We are the South Birmingham Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Steve B
This walk is to replace the Earlswood walk originally planned due to difficult ground conditions at the time of the recce
Walk starts at 10.15 am
This a pleasant mostly flat circular walk with an ascent of 276 ft, no stiles and encompassing a mixture of urban and countryside walking.
The walk starts at the front entrance of Arrow Valley Countryside Centre
where there are toilets. The walk proceeds along urban paths eventually reaching Beoley, at which point the walk continues into open countryside and ascends a reasonably steep short hill (which we can take at a leisurely pace to suit all) with wonderful views across the surrounding countryside at the top where we reach St Leonards Church at which time we will take a break.
Following the break the walk descends through further urban/green spaces to the end of the walk at the Visitors Centre.
The recent recce did not highlight any significant hazards although there were some muddy/sodden stretches therefore stout boots and walking poles/pole are recommended in addition to a few road crossings where the usual precautions will need to be taken.
The weather forecast for 25th March is reasonable at the time of writing these instructions although given the crazy weather we have had of late, please check so appropriate clothing can be worn.
Once again, we would also like to acknowledge the brilliant support of Steve Cooper.
Take your preferred route to the island adjacent to Kings Norton Green (or if you prefer proceed to the visitor’s centre using your sat nav) proceed along the A441 Redditch/Birmingham Road crossing the M42 towards Redditch eventually reaching the island with Redditch Crematorium on your left and Sainsburys on your right. Continue over the island still on A441and as you approach the next island at the brow of the hill keep left (there is a dedicated slip lane) and take this exit onto A4023 Coventry Highway. Take the next left slip lane down onto the island and go under the bridge, take next exit onto B4497 where you will see a sign for the Country Park, the entrance to which is immediately on your right just past Lidl (do not use Lidl car park). There is a car park immediately on the left as you enter the Country Park or continue down the drive to another car park adjacent to Visitors Centre. Please note at time of the recce (a Tuesday) and subsequent visits it has been surprisingly busy so acquire a space where you can! Alternatively, there should be on street parking on Padgets lane which is on the left side of the B4497 opposite Lidl so please give yourself enough time to find a space .
Arrow Valley Countryside Centre, Battens Drive, Redditch. B98 OLJ. The walk starts at the front entrance of Arrow Valley Countryside Centre where there are toilets.
