Distance - 7.4 Miles
Geocaches - 1 (and that was on the way to the pub, rather than the walk)
Walk Inspiration - Country Walking Magazine Sep 2013 - Walk 8
Knightwick at EveryTrail
Christmas Eve sounds like a perfect day to complete a walk from one of the Top 10 county pubs in Worcestershire. In at number 5 in the list is the Talbot at Knightwick. I've walked from here loads of times but never been in the pub before. Find a new walk in Country Walking magazine that looks perfect.
But what to make of the weather? Yesterday was an expected wash out, so I hung around the sofa watching Anglo/French remakes of Danish/Swedish crime thrillers. Today was predicted to be good, but on the way down town to collect the Turkey, it starts raining. There's nothing else for it, so I dig out the raincoat and hat and complete the short drive.
On parking arrival, the rain has stopped and I am rewarded with blue skies. Fortune favours the brave.
The effect of yesterday's storms is plain to see on the River Teme. I am meant to walk back along the banks. Unfortunately, they have burst.
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| Quick replan in order |
Walk uphill and pick up a previously undiscovered stretch of the Worcester Way. All uphill but superb walking and I am rewarded with views in all directions. I will have to complete the full length of this LDP one day.
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| I can see for Miles |
No caches on this route today, so there is nothing to distract from the simple pleasure of walking outdoors in the sunshine. Apart from the very squelchy conditions underfoot.
At Crews Hill, I say goodbye to the Worcestershire Way and head down on lanes to Alfrick.
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| Unusual Angle to view the Malverns From |
A couple of fields to cross to get to the Church. Recently ploughed, so a bit grim to make your way across.
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| Church makes the crossing worth it. |
Not a lot to do in Alfrick. Apart from say hello to the Birthday Boy.
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| Alfrick Memorial |
Head up Folley Road, which starts as a lane but soon turns into a footpath. Very old farmhouses dot the lane. There is a disused railway line with a huge viaduct hidden in the trees. This is where I meet my first ramblers of the day. They warn me that a tree has fallen which has blocked their route but they think a young sprightly fella like myself will be fine.
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| Ha - That's no obstacle |
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| But this is the one they mean! |
Up the bank and around for Mappiman. Pick up a lane that is totally flooded and have a squelch through the puddles to get back. Use the road, rather than the river bank to get back to the pub.
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| Find an unexpected Church |
Even in the two hours that I have been out, the Teme has risen further.
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| Not sure that pumping Water in is going to help |
There is a micro on the bridge, but the heavens open. I decide to postpone my hunt to post-pub.
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| Fifth Best Pub in Worcestershire |
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| Took advice and went for a "That" |
The landlord was correctly getting nervous about the rising water. He was more worried for the next storm that is coming on Friday.
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| I'd be concerned now. This is the road home outside the pub. |
Get back on the footbridge. Find the pesky little micro by the power of touch.
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