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....

J w ollid

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. 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 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. 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. 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. Another short section of road then a bridleway, initially with a good surface to serve an isolated house. 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....

Ken

A good route, mostly easy to follow. Full review and pictures to follow....

Hugh Hudson

Sadly both the state of some stiles and in places the lack of waymarking mean that I can't recommend the route wholeheartedly, and shortage of daylight coupled with location problems on my phone forced me to abandon the route and do the last mile or so on the main road....

Hugh Hudson

I walked most of this from Bromsgrove to Redditch, but didn't risk the dangerous road crossings highlighted in the earlier review. Instead I found an easier alternative that avoids them, and I plan to submit this tomorrow. Some of the GPX plotting is loose, so I will try to fix that too....

Hugh Hudson

The dual carriageway crossing is not pleasant, there is no bridge or controlled crossing & it's not clear how you get across to the public footpath There's one small stile that is tricky to catch before the dual carriageway and is missing a marker going to Redditch, photo below to help....

mxh989

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....

mxh989

Short stretch of road before a signposted left turn down a drive and up field paths over Newbourne Hill to Rowney Green. Turn right at signposted field path at path crossroads climbing up to Storrage Lane....

Olton and District u3a

On the Henley side it is mostly open fields with some tracks, sections on country roads and <10m alongside a more major road....

ljp123

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....

jimi biscuits

This route shows crossing a railway line. You can no longer do this and haven't been able to do so for many years. There is no way to cross the track it is fenced off....

Alvechurch Walking Buddies

Please note that it is not possible to cross the railway line at Butler's Wood Cottage. OS ref: SP028708...

HilaryB48