28/10/17 - Bodenham Arboretum

Distance - 5 Miles
Geocaches - 1
Walk Inspiration


Second week running where I struggle to spell Arboretum.

Mrs M declares she wants a quick local walk to see the autumnal colours.  I flick through walking books, consult old Country Walking Magazines and eventually settle on typing "Worcestershire Arboretum walks" into google.

This results in finding a decent looking walk that ticks most of the boxes but fails to have a pub on route.  The name of this blog is in jeopardy.

It does, however, meet with Mrs M's approval.  She's always wanted to go to Bodenham Arboretum.  I have to explain that due to a £6 entrance fee (per Adult), we are merely passing by the Arboretum.  But don't worry - we will still be able to see the trees.  I am accused of a meanness not seen since the kids dobbed on their grandfather for putting them on a ride outside a shop and shaking it, rather than putting in the coin.

Putting hereditary skinflintism to rest, we'll get on with the walk.  Its a gem.  Sometimes you don't need to travel miles - real beauty can be found on your doorstep.

Early walking takes us up sunken lanes, climbing always to Witnells End Farm.  The rising mist and crystal clear blue skies add to the Autumnal feel.

Leafy, sunken lanes

High Point, the Ridge

Great views over Worcestershire

We head through Arley Wood.  No need to show you photos of trees.  We find the solo cache of the day - an ingenious field puzzle that takes me an age to decode.  Mrs M asks what's wrong with just having film pots.

A long straight track takes us down from Castle Hill.  No sign of a castle although there is a rumour of King John's Hunting Lodge.  The hamlet below is Kingsford, so it kind of rings true.

Coming down from Castle Hill

Walk over, we head to the Arboretum's cafe for refreshment.  It was a delight.  Mrs M was most taken with the carvery meats available on a baguette.

I found something to maintain the blog's authenticity.

Town Crier at the Big Pool