Into the Hills for Pub Archaeology
The Lickeys, Waseley and Clent Hills have always been popular playgrounds for the outdoor enthusiasts of the West Midlands. I have walked them all, many times. But never on the same day. Allow me to pause to massage my aching knees.
1825 feet of ascent. Nearly a mountainful.
A convoluted public transport trip to Alvechurch, where Google Maps lets me down for the first time. Apparently, the 52 bus has one slot that runs different on school days. Three hours after setting off, I am about 15 miles from home at Alvechurch.
The Bittel Reservoirs to get the walk going.
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| Could be Upper or Lower |
I pick up the North Worcestershire Path - which takes me all the way to the end at Hagley. There's a reason why the Duke of Edinburgh award uses it. Although in a rather mild walking county, this route presents a challenge.
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| Markers to follow - along with the Monarch's Way (of course - its everywhere) |
But its beautiful to walk.
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| The Castle Folly on the Lickey Hills |
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| All of Birmingham behind that bush |
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| Another hill, another Toposcope. Waseley |
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| Time running out on the way to Clent |
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| The Standing Stones on Clent Hills |
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| Looking over the Severn Valley from Clent - where a cloud inversion is forming |
With this distance, you would expect refreshment stops. There were at least two cafes, and a couple of very posh gastro-pubs at the end. Along the way, there is the mere tease of the Big Blue Cup of Joy on the OS Map.
The Manchester Inn at Romsley closed down in 2014. To be honest, I thought it was much longer ago than that.
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| Now a private dwelling - as viewed from the North Worcestershire Path |
Details are sketchy both on line and in print. Some review sites praise its lasagna, steak and ale pies and especially the chips. It looks like it sold in 2015 for £185K. Locals were thinking of creating a Community Pub but thieves had broken in and stripped it, rendering it financially nonviable.
A page in "Pub Walks in Worcestershire" adds a little, but at least mentions the beer. Brew XI or M&B Mild.
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| The most comprehensive details of the Manchester Inn |
With perfect timing for the 192 Bus to Kidderminster, I am not forced to drag my all day hiking disheveled backside into a Gastro Pub. Instead, I ensure the Bathams is still fine in the King and Castle. Reporting my findings to the #31pubsinJanuary.
Pub 13 of #31pubsinjanuary
— Mappiman (@Mappiman1) January 15, 2025
Fine railway pub - The King and Castle in Kidderminster.
Finer @thebathams pic.twitter.com/QmJNVvjEui
Twitter loves the Bathams.
Walk Details
Distance - 14 Miles
Geocaches - 3 and 4 Adventure Lab Caches
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