25/2/12 - Tedstone Delamere is not an American

Distance - 5.7 Miles
Geocaches - Herefordshire is not known for its caches
Walk Inspiration

Tedstone Delamere

Every year there is a walking day when you know that Spring is on its way.  Today, was that day.

Wasn't sure whether I would be walking today.  Last night was a drink with Fast Pint Arm Bob.  When I awoke and saw the light streaming through the windows, there was no choice.  What a fantastic day.

Today's walk is from www.walkingworld.com and just over the border in herefordshire.  This walk alone has justified the subscription cost for another year.  It is a stunner.

Lovely drive through the best parts of Worcestershire, spying a place to take a nice photo of Malvern for the way back.  Park up in the village of Whitbourne.  The walk suggests parking at the pub and truth, there would have been no problem.  Another country pub bites the dust.  But don't worry, there is a local shop for local people selling pork pies and pop next door.

Over a stile and into the countryside.

Winter is no more

First part of the walk is through farmland, aiming to get to Poswick Lodge where we pick up the first hightlight of the walk.  The Sapey Valley is great walking country, secluded, little stream that we criss cross, couple of isolated cottages straight out of fairy tales and bordered by Limekiln Coppice.  It is stunning and with the weather, makes you feel all is well with world.  This stretch is that good that you won't mind following it on the return journey back.

Limkiln Coppice

Eventually the public footpath ends at the woods, after a final cross of the Sapey. 

Bridge or in the Water?

The forest track climbs steadily uphill.  Give way to a group of horse riders who had hit full gallop mode.  Turn up towards Tedstone Delamere, not an American chat show host but a hamlet, dominated by Tedstone Court.  See my first human, a man gardening to classical music, being observed by Alan Partridges favorite aves.

Terwit Terwhoo

Ted, to his mates.

Tedstone Delamere is domintated by the court.  A quite magnificant house with stunning views over Malvern.  As I walk past, there is a sign for the footpath down to St James Chapel in the grounds.  I have a walk down.  Photos are on Everytrail.

Malvern Calling

Back up to the road and a drop down on the left back into the woods.  Confirmation that Spring is here, as I see the first new sheep of the year.  A sight that always gladdens the heart.

Congratulations, its twins.

Steep drop down a muddy path to the valley floor.  Around half a mile repeating the outward bound journey but following the stream towards Whitbourne Hall. 

You can lead a cow to water

Climb back up towards Wishmore Farm and all too soon the walk is over. 

Face the camera, dog.

Check out the pub, attempt a geocache at Knightwick Bridge and a final picture from the top of Ankerdine Hill for the views over Malvern.

Just need the clocks to go forward now.

Worcestershire, in all its glory.  My head blocking Malvern