03/10/24 - The Slow Way - Kinver to Highley

Highley, Closer than you think

5th Slow Way. Who would have thought that so quickly after setting off from Birmingham you could have such a wild countryside ramble? And if you'd asked me how far Highley was from Kinver, I would have said "too far to walk".

In reality, its 8 miles. 8 beautiful miles, where you know you are in for a good day's walking from the get-go. The Staffordshire Way providing the exit from Kinver.

Leaving Kinver.... or Cyinbre (Great Hill, in old English)

Out on the Staffordshire Way

Fine walking along good agricultural tracks that are holding up well to what was the dampest of Septembers. Field after field, Alverley - where a slight diversion could have taken you to the oldest pub in Shropshire and then through the Severn Valley Country Park for Highley.

Today's Views

Over the Severn Footbridge to Highley

The buses from Highley are hourly, but conversations with several locals determined that its quite random at which part of the hour they turn up. So time to explore, as long as you keep your eyes on the Diamond Bus app and their handy GPS locator page.

You could explore its mining history - a colliery running from 1878 until 1969.

I once found a Geocache attached to this

Or the only pub in town. There cannot be many places that have no Untappd check ins or reviews on Pubsgalore, but that is something I can fix.

A Survivor

I had little idea what to expect but it wasn't music playing at a volume that you would think a little loud in a nightclub. A handful of locals, half of which stared at me with an intensity that made me reminisce about my favourite films. Its been a while since I have watched American Werefolf in London, but Straw Dogs was rediscovered earlier in the year. 

No cask, so a very, very cold Guinness. Dry roasted added to take it over the minimum £5 spend. Confirmation that the bus stop back to Kidderminster is the little wall outside the undertakers. Plenty of chance to discuss with the locals about the quality of the service. A heart felt lament from a gent who truly regrets leaving the bright lights of Sandwell. Where once he had multiple transport options - even on a Sunday - he now has to do a 3 hour round trip for his single lunch time pint. He had other advice. Don't talk to the man with the multiple plastic bags.

As Jasper Carrott said, if you cannot spot the nutter on the bus, it means its you.

Time to see where the Slows Ways take me next. Bridgnorth, I imagine.

Walk Details

Distance - 8 Miles

Geocaches - 3

Walk Inspiration - Slow Ways

Previous Slows Ways - Birmingham to Blackheath, Blackheath to Halesowen, Halesowen to Stourbridge, Stourbridge to Kinver