Lonalv one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Decent walk though there were some challenges, driven mainly by the November weather.

It was fairly simple to follow the route. The sights were nice. It’s definitively not a step-free route - there were several stiles and fences. The fields west of the reservoir were either a muddy quagmire, or ankle high grass, so I was v wet and muddy when I finished. One of the pathways west of the reservoir was completely overgrown with nettles - glad I was covered all over. Most notable perhaps was that there were cows in the north of the final field before you join the road into Longbridge.

Highlights for me were pretty Alvechurch and the views over the Bittell Reservoir.

I started this route from Longbridge on a slightly misty Saturday morning. The first section follows the pavement of the main road and although quite dull, and seemingly heading east when you need to head south, it is very safe and does actually connect well with the footpaths that propel you south across the fields into Worcestershire. The path is not obvious at first, and requires a little map reading but I must say I'm impressed with how well paths are marked in Worcestershire. The section past Upper Bittell Reservoir is particularly enjoyable and had it continued like that I would have given it a 5. Having crossed the Birmingham and Worcester Canal and passed some fishing ponds, the very well marked path ends and enters the B4120 Bittell Road. This section is a lane with no pavement and requires care to follow. There are however, no blind corners and there is some verge to step on to when cars pass. As I came to the roundabout at the end my nailed on 5 star route started to lose points. I could see ahead of me the sign for Alvechurch and a pavement which would take me under the M42 and all the way to the meeting point in the centre. Instead the route directed me into Old Birmingham Road, a lane with no pavement in order to reach a couple of dark footpaths to take me through the underpass. The footpath beyond, in a field of horses, took a look to find. The desire to be "offroad" was to the detriment of safety, distance and simplicity. Beyond this was another narrow lane with no pavement. The vague marking of the route seemed to suggest taking a footpath to the right which no longer exists, (there is a fence with barbed wire across the top) however the vague nature of the marking (at SP 0302 7328) meant I was able to interpret it as following the lane to the next turning at SP 0307 7323. Had I followed this route from Alvechurch this might not have seemed such an issue as the footpath suggested obviously does not exist. Had two other volunteers not approved this route I suspect I would have failed it for this. Beyond this, the detour around a playing field and through some side streets is quite pleasant and Alvechurch is picturesque. I think there is a better, safer, more direct Lonalv than this but this is sufficient in the Slow Ways qualities to approve. Overall, a really nice walk, just a shame about the end!.

Pleasant walk overall with gentle ascent leading to good views over the Upper Bittell Reservoir and beyond.
Lack of signage or visible paths over Cofton Common down to road approaching Upper Bittell Reservoir call for good map reading skills and use of a suitable app.
Narrow, overgrown path after buildings north of Cofton Richards Farm could easily be missed.

Lovely route on the whole with some fine views over Worcs on mile #2 before descending. Takes in the Upper Bittell Reservoir and stretches of the River Arrow.

NB there is a short stretch on Bittell Road with no footpath where prudence is required. Would suggest a longer detour via the canal path for anyone less confident.

It is difficult to discern the footpath suggested by the maps between miles 1 and 2, however one can meander in a general SW/SWW direction and use the lake on the left as a guide.

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