Drobro one

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Droitwich Spa to Bromsgrove 1 (Drobro 1) review.

A walk which provides an alternative to a mainly canal walk between Droitwich Spa and Bromsgrove, instead exploring field paths.

Note: I walked Bromsgrove to Droitwich Spa.

The Slow Way takes an urban walk out of Bromsgrove and over the railway. Footpaths lead to the Worcester & Birmingham Canal (Photo 1).

There’s a break point about halfway through the walk, where the towpath passes under Westonhall Road: either at The Boat and Railway pub or the Stoke Prior Sports & Country Club (no membership required).

The route leaves the canal at Astwood Lane. Look out for the footpath off Shaw Lane, as I missed it at first (Photo 2). The gate off Astwood Lane was overgrown (Photo 3). These issues aside, the route provides field paths with attractive views (Photos 3 & 4).

Unfortunately, the Slow Way does need amending at the M5. I tried to find the path to an underpass marked at [SO914635] but failed to find the correct route at [SO922643]. Someone walking from the Droitwich Spa end might have better luck! I ended up taking the route of the previous reviewers into Droitwich Spa.

I do think this relaxing field route is a worthy alternative to keeping to the canal towpath, however the access issue over the motorway needs addressing.

A pleasant walk, took a similar diversion to R Bradley.

We walked this route from the Railway Station having caught the train to Bromsgrove rather than starting from Bromsgrove Centre. Footpath appeared to have recently been signposted so easy to follow at the start. From Stoke Pound it follows the scenic Birmingham to Worcester canal. It was less well signposted once we left the canal at Astwood and one of the styles by the foot bridge was in disrepair so we had to use a field gate lower down. Main issue with this route is that you are unable to cross the M5 where the Slow Ways route shows this. We took a footpath shortly before this up to Rashwood Farm which involves crossing over the single track Droitwich to Bromsgrove railway line and then through the M5 underpass just before reaching the farm. You then follow the John Corbett Way which is very well signposted to the Chateau Impney hotel and then crossing the railway bridge to bring us back onto the Slow ways route into Droitwich.
This is a route I would do gain but with the amendments we made. Relatively easy walking mostly level, lovely views from the footpaths / canal which had several flights of locks. We passed 3 pubs which would be useful if you wanted to stop for refreshments or food enroute.

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