12/12/11 - Ramble from Mamble

Distance - 5.7 Miles
Inspiration - Peter Kerr's "Worcestershire Walks"

Mamble

All the self help advice books say that the key to a happy life is to set yourself goals.  Today, I have ticked off two from my bucket list, going to Bayton and watching "It's a wonderful life".

I feel that I may have overdid it on the "don't make them too strecthing" advice.

After a 315 mile, 5hr 20 minute drive back from Scotland yesterday, today had to be somewhere close.  This means no caches are available, as I have the majority in the vicinity.  Instead, I gain inspiration from one of the first walking books that I bought. 

Park up at a picnic area opposite the Sun and Slipper pub, disturbing two workers having a gypsies up the hedge.  Cross over the road and pick up the footpath between houses.

Instantly two things are apparent - we will be rewarded with stunning views of the Clee hills and the weather is perfect for walking - beautiful blues skies.  Some nice scenery pictures on the Everytrail site.

After heading north and crossing a couple of fields, we briefly touch Wissett's wood before heading east to Cross the River Rea.

Bridge on the River Rea

Pick up the road for a short stretch before turning onto fields.  We are rewarded with our first views of Bayton Church and a stiff climb up a muddy field, where our boots end up with a mudcakes the size of  dinner plates.

Not going on your stupid blog

Molly attacks a plastic drum

Walking alongside the church, we are rewarded with the best views of the day.

Panoramic Clee Hill

With People (and dog) in

Extend the walk from the guide to include a circuit of Bayton.  I was kind of interested in what was there.  We found evidence of it being a dry village (no pub) but a highly effecient neighbourhood watch system.

Who's got George?

We have a long road stretch west, past Mayberries Farm and when the road turns to a track, Shakenhurst House comes into view.  Last year, it was sold for the first time in its 1000 year history.  You may have to wait a long time for it to come on the market again, but at least it will give you plenty of time to save the required £12m.

My house x48

Drop south into Wissett's woods, which is all a bit overgrown but makes a nice change from the stunning views and stately homes.

Not the blair witch

After emerging into fields, we head east towards Westwood Farm.  Manage to get past the first two guardians, as there is a thin wire fence between us and having to do soft shelled Matador impressions.

We can take two on

However, when we get to the next fence, there are six of the beasts - including one with a nose ring and possible tattoos, who is guarding the entrance to the field.  Its frustrating, as we are within 150 yards of the car but decide not to risk it and have a 3/4 mile extension to the walk, taking in some of the outgoing paths.

Penultimate question of the day is where to go for refreshments - we are quite muddy, but not too bad, so decide to go and sit outside the cafe in Bewdley.  On arrival, and seeing the Mug House's roaring fire and remembering that they have stone floors - we take lunch there.  Timothy Taylor over tea all day.

View from a pub

Get home and spend the afternoon with James Stewart.  Most enjoyable, but left me with the question "Was Bedford Falls better with or without George Bailey?".  I have to say, it looked a fun night out in the "without" scene.