Callow Brook and the Waseley Hills (+ optional pub lunch)

WALK DESCRIPTION: This is a 7.5-mile walk following the River Rea and Callow Brook walkway from Longbridge to the Waseley Hills and back, with an optional mid-afternoon meal at the Cambridge Inn from 3.15 pm. It is now over 20 years since MG Rover went into administration, and 10 years since vehicle assembly finally ended at Longbridge. The area has since been transformed to include a shopping centre, a technology park and South Birmingham College. The site of the old West Works is now a pleasantly landscaped green corridor that meanders beside the River Rea, alongside ongoing modern developments and housing. Starting from the Cambridge Inn, we follow the River Rea walkway westwards before taking a loop around Great Park reservoir. We continue through Balaam's Wood until we arrive in Rubery. After a stroll along the village high street we walk through St. Chad's Park, then continue west until we reach Waseley Hills Country Park. Climbing gently, we follow well-defined paths with fine views towards the Malvern, Abberley and Clee Hills. Halfway into the walk we arrive at the visitor centre where we will take a break around lunchtime. Light refreshments are available here at the Windmill Cafe, and there are also public toilets. Our return journey takes us up to Windmill Hill - the highest point at 998 feet above sea level, with panoramic views over Birmingham and North Worcestershire. We then follow a tree-lined path downhill and along the east-facing slopes before returning to Rubery village and then retrace our steps back to Longbridge.