Broshe two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Easy to follow Slow Ways route along pavements and roads
Shops on route and Pubs
Overall good route.

After I reviewed three Slow Ways northwest (NW) out of Brownhills I commented that I didn't feel the meeting place really took me into the town. Broshe opened my eyes to the shops along the busy main street. I also got a better view of the miner statue in the bright morning sunshine and wondered if it is looking in the wrong direction, certainly for the benefit of my camera as can be seen.

Once the shops had given way to houses the pavement walk of two miles became a bit of a drag. Crossing the Lichfield road (A461) isn't pedestrian friendly and sections of pavement alongside non domestic property had a tendency to need a good cut back. The map fails to offer an off road alternative but even if there were one it would add to the distance.

Onto minor roads and a short section of road without pavement but soon a return to safety, if only residents didn't consider the pavement a good place to park. Two inns both closed as I passed but shops and a seat on the tiny green. A field path could shorten the route but miss the village.

I was apprehensive about Mill Lane expecting it to be a rat run but no, it was a quiet lane used by a number of dog walkers and other hikers. I was intrigued by Stonnall Paws 'A secure dog walking field' members only, can a scheme such as this work?

The crops had been harvested and no cultivation had taken place so it would have been possible to walk the footpaths. Is it worth reporting the missing bridge so close to the track? I think not. The hikers followed me along the track so it looks like it has local usage.

The narrow roadside pavement appeared okay until a speed merchant heading west overtook and nearly took me with him. The new rule states " When overtaking a pedestrian walking in the road (where there is no pavement): Allow 2 metres of space." Drivers appear to think that because I'm on the pavement it's acceptable to buzz me with their mirror. So I wonder if it would be better to continue along the lane and take the footpath through the industrial estate or press on along Hollyhill Lane. Perhaps a local could investigate.

I greeted the roadside protester with a friendly 'good morning' but pressed on avoiding a possible long explanation of his concerns. The Slow Way arrives at the meeting point, the station, before passing any services available in Shenstone.

The only reservation I have about this walk is the first section. Leaving Shenstone via Lynne Lane consists of pounding a narrow pavement along a busy road. The surrounding countryside is gorgeous once you've got beyond the industrial estate (and the guards with the Alsatians patrolling the drone factory). There is a section of about 200m just before turning into a track where the lane loses the pavement. There is enough verge to step to the side when a car comes but caution is required. Once you join the track and pass Owletts Hall Farm the walk becomes truly relaxing as the traffic noise fades and the birds take over. You follow the track (rather than a non existent footpath, the evidence of which is an overgrown stile by an uncrossable brook. But I found that out so you don't have to!) all the way through to Footherly Lane. The lane walking is relaxed as the lanes are open and there are low verges. Local drivers appear courteous. There isn't much in Lower Stonnall apart from housing. Mill Lane connects you to Stonnall, half way through the walk where you pass through the village to make the most of the benches, shops and pubs. As you reach the top of the village, by a bench and a bus stop you turn right onto Chester Road, the A452. This stretch might seem dull to some. It's the wide pavement of a straight, 50mph road and it really is the only to walk this. You might not realise how much you have climbed, the views to the right can be spectacular. By the Shire Oak Pub, you cross from Staffordshire into the Black Country. In no time at all you are in Brownhills. After you cross the Wyrley and Essington Canal you are in the High Street which offers shops, pubs and cafes. You are greeted at the end of the walk by the statue of "Jigger, the Brownhills Miner". Most bus routes are served from here. This was a really enjoyable, well worked out Slow Way. The only problem was Lynne Lane and I wondered as I passed the footpath, whether there is a better way using the quiet lanes to the south rather than the busy road to the north. I shall submit a new Slow Way to incorporate this but that's a walk for another day.

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