We are the Sandwell Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
We begin in the Leasowes which was designed by the poet William Shenstone beginning in 1743. Shenstone created his garden from farmland forming a diverse landscape of wooded valleys, open grassland, lakes and streams. Today the Leasowes is of major historic significance, listed as Grade 1 on the English Heritage ` Register of Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England.
The walk continues through farmland, mainly ancient pastures, eventually joining The Monarchs way and Illey Way. The Illey Way follows close to the route of the dismantled Halesowen to Longbridge railway line crossing in at the site of Dowery Dell Viaduct. We then pass within site of the ruins of Halesowen Abbey which was built in the 13th century and dissolved in 1538. The return to Leasowes is via the route of the disused Dudley No 2 Canal.
The walk is muddy and slippery in places, a walking pole helps. 23 stiles and some big steps.
Leasowes Lane Visitor Car Park, off Mucklow Hill, Halesowen B62 8DH. 6 Miles from West Bromwich
