Redalc one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

I completed this walk travelling southeast from Redditch yesterday. A really good route, which practically follows the river Arrow throughout. Just a small section immediately at the start in Redditch is uphill and then due to following the course of the river is gently downhill throughout. You would have to make a diversion at Coughton if you wanted refreshments as there are no opportunities directly on the route.

I enjoyed reaching the Arrow Valley Country Park breaking up the urban-ness of Redditch. At the end of the park you cross a football field to reach a car park and then the route follows pavements through an industrial estate, over a roundabout and then to the A435. Crossing this busy road required some deft timing and would really benefit from a refuge between carriageways, but after a short while you reach the open countryside via a path next to the bridge over the river.

The route then takes a mix of countryside footpath and lane pavements to the site of the old Studley Castle. Leaving here the route is very pretty as it follows the river towards Spernal. After Spernal the route goes back across footpaths which have clearly had some recent improvements made to some of the footbridges, and through young forest to the grounds of Coughton Court.

There is then a brief bit of lane walking through Mill Ford and past Church Farm to more footpaths through the young forest to reach the Arden Rd on the outskirts of Alcester. After crossing the road, the route follows the river through Alcester, next to the skate park and then into the old market town centre.

The route is really at it's best away from Redditch, and has stiles, gates footbridges and a few steps. I would recommend it and walk it again.


which in this direction once you reach the river Arrow is all downhill due to.

A good Slow Ways route which i started from Redditch Railway station walking through the Bus station rather than going on the plotted way through the car park stairs coming out of Redditch into Arrow Park where i followed the No 5 cycle way more direct out into Studley where the you leave urban and countryside begins.
I stopped off at Coughton Court NT which you go through there parkland for a quick drink before caring into Alcester the finish and The Holly Bush pub for a good beer. A enjoyable walk.

I did Alcester to Redditch, it is a bit tricky finding the path from that way and there is a small part of the monarchs way that is overgrown not far out of the town, but otherwise lovely, if you walk it on a very hot day like me, stock up on water and suncream as there is not much shelter or any stops between Alcester and redditch to pick anything up, the x19 between Alcester and redditch runs hourly whichever way you do.

Once past the main roads of Redditch, this walk is a beaut. You follow the River Arrow from the Arrow Valley Lakes as it meanders through fields, meadows and reserves before it deposits you pleasantly in Alcester, a lovely little town where there are a few pubs, shops and cafes to refuel and rest up.

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