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City of Birmingham Group

We are the City of Birmingham Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.

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Join the Ramblers and enjoy

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  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
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  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking
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Overview

WALK DESCRIPTION: Distance of walk : 6.75 miles – morning 4.5 miles (including short break), afternoon 2.25 miles.  Pleasant easy walking throughout. Note: lunch at the pub is optional. For those who wish to do the morning walk only, the estimated finish time is 1-1.30pm. Or you may prefer to bring your own lunch to eat nearby and then if you wish join the group for a drink. Morning walk From the pub we head towards the picturesque Blakedown pools - formed when numerous small streams flowing down from the Clent Hills were dammed to form millponds for the small ironworks and corn grinding industries in the area.  From here our route follows part of the Monarch’s Way passing alongside Harborough Hill.  Another large pool brings us to Churchill Forge a waterwheel powered hand tool forge, one of the last remaining in the UK. The site dates from before 1800, with the workshop machinery dating from the early 1900s.  We pass through the quiet village of Churchill, briefly follow field paths and a bridle track to Churchill Lane leading us back to Blakedown and the pub for lunch. Afternoon walk After lunch our short route follows pleasant part wooded bridle tracks and quiet lanes.  On this route we pass a truly magnificent Art Deco house which I would describe as Hollywood Hills comes to Worcestershire!  It’s wonderful and jaw-dropping - and not to be missed!

Wednesday, 11 June 2025
Start time:
10:30 am
Estimated finish time:
4:30 pm
Difficulty:
Leisurely
Distance:
10.9km / 6.8mi
Ascent:
N/A
Type:
circular

BOOKING ESSENTIAL, please use the link above for our booking  page.

Features

  • Refreshments available (Pub/cafe)
  • Accessible by public transport
  • Car parking available
  • No car needed

Starting point

Grid reference:
SO 87816 78336
Nearest postcode:
DY10 3JE
what3words:
broached.doormat.sobs
Start time:
10:30 am

JOINING INSTRUCTIONS: (Travel by car or train). Meet by 10.30 am at The Old House at Home, Birmingham Road, Blakedown, DY10 3JE. If travelling by train: The 9.27 am train from Birmingham Moor Street platform 2, or 9.31 am from Snow Hill platform 1 - estimated arrival time at Blakedown 10.04 am. The Old House at Home is about 6/7 minutes walk from the station. On exiting the station turn left along the short slip road, right into main Birmingham Road and the pub is a few minutes’ walk on the left. Please note the pub doesn’t open till 12 but we will take a comfort break during the morning walk.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking