Tick Lists

Monday, 27 May 2024

27/05/24 - Habberley Valley Circular and an Update on the Kidderminster Pub Scene

Random Selector choose my home town....


If the sun is shining and its an unexpected day off - say a Bank Holiday -with  no plans, I will put my fate in the hands of the gods. A random spinning wheel will pick a page in my "Hidden Places of Worcestershire" book. Round and around it goes, where it stops, no-one knows.

Until it does.... on Kidderminster.

Not exactly a hot-bed of walking activity but the resource library of walks is consulted and Kommot has a gentle 4 miler that more or less follows the well signed Habberley Valley Walk.

Habberley Valley
Can't get lost

From the visitors car park, its a climb on the good paths to Trimpley for the views over to Clent.

Views to Clent from Trimpley
Up on high at Trimpley

Then down through Easthams Coppice to the poppy fields of Franche. Disgruntlement at the farmer not maintaining the public footpaths dissipates through the photo opportunities.

Poppy fields of Franche, Kidderminster
This is meant to be a footpath

That's a pleasant way to spend a morning.

The Kidderminster pub scene has been blogged about many times over the years. Mainly static, with a few dropping out and coming back in over the years. Here's a quick summary;

The two Weavers provide an old school experience at the traditional Park Lane one and a more contemporary micro pub one at the Comberton Hill. Both have fantastic range and quality.

The King and Castle, the go to for arrivals on train, steam enthusiasts and lovers of Bathams. And we are all lovers of Bathams. The only station in the land where I am glad if the taxi rank is empty.

Bad news for the Beer Emporium, which didn't survive Covid. The range was always fantastic and I miss my Christmas St Bernadus, which became a tradition on my one man festive parties. The unexpected consequences of a home worker. Last time I walked past, the unit was being converted into a Sports Bar. I doubt they will stock the grinning monk.

Kidderminster's oldest, the Seven Stars, had a lengthy closure but reopened in 2022. It's added onto my Xmas crawl, to provide some tradition and an antidote to drinking more unusual beers in converted shops. 

The new kid on the block is the Bear and Wolf. A micro with big ambitions. Hosting comedy, live music and regular pub quizzes.

Bear and Wolf, Kidderminster
Kidderminster's newest addition

The range is ever expanding. Deya a near permanent feature, when the landlord thinks Kidderminster can handle the price. Other craft keg and traditional keg. My last visit was on the Friday before the bank holiday and the Cider range is becoming very impressive.

As if I need any more temptation.  

Walk Details


Distance - 4 Miles



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