Haghal one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Haghal here.

I completed this walk yesterday, heading southwest from Halesowen. While giving it just four stars feels a little harsh, the first mile or so involves quite a bit of pavement pounding—particularly at the Halesowen end—preventing it from reaching the full five-star rating.

Once you leave Hagley Road and escape the urban sprawl, the walk improves significantly. A couple of lovely coppiced areas lead you onto the golf course at Hagley Country Club—just be mindful of golfers playing as you cross the fairways. The route then meanders through the charming Wasselgrove Dingle before passing Clentvilla Farm and reaching Wassell Grove Lane.

Beyond the lane, the Right of Way directs you across a farmer’s field towards Queensway. However, when we reached the field (photo 9), the recently planted crop obscured the footpath, requiring a minor detour around the southern perimeter to rejoin the route. This wasn’t a major inconvenience, and the path may be more accessible in winter.

After a brief stint along Queensway, the walk ascends toward Wychbury Hill. Along the way, you traverse a short section of Pedmore Lane before climbing again. While the route doesn’t quite reach the summit, the views over the Black Country from the highest point are undeniably impressive.

Descending from the hill, you rejoin Pedmore Lane and pass through another urban stretch, crossing the busy A491 before picking up a bridleway and footpath leading out of Pedley. The brief rural interlude between Pedmore and Hagley includes a striking railway cutting footbridge before another scenic section into Hagley.

Overall, this is an enjoyable walk, featuring a good mix of stiles, footbridges, gates, and steps. I would gladly do it again and highly recommend it to others.

A good Slow Ways Route easy to follow starting from Hagley Railway Station you join field paths with views of the Clent hills to take you over the railway into Pedmore where you join a greenway and chance for refreshments and food. Then join The Monarchs Way up Wychbury Hill with great views. When you get to Wychbury Medical Center you will need to head up the road at the right hand side to a footpath gate as the footpath just past is no longer used and overgrown. Then follow the field paths made by the locals to join the footpath onto Wassell Grove Lane. Carry on along field paths through woods before crossing straight across Hagley Golf Course where care is needed and onto a greenway taking you to Halesowen Bus station. Overall a good route through nice countryside with views, but not for all as some narrow paths.

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