Alvwyt one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

A good Slow Ways easy to follow through lovely countryside.
Can be muddy in parts so go prepared.
Some stiles on route so not for all users.
Food and drinks available at Alvechurch / Wythall, but nothing on route.
Care needed when crossing A435 Alcester Road roundabout as very busy.
Overall another good route for Slow Ways.

One of the easiest Slow Ways I've ever had to follow and a lovely walk it is. I started from Alvechurch and made my way south out of the village. The footpath then follows a lane so some caution is needed, but the only vehicle I encountered was a post van. The path then rolls with the hills it passes through, there is a crossing of Rowney Green Lane which needs care, but it was an easy crossing. As the route reached Ryknield Street (which is just a lane here) it joins it to go under the M42 through an underpass. Almost immediately right you cross an unusual stile (pictured) and walk with in parallel with the visually, but sadly not audially obscured M42. As I reached a copse I must admit I was slightly thrown as according to the map I should have been in a third field before turning. As I looked back, I realised that fence or possible hedgerow had been removed, causing me to miscount. The route uphill from there was very easy to follow and a slight worry about how I was going to get through a herd of cows asleep in front of a gate was allayed when I realised that the Slow Way actually follows the diverted route to the right of a pond away from the cows! At the top of the hill, having passed a sign telling me I was between Alvechurch and Wythall (phew!) I crossed Watery Lane and experienced my first bit of magic. As I crossed the field a pair of buzzards circled over the route ahead. When they were further away, swallows darted across the field. I crossed Hill Lane and got my first views of Wythall. St Mary's Church loomed in the distance and grew as I approached across the harvested fields. The strange thing about this Slow Way is that you arrive in Wythall Parish with 3km of walking remaining. Adjacent to the church is a transport museum and it appears vintage buses provide a shuttle to the railway station, which is where the meeting point is. Also adjacent is a day nursery, which as I passed, had a field full of sunflowers being enjoyed by families. The last section follows the pavement of Middle Lane and then Station Road. It's quite a dull end to the walk but I can't see an alternative. Between these road is a roundabout which is crossed by the A435 Alcester Road. This was the only section of the walk where I felt even slightly unsafe. There is no pedestrian crossing, the route plotted does not suggest a safer way round but there are islands. Crossing by where Station Road emerges was very tricky and might seem impossible at rush hour. Getting to the meeting place by the railway station was dull but not unpleasant. This route is direct, easy to follow, beautiful in bits and for the main part safe, although with that one spot by the A435 that any walker should be aware of. Approved.

Very straightforward route to follow. Features some very boggy sections so dress accordingly.

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