Stourbridge Circular 7.5 miles ish. 24/09/20

11am start, 14:15 finish with 20 min break.

Attendees: M.Sadler, D.McDonnell, B.Mulrennan, D.Martin

We started from Stourbridge Jn at 11am with approx 1.5 miles of urban climbing via Stevens Park before peaking and entering the open countryside at Hodge Hill. From there we continued along sign-posted trails via Wassell Grove and Clentvilla farm, dropping down to cross a section of Hagley Golf Course where one of the group decided to have a kick-about with what they thought was an out of play golf ball, much to the amusement of the player who had just hit it (oops!)

Moving on rapidly we walked a short section of lane before crossing the A456 and followed a gradually rising grassy path via Penorchard to Hagley Wood.

We walked through Hagley Wood, dropping down to cross the A456 again at Hagley Hill farm.

From there we met up with the path on the other side of the traffic island and climbed up to the Obelisk of Wychbury Hill.

Here we took our break in a small piece of woodland sheltered from the cool breeze.

On our way again we were now following the Monarchs Way descending to meet Gauden road at Pedmore where we turned right and then left into Sandhurst Ave. Just where the road curved to the right we entered an alleyway on the left which took us through Hams Dingle, a picturesque section of woodland, down to crossing the A4036 and then via a small minor road into another alleyway which led us via a small park and underneath the railway where we then immediately turned right via the station to our destination, the Seven Stars Black Country Ales pub, for some well earned refreshments.

A pleasant walk, not to strenuous, in surprisingly good weather, given the forecast.

M.Sadler