CASTLE BROMWICH RAMBLERS – WALK DETAILS

Walk date Sunday, 09 May 2021 Walk title/location Valley Country Park Grid reference/postcode Dagger Ln, B71 4BU Grade (see bottom of page) Leisurely Distance (miles) 7.5 miles Meeting place and time Service road outside Barclays Bank Chester Road, (for car sharing) Castle Bromwich, B36 0JG, leaving at 9.00 a.m. Start time (at start of walk) 9.45 am

Walk leader name Allan Walk leader mobile number 07582328583

Additional information I will be going directly to the start of the walk. Please remember physical distancing, your mask and sanitiser. Directions (from Castle Bromwich to start of walk) • Follow Chester Rd B4114 to Clock Garage roundabout and take 2nd exit, Newton Rd. • At C Brom Interchange take A452 towards Sutton Coldfield and continue for 4.1 miles to the traffic lights at The Beggars Bush. • Here take the left fork (Kings Rd) B4149 signed to Kingstanding. • After 1.1m at roundabout take 2nd exit staying on Kings Rd B4149. • After 0.7m at a roundabout take 1st exit onto Queslett Rd A4041 signed to . • Stay on A4041 for 4.2 miles through a roundabout and Scott Arms traffic lights. • Ignore the brown sign to Sandwell Valley Country Park and continue to where the A4041 Newton Rd turns left at traffic lights and becomes All Saints Way A4031. • After 0.3m at traffic lights just before McDonald’s turn left into Parsonage St. which bends right and becomes Church Vale. • Almost immediately, take a left staying on Church Vale. • After 0.2m Church Vale turns slightly left and becomes Dagger Lane. • Take next left following the sign to Eaton Vale Primary School. Park in the free car park on the right. (approx. 12.8 miles and 36 mins travelling time)

I have chosen this route as an alternative to M6N due to extensive roadworks around Junction 9.

Walk description We will walk through Sot’s Hole Nature Reserve and through quieter areas of the Country Park before crossing the M5 and making our way through woodland to Forge Mill Lake which we will circumnavigate. We will pause for lunch near the RSPB Visitor Centre where toilets and refreshments (card payment only) are available. We return via Swan Lake to Ruins and The Sand Well before crossing the motorway again. There should be an opportunity for an afternoon break near toilets and an ice cream van (weather permitting).

Please bring a packed lunch and drink with you on Sunday walks. If you are travelling directly to the start of a walk and not meeting at Castle Bromwich, please let the walk leader know.

WALK GRADING ADVICE

Leisurely – Walks for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience. Walking boots and warm waterproof clothing recommended.

Moderate – Walks for people with country walking experience. May include some steep paths and be at a brisk pace. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.