Drored one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

A good reasonably direct route,with some sections of parkland(Hanbury Hall n/t)canal towpath and fields of both grass and crops some being sprayed out but not all ,some walkers appear to being walking field edges to avoid this.Walked this route from Droitwich to Redditch,the first section being mainly canal towpath and then soon mature parkland passing Hanbury church to Hanbury there is small section of pavement walking passing a craft centre which is safe but with care (large lorries use this road)A small section at Forest farm is very overgrown but usable.Approaching the edge of Redditch the Pitcher oak wood area was difficult to establish the correct route.This route route uses both bridleways and public rights of ways and some muddy areas will be experienced but generally it’s a good walk plenty of views and unspoiled countryside.

This is a walk through very pleasant countryside. It has a good quantity of paths through pasture so there could be cattle, sheep and horses. There are also crops where the path crosses the field and at the time of my walk the route was not apparent on the ground. A duty to reinstate the path is imposed on farmers by the Highway Act section 134. The boundary crossing points are generally easy to locate with a mix of stiles and gates, one fence needs making into an accessible stile. There was lots of mud and water plus a very narrow plank bridge that is in need of repair. A rest stop is available at Hanbury otherwise there is little along the way especially in poor weather. The plotting is generally good but let me down in places. I acknowledge my review may be influenced by the poor weather.

I walked from Droitwich on a day I should have stayed at home. The meeting place is distinctive and well located. After a walk along the main street viewing the deformed buildings, damaged by years of pumping brine, I joined the canal for an easy exit from the town.

Leaving the canal the path heads for Hanbury Hall and the surrounding parkland which makes this a popular walking location. Only a distant view of the hall from a seat positioned to capture the tree lined vista. From this direction the climb towards Hanbury church is gentle. Meeting the road the plot isn't clear about using the road or footpath so I head for the church which is very hospitable, providing a perfect lunch location out of the unpleasant weather.

The footpath would be a short steep climb from Redditch and needed care to descend in the wet and muddy conditions. The well used path was very evident across the cropped fields but again the plot fails to confirm the route I should take. There may be a permissive path direct to the Jinney Ring but I stayed on the footpath to the road where a pavement offers some protection from the heavy traffic.

Apart from an onsite Deli the Jinney Ring was closed on the winter Wednesday so check if you plan to use this facility. The plot yet again suggests a permissive path to avoid the road but the pavement continues with evidence of incursion by unfriendly large tyre tracks. The pavement ends at the last bend but a wide verge is available on the opposite side. While not the most enjoyable part of the walk it is doable.

Back onto the safety of field paths the countryside remains pleasant with a mix of pasture and arable but the paths show less signs of use so the now good plot is essential. North of Forest Farm the official line marked by metal gates supplied by the County may be a challenge so consider using the adjacent farm gate.

A very short respite along tarmac before entering what the map records as a 'National Nature Reserve' which resembles a big house park with rather poor grass, perhaps it contains rare orchids? Another short section of road then a bridleway, initially with a good surface to serve an isolated house. Beyond the house the track is muddy and in places very narrow so fingers crossed I don't meet a horse.

The plot continues along the bridleway where it turns northward. After a major struggle along what is now the course of a shallow stoney stream I spotted a footpath in the adjacent field, a far superior route for the Slow Way. Finally escaping into fields I came across a waymarked five bar fence a well camouflaged stile of sorts but not user friendly.

The poor weather and conditions underfoot brought a diversion into consideration taking the whole of Pumphouse Lane which on earlier maps was shown as a cycle route. I'm pleased I resisted this temptation because on eventually meeting the lane I found it extremely narrow and when a car approached it had to stop allowing me to pass through the remaining narrow space. After that the footpath loop was overgrown and unnecessary.

I can only hope that the fields grazed by sheep at Brownlass Farm are protected from more housing development that already surrounds it. I wasn't convinced by a public right or the merit of the track serving garages along the back of houses at Webheath. Finally onto the road and a shop may be of use.

Pitcher Oak Wood is a wonderful breathing space for Redditch with lots of paths and no signage. At the end of a challenging walk I would have preferred more certainty as to the route so was relieved to eventually locate tarmac for the final approach to the station. I'm afraid to say that by this time I'd lost the will to record my review and collapsed into a seat on the train which quickly departed.

PS. I passed two reports to Redditch Ramblers and receiced a prompt and very encouraging reply.
We are aware of the crossing at Swans Brook and in fact it was noted as a future job when our Working Party was installing gates nearby. We work once a month, but it is on the list I believe. Regarding the 5-bar crossing it looks as if a cross-step is missing. Worcs Countryside Service may not be aware of this and I will report it via their on-line system. Thanks again
Glyn, Redditch Ramblers Working party coordinator.

Walked this early May (lovely weather) a nice rural walk particularly enjoyable section walking past Hanbury Hall and the Jenny Ring shops/cafe is lovely if open. There was two fields I decided to circumvent due to cows (you can see in the Strava below and here: https://www.strava.com/activities/7103127350) a steep hill before the church can be tough but I believe the road to the left can get around that but worth the climb for the views. The park area as you leave Redditch can be confusing but I believe most paths head in the right direction and a GPX on your watch will help.

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