Abbbur two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

I enjoyed this walk, part excellent company, part pleasant countryside. What more can I say except to agree with reviews from David and Hugh. Some paths need more use so let's hope the inclusion in the Slow Way network helps to encourage more users to get out some nice paths. Sorry no services on route so go prepared. The former school at Abbots Bromley is being converted into residential so there will be lots more locals seeking paths to walk.

A varied and mostly enjoyable walk. Starting in Abbots Bromley, the first section was certainly the worst. Rotten infrastructure connecting overgrown paths through land of delinquent owners. The route became enjoyable upon arrival in Hoar Cross and from then on. Safety wise, there is some road walking. This involves care, but the stretches were short and drivers we encountered were considerate of the conditions. I never felt endangered. We encountered a couple of fields with cows in them, but had no problems. Another problem with the walk from a Slow Ways perspective is the lack of stops and shops. None of the churches we passed had potable exterior water taps. Some sections have great views, earlier in the walk, you can see south across the Trent Valley to Lichfield and Cannock Chase. Later you can see Northeast across the Trent Valley (the route turns north of where the the river turns). Some stretches are 5 star. This route undulates a lot, including the magical woodland walk into Burton. Accessibility is not a strength with the overgrown sections, kissing gates, steps and lots of stiles.

Walked from Abbots Bromley to Burton with David and Ken. A good direct route, quite hard work due to overgrown sections and a few stiles that have seen better days.

From Abbots Bromley, we head east along the road. The pavement stops after the houses so there is a short section that requires care. We then head into the fields on a little used footpath, which is overgrown in places and has a few damaged or wobbly stiles. Eventually we find our way back to the road (the last two stiles are brand new and seem incongruous). The walk through and round the Hoar Cross estate is pleasant, and we then cross cow pastures to reach Yoxall Road.

We cross the river Swarbourn on a footbridge by a ford then head into the woods on a good track, which is easier to follow than the right of way line. Beyond the A515 we cross another wood and head across fields on a fairly well marked path (with more overgrown field boundaries). At Lodge Lane we turn sharp left and follow a track through fields, then an overgrown path (low-lying bramble shoots and nettles) through a wood. Scotch Hill is reached easily enough. We investigated the path that goes past the national football centre but decided the wooded section looked almost impenetrable, and lacked clear footpath markers, so we retreated to follow the National Forest Way.

All of the National Forest Way paths are well maintained and clearly waymarked. We reach Rangemore Hill easily enough and follow the verge up to the shortcut path, then follow Tatenhill Common right, taking advantage of the National Forest Way permissive path north of the road. A pleasant section of the National Forest Way with fine views takes us steeply down to Tatenhill, and we continue up the hill beyond on another little path with plenty of nettles and bramble shoots. We attempted to follow the right of way, but the paths on the ground deviate from these quite a lot. There are occasional glimpses of distant views through the trees, and we eventually use a farm track for most of the descent into Shobnall.

Beyond we head steeply up a residential street then branch right into the wood on an undulating path that is pretty but surprisingly hard work. At one point there is a long descent on steps, and we join a surfaced path just before the A38 bridge. Here all difficulties end and the walk into Burton is a direct one on surfaced paths.

Overall this is an enjoyable walk; with fine views and a pleasant variety of scenery, but sadly some of the footpaths are neither well used nor well maintained.

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