Geocaches - 2
Walk Inspiration - AA 50 Walks in Warwickshire and West Midlands
Good Beer Guide Tick - 354
This country never fails to surprise. A West Midlands walk that's in the shadow of the M5, is completely rural and reveals the ruins of a C13th Century Abbey.
You simply wouldn't have expected this from the start - the centre of Halesowen, opposite a collection of light industrial units.
Leosowes Park provides access to a derelict canal for easy walking.
Disused Canal |
Overlooking Leasowes Park |
This is part of the Monarch's Way and once over the ridiculously busy A456, I'm into the countryside. I can't get too close to the abbey, now part of the farmhouse but its still impressive from a distance. Fine views over the Clent add to the walk's quality.
Bits of St Mary's Abbey are still standing after Henry VIII destroyed it |
The Monarch's Way |
Clent Views |
A straightforward walk. Now onto the pub.
The Waggon and Horses is part of the Black Country Ales Chain - so I know what to expect. An electronic board offering unusual choices of ale from all over the country. Not only is it in the Good Beer Guide, its also a Pub of the Year prize winner for the Stourbridge and Halesowen area.
It's a bit of a classic and long may these gems continue to exist.
Two Gs on my Waggon |
Inside, it's perfect. Three real fires to complement the 11 real ales. A narrow bar with a violently sloping floor. Some ancient pub paraphernalia, with my favourite being a tray emblazoned with the Red Triangle and the slogan "Bass for Men". There's also a counter in centre of the bar showing that they have had 1113 different ales on this year.
Its a work of art |
I'll be looking out for their beers again and will certainly be revisiting the Waggon and Horses.
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