replaced by motorbike scrambles. At one stage we crossed the M40 making use of a long flight of steps which was constructed by our magnificent footpath maintenance team in 2013.
Burton Dassett, 22 January 2019
Leader: Adam
A beautiful start to the walk, weather brisk and clear but with the possibility of some snow later in the day. Fortunately due to careful leadership with an increase in pace towards the end the snow was avoided. Two delightful locations for the breaks, the churchyard at Fenny Compton and lunch on an open area in the centre of Farnborough. This was the first real experience this year of the Warwickshire mud with a bit of slipping and sliding. Fortunately we returned with a full complement of walkers despite the stocks at Avon Dasset. Thanks, Adam.
Ilmington, 8 January 2019
Leaders, Brian and Helen
Superb weather for January in the Cotswolds. Coffee stop at the top of the hill was not too cold.
Highlights from walks in late 2018
‘Digbeth History’ walk
Leader: Mike
This attracted 45 walkers; so many, that there was barely enough room for everyone to gather round and hear what Mike had to say, but there were some remarkable wall paintings to behold!
Dorridge Park
Leader: Sally
Twenty gallant walkers braved the continuous rain to complete the walk
Steve’s short but challenging walk in the wet on Chrome Hill
Viv’s walk in the former mill area around Cromford in Derbyshire with varied terrain, plenty of industrial archaeology and a lovely cafe at the end to reflect on a great day out. This was Viv’s first walk as leader and what a way to start. Some not too demanding uphill sections to get the heart pumping, one short scramble up to Black Rocks for those who wanted it - and who were rewarded with some great views and finally a stretch along the canal. Viv handed round homemade cake at coffee stop and lunch was perfectly located on benches overlooking the large mill pond in Cromford close to a pub for those that needed the refreshment, with a chippie nearby. We finished at the excellent tea shop next to the car park where most of the 18 walkers gathered to chat. This walk was a real treat before the dark days of winter ahead. I will certainly return to learn more about Arkwright and his remarkable invention and the rest of the industrial heritage.
Richard's brilliantly organised walk from Lady Byron Lane, with a coffee and tasty cake stop at Hampton in Arden, then lunch at Newlands Bishop Farm who catered superbly for 40 hungry walkers arriving with muddy boots. Again we were blessed with fine sunny weather.
Egde Hill
The Battle of Edge Hill (1642) took place on the level ground below the hill. The leaders of the armies decided it was a better place to have a decent battle involving the cavalry. In contrast, the walk took us through the delightful undulating countryside and tidy villages along Edge Hill including Ratley and Shenington with a stop for sandwiches in the lovely village of Hornton.
The Malverns 10 miles 19 March 2019
What a surprise this walk was. The Malverns are familiar walking territory for many people. We feel we know them well and many of us would count them among our favourite walking areas. But this walk took us along some lesser used paths and avoided the usual North Hill, Worcestershire Beacon, British Camp. At times it was quite disorientating trying to work out exactly where you were even though the fine views at times across to the Cotswolds, then to the Shropshire Hills and then to Hay Bluff and the Welsh Hills were all familiar.
May Hill Walk 11 miles 12th March 2019
The weather outlook was not too good - continuous heavy rain all morning followed by heavy showers and some sunshine in the afternoon. By the time we reached the top of May Hill the sun was out, barely a cloud in the sky and superb views over the Severn Valley and Hay Bluff toward the Welsh hills. Underfoot it was muddy as a result of the heavy rain but there was plenty of evidence of Spring with with fine displays of daffodils and other spring flowers, wild garlic providing a green covering in the woods and very young lambs in the fields.
Monkspath 4.5 miles 24 February 2019
Spring seemed to have sprung early. This was a popular Sunday morning walk in fine sunny weather, ideal for sitting outside for the coffee break at the Four Ashes golf club.
Nether Whitacre 9 miles 19 February 2019
A good nine miles in fine weather for February around Shustoke reservoir through Church End with a delightful place for lunch. Not an area we walk in very often but local with some good paths but some dodgy stiles.
Sutton Park 8 miles 17 February 2019
An eight mile Sunday walk with fine weather around Sutton Park. Busy at the start of the walk but the further we went the quieter it became with very few other people.
Cannock Chase 10.5 miles 12 February 2019
Leaders: Mike and Bob
A great walk of 10.5 miles with fine February weather. A superb place to walk with visits to the German and Commonwealth graves and also to the Katyn memorial. A wonderful area to "get away from it all". We should do more walks on Cannock Chase.
The Green Man Trail 12 miles 5 February 2019
This walk from Knowle followed part of the Green Man trail but might be better named the Three Churches walk as coffee stop was at Temple Balsall church, then passing through Barston churchyard before lunch in Hampton-in-Arden churchyard. Although this was a local walk many of the 25 walkers commented that many of the paths were new to them.
Henley-in-Arden 6.5 miles 27 January 2019
A lovely walk, and in an unexpected direction from Henley. Interesting to go past the old point-to-point clubhouse. one member recalls going to a few in the 50's before they were replaced by motorbike scrambles. At one stage we crossed the M40 making use of a long flight of steps which was constructed by our magnificent footpath maintenance team in 2013.
Burton Dassett, 22 January 2019
A beautiful start to the walk, weather brisk and clear but with the possibility of some snow later in the day. Fortunately due to careful leadership with an increase in pace towards the end the snow was avoided. Two delightful locations for the breaks, the churchyard at Fenny Compton and lunch on an open area in the centre of Farnborough. This was the first real experience this year of the Warwickshire mud with a bit of slipping and sliding. Fortunately we returned with a full complement of walkers despite the stocks at Avon Dasset.
Ilmington 10miles 8 January 2019
Superb weather for January in the Cotswolds. Coffee stop at the top of the hill was not too cold. A wonderful leg stretcher after Christmas and the New Year.
Walk in the former mill area around Cromford in Derbyshire with varied terrain, plenty of industrial archaeology and a lovely cafe at the end to reflect on a great day out. Some not too demanding uphill sections to get the heart pumping, one short scramble up to Black Rocks for those who wanted it - and who were rewarded with some great views and finally a stretch along the canal. Homemade cake at coffee stop and lunch was perfectly located on benches overlooking the large mill pond in Cromford close to a pub for those that needed the refreshment, with a chippie nearby. We finished at the excellent tea shop next to the car park where most of the 18 walkers gathered to chat. This walk was a real treat before the dark days of winter ahead. I will certainly return to learn more about Arkwright and his remarkable invention and the rest of the industrial heritage.