14/07/25 - Slow Way/Rail Trail - Hagley to Stourbridge

Happy Black Country Day

The Wyre Forest Rail Trail came to an abrupt end at Hagley. Yet there are plenty of Black Country stations to explore of the same line - with rail trail routes becoming available once you enter Warwickshire. Slow Ways coming up with an alternative resource to inspire a short route from Hagley to Stourbridge.

Seems fitting that I reach the South Western edge of the Black Country on the day that flags with red and black chains are all over social media pronouncing "Happy Black Country Day!"

A simple walk - the Monarch's Way providing some countryside and up and over Wychbury Hill. Will the obelisk still have the graffiti pronouncing "Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?"

“Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?” is a mysterious graffiti phrase linked to the 1943 discovery of a woman’s skeleton hidden inside a wych elm tree in Hagley Wood, near Stourbridge. The body was never identified, but the name “Bella” emerged after the graffiti appeared in nearby Birmingham in 1944, sparking decades of speculation. Theories range from espionage—suggesting she was a Nazi spy—to occult murder or a local crime. No one has ever claimed responsibility for the graffiti, which has reappeared intermittently over the years, keeping the unsolved case alive in British folklore and true crime lore.

Climbing Wychbury Hill on the Monarch's Way

The Obelisk

The Graffitti

Black Country Views

Stourbridge is entered from the south, passing the Seven Stars too early.

But on the final day of the second 2025 heatwave, who could resist cask Jaipur at £2.45 in an Air-conditioned 'Spoons?  Not me.

Long may the month-long (into its third month) promotion live!

15th Jaipur, 1st branded glass.

Walk Details

Distance - 4 Miles

Geocaches - 3

Walk Inspiration - Slow Ways

Previous Slows Ways - Birmingham to Blackheath, Blackheath to Halesowen, Halesowen to Stourbridge, Stourbridge to Kinver, Kinver to Highley, Highley to Bridgnorth, Bridgnorth to Much Wenlock

Previous Stage on the Wyre Valley Line - Worcester to Droitwich, Droitwich to Hartlebury, Hartlebury to Kidderminster, Kidderminster to Hagley

08/03/25 - The Slow Way - Bridgnorth to Much Wenlock

Timetable Confusion results in Fastest Ever Pint

The Slow Ways from Birmingham City Centre continue, but I have a feeling this could be the end of this particular line. We are getting into "Buses in the Countryside" territory. Both as complex and inefficient as you would expect.

This route is very straightforward. Head out of Bridgnorth through housing estates. Pick up a remote and infrequently used lane, which eventually turns into the Jack Mytton Way. This runs through the woods of Shirtlett High Peak. Some fine views over Shropshire to the Clee Hills. Orchards and Countryside into Much Wenlock. A town that you should take your time over to appreciate.

Shropshire under blue skies

Through Shirtlett High Peak Woods

More of Shropshire, with the Clee Hills in the far distance

We enter Much Wenlock, but with the route planned in haste, I haven't planned our exit. A quick look on the phone has Google Maps suggesting there is a lunch time lull in the hourly service back to Bridgnorth. We have exactly 18 minutes to get the Good Beer Guide Tick at the George and Dragon before making our way to the bus stop.

Is that enough time?

Of course, even in photography has to take the back seat

Its a squeeze through what surely must be the world's narrowest front doors. This is not a pub for fatties or people with a rucksack. No queue at the bar and a choice of four real ales. Shropshire Gold taken in solidarity with the area.

I then check Bustimes.org for the worrying news that they say the bus leaves 10 minutes earlier than what Google Maps say. If I hadn't have panicked, I would have noticed two things. One, according to bustimes there is no midday lull in service. Two, and most importantly for future reference, they have a real-time bus tracking feature.

So the drinks are consumed in two swigs. For the record, the Shropshire Gold would have gone back if I wasn't time constrained. I am left with a vinegar aftertaste for the rest of the day that even half a packet of extra stong mints couldn't shift. Disappointing for a GBG Pub.

A route march to the bus stop, with 90 seconds to spare. Although Google Maps was correct and it was 11 minutes and 30 seconds to spare.

To top it all, I find the tracking feature. The bus hasnt even left Shrewsbury yet. 

Somehow, in the Countryside, an hourly bus service can be exactly 30 minutes late. 

Or early.

Walk Details

Distance - 8 Miles

Geocaches - 0

Walk Inspiration - Slow Ways

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

29/01/25 - The Slow Way - Highley to Bridgnorth

Bridgnorth - Pub Town

Back on the Slow Ways - which is a reference that could equally apply to Diamond Buses. How can a 12 mile journey take 2.5 hours? How can an hourly bus be 75 minutes late? Do bus companies have delay/repay?

Griping over, I do look forward to my Slow Way walks - one of the best route resources on the web. This is an easy navigation walk - follow the mud on the Jack Mytton Way to Hampton. Then it's the Severn Way right into Bridgnorth.

Horses above the Severn Valley

Faded Jack Mytton Way Marker

Camp Hill on the River Severn

Into Bridgnorth. One of those towns where there always seems to be a new Good Beer Guide Tick to be had. Shropshire CAMRA very fair, constantly circulating the recommendations. Today, I have two to tick and both a coloured Lion. But as I was passing, it would have been rude not to say hello to one of the best Railway Pubs in the land.

Bathams Tomorrow

The White Lion only reopened in 2023 but has made it into the bible already. A traditional pub, offering bed and breakfast. Number of punters - 3. Number of cask handpulls - 6. I am now the sort of annoying  customer that asks "what is freshest on?" and then uses CIA trained techniques to see if I am being lied to. The answer, was Fixed Wheel Wheely Pale. It was absolutely perfect. Unlike the toilets. Point deducted for comedy urinals from a barrel.

Traditional Coaching House

The Shakespeare over the road looked inviting. I'm not that familiar with Joules Houses, but if they are all like this, I need to get investigating. Wood Burner - temptingly just out of reach in a little snug on the opposite side of the bar. After ordering my drink, I asked for it to be delivered to the other side and out and back in I went.

Slumbering Monk from Joules chosen. Much debate with a knowledgeable bar lady about how to class this dark, fruity beer. She was reluctant to say mild. Untappd calls it a bitter. Whatever it was, it was far too cold. Thank the lord for the log burner to warm it up on.

Joules, Shakespeare - White Lion in the background

Never bitter

Two ticks for the price of one at The Golden Lion. I am working my way around all the Holdens Pubs. And this one is in the Good Beer Guide.

Choice of rooms on entry - should I go Lounge or Bar. Bar sounds most likely to have fellow drinkers. But I was wrong. All the laughter head over the counter. A party in flight that I wasn't invited to.

The Black Country Special was delightful but I can only hope Holdens use oversized glasses. A good 10% head served on mine and the old boy who came in to keep me company.

Golden Lion (gonna tell me where the light is)

A Rambler's Lunch

It will have to be the Low Town for my next Bridgnorth visit.

Slow Ways has taken me from Birmingham to Bridgnorth. Let's see where I can go from here!

Walk Details

Distance - 8 Miles

Geocaches - 0

Walk Inspiration - Slow Ways

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

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

08/09/24 - The Slow Way to Kinver

Too Early for a Bathams - From Anywhere

The Slow Ways tour of the West Midlands continues. What a resource.

From Stourbridge, I have a pre-planned route to Kinver.

Through Mary Stevens Park, where the temptation to join al fresco yoga is avoided. A stretch of road walking and soon out on the walk highlight, Bunkers Hill Wood.

Shady Woodland Walking

Historical Mid point refreshment available at the Manor House, Whittington. Got to love this country's pub. A C14th manor house, owned by the grandfather of Dick Whittington, with a priest hole used by Charles II to hide from parliamentary forces after the 1651 battle of Worcester. Steak and Wine for £20 on a Thursday. The advert neither owned up to how much wine or how much steak.

Was it really built in 1310?

This is what the adverts say

And onto Kinver, a town that also takes pride in its history. Many buildings with blue plaques detailing the history.  

Alas, the walk was too short and arrival at 11:30am means the usual Bathams at the Plough is unavailable. A brain wave - Vino Wine Stores sell slabs of Bathams. 12 bottles for the start of the Championship this weekend, where all three of the Baggies opening games are on TV.

Further disappointment, this too doesn't open until midday. And the Albion dont have a striker, so little to celebrate.

Still, a fine walk and whilst waiting my lift out, a chance to look at where Slow Ways will take me next? Home towards Kidderminster for a fine walk across the Edge, or a river crossing to Highley.

Public transport good for both. There may be a fork in the path

Walk Details

Distance - 5 Miles

Geocaches - 1

Walk Inspiration - Slow Ways

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

02/03/24 - The Slow Way to the Shrubbery Cottage, Stourbridge

 The 2024 Challenge?  Walks from Holden's Pubs

Having walked from all the Bathams Pubs, I might as well repeat the challenge with their Black Country Rival, Holdens. I make it 19 tied pubs in their estate, but I am sure this will fluctuate.

Holden's Brewery, a family-run establishment since 1915, brews traditional Black Country real ales in the heart of England. Located in Woodsetton, West Midlands, they are known for their commitment to local ingredients and time-tested methods. Their core offerings include Black Country Bitter, Black Country Special Bitter, Black Country Mild, Golden Glow, a stout, and a winter warmer.

I'm going to hit the closest to home, the Shrubbery Cottage. I can use Slow Ways to find an urban route from exactly where I left off last time, Roberto's Bar, Halesowen.

Its past the midday opening detailed on Google Maps but when the Number 9 bus drops me off practically outside the front door, I find it barrier closed. Roberto is quick on his social media, letting me know that Cia is having bus trouble and it will open soon. True enough, I get to see the magic of a micro opening for business, whilst taking on a keg Kernal Bitter Simmonds 1880.

Onto the walk. Once the mid-rise flats of Halesowen are navigated, this a fine rural walk along the bridle paths of Lutley and Foxcote.

Crossing the Lutley Gutter

The Clent Hills from a Lutley Bridle Path

Stevens Park welcomes me into Stourbridge. A meander, as the stages of an Adventure Lab Cache are collected.

Park Life

Onwards to the Shrubbery Cottage. A simple local's local where there are questions that need to be resolved. Will there be cobs? How hard will the scratchings be? How old is too old to visit a pub wearing in-line roller skates?

Answers - Yes, Hard (and Hairy) and "Don't Know" but 35 is too old, especially when you need to keep getting up for a smoke.

Need to work on my pub photos

I'm always special

The walk back to Stourbridge Junction had to be via the Severn Stars. Black Country Ales can wait for their themed walk series before blogging.

Walk Details

Distance - 5 Miles

Geocaches - 2 and an ALC

Pubs - 3

Walk Inspiration - Slow Ways

Previous Slows Ways - Birmingham to Blackheath, Blackheath to Halesowen

20/05/23 - Slow Way to Roberto's Bar and Tasting Club

 Inner City PsychoGeography to a must visit Micro Pub

A journey on foot from Rowley Regis to Halesowen from the Slow Ways movement. The second walk completed, both excellent..... well plotted, with unexpected surprises. This time, a WW1 memorial naming the area Shell Corner. Proper country walking on the Monarchs Way - a King's escape route. Dudley Canal number 2 - half dry, half navigable leading to town centre civilisation.

Entering Shell Corner along a rare urban section

WW1 Memorial - a painted shell

Good views over Clent as we enter Mucklow Hill to pick up the Monarch's Way

Which runs along the part derelict Dudley Number 2 Canal

Only complaint - too short. After 3.5 miles, I am delivered to a new town at 10:15am.

Breakfast at 'spoons it is. Making it last until my real reason for coming to Halesowen opens.

105 minutes to learn that in a cost of living crisis, JDW holds the keys to the future. Theakston's Old Peculiar for £2.67. A breakfast with add-ons for around a fiver. Hand delivered to my table via app ordering and paypal payment. Air conditioned bliss on the warmest day of the year so far. 

A magazine, that once past the covid tin hat theories, was a surprisingly interesting read. There are JDW tickers - and at least three of them having their profile detailed in print. One man (of course it was a man) making it to every single one in the land, with the exception of those behind air-side security.  He wouldn't like the prices there. Or the way they queue.  

The William Shenstone - Not going to win architecture awards - the man buried in the churchyard over the road

Midday and Roberto's Bar opens up. This is a micro-pub that I have wanted to visit when it was in Digbeth. The everlasting roadworks there eventually forcing a relocation to a place that I've never had cause to visit before.

The glassware gives a better indication of what to expect. Etched onto the side is the full name of the joint.  "Robertos Bar and Tasting Club". Their Twitter bio goes further;

A world-class destination for the best beer the universe has to offer. Local excellence & Belgian specials!

No arguments from me - A Torrside Franconia smoked Rauchbier and yes, I know I am late on the bandwagon, an Anspach and Hobday London Black.

If only I was on Insta.

All this enjoyed on plush Chesterfields, listening to the locals talk of great nights out in Rum Runners and Barbarellas with teary glints in their eyes.

Won't be my last visit to Halesowen

Has to be a pre-emptive Good Beer Guide Tick - and whilst in town, I might as well visit the two current entries.

The King Edward VII is a nick-nack filled traditional pub. Quiet on a Saturday afternoon, offering a decent Oakham Citra.

A quiet afternoon in the King Edward VII

This leaves a good 25 minute walk to the Crafty Pint. Another micro, run by passionate and friendly people. But what's with all the signs? People come to the pub to enjoy their freedom, not to be told off in advance for crimes uncommitted. 

Dogs off the furniture! Don't get banned for swearing! and quite frankly, they've gone overboard in the gents.

They've got a laminator and they are going to use it.

OK.....

Not the worse way to spend a sunny Saturday but where the Slow Ways deliver me next?  Could be Stourbridge.... could be Longbridge.

I'll see what pubs need ticking.

Walk Details

Distance - 3 Miles

Geocaches - 1

Pubs - 3 (Good Beer Guide Ticks #842 and #843)

Walk Inspiration - Slow Ways

Previous Slows Ways - Birmingham to Blackheath

04/02/23 - The Slow Way to Blackheath

The best way to get to Birmingham's finest Mexican Restaurant?  The Slow Way.

When describing the motivation behind walking from Birmingham to the Rowley Regis, I doubt many blogfans would have expected the answer to be Mexico.

There's been some high twitter praise for Bearwood's "A La Mexicana" restaurant. To complete a holy trinity for my weekend needs - on the Sandwood Road crossroads, there is also a barbers and a Good Beer Guide Tick available.

You'd also be forgiven for thinking Snow Hill, Bearwood and Rowley Regis would not provide decent walking but the Slow Ways movement have provided an intriguing route. Their aim is provide a network grid of walking routes between all of Britain's towns. I could spend a lifetime just playing with their website, let alone putting the theory into practice.

The proposed route manages to mainly avoid road walking. Instead, it finds the hidden corridors available in urban locations.  A lengthy stretch of the Birmingham Canals leads to Summerfield Park, where it is possible to pick up one of the second cities lesser known paths. The disused Harborne railway line could only provide greater pleasure, if cyclists were banned from having little bells.

Heading west along the Birmingham Canal

The disused Harborne railway providing fine walking

Only 10:30am and I have reached Bearwood. A spruce up from a Turk who has trimmed all my visible hair above my shoulders but worryingly still asks if I would like anything else clippered and I am taking advantage of the Bear Tavern's civilised opening hours. A lesser spotted 9am-er.

The fading glory of the Bear Tavern

Plenty of I-Spy potential from the exterior. Count the bears. Translate the Latin.

Photo doesn't quite capture how green it was

Tempus Fugit when counting bear heads - at least 5 more on the clock tower

Its a Greene King pub and the only deviation from their usual range appeared to be Wye Valley Butty Bach. A 10% discount, if I could have produced a CAMRA membership card. A very typical inner city chain pub, with the type of clientele you would expect, with an additional Mexican food loving rambler with a smart new haircut.

At the ding of 12pm, I am the first punter into A La Mexicana. Two firsts, a mid ramble margarita and the first time offered one as a double.

Make a change from my usual pint pots

The place soon fills up and I delighted to report that I am not the only one on cocktails. The owner, Jose, was lovely. Doesn't take much to make customers feel welcome but a few simple questions and interest in how your day is panning out goes  a long way. I will back, not least to check out the dinner menu, which is available later in the day.  A classic brunch of huevos rancheros fortifying me for the remainder of the walk.

Slightly more street walking in the second half, as I move through Brandhall. There's still Green Spaces provided by Warley Woods and Brandhall Golf Course.

Open Spaces

The walk finishes at Rowley Regis station but for those that have completed their research, three Good Beer Guide pubs are available, should you incorporate near-by Blackheath.

Post walk entertainment, worthy of a separate blog.

Walk Information

Distance - 10 miles

Geocaches - 4

Walk Inspiration - Slow Ways Network

Good Beer Guide Tick - #791