Halesowen Abbey

Halesowen is right by the edge of countryside: this walk shows just how close. The path starts by the Sandvik works on the A456 Hagley Road.

A notice board by the path

The path is easy to follow 

The Abbey Ruins come into view

I took the last photo and this one from the same spot, so you can see just how close to the main road this is.

There are lots of earthworks in the field, showing the existence of earlier buildings.

The Abbey dates from the 13th century, but was ruined in 1540 as part of the Dissolution

A close up through the trees. You can only view from the path

Continuing along the path, there are delightful glades

The path has good views towards Clent and Walton Hills

A close up of the path sign reveals this is on the route of the Monarch's Way, England's longest inland path. 

A stile down to another dell

The barn to the right of the tree looks to have been built of stone from the Abbey

More earthworks

Even pylons look acceptable on a sunny day!

Returning to the Abbey, I used my zoom to take a better look

I wonder if the horse realises he's grazing on a site of antiquity?

 Back to reality - the Audi garage on the A456

Incidentally, I met a fellow walker. I told him about my blog, but he said: "Well don't put this on it. We don't want people coming here"

Today's walk: Park just off the A456 and follow the Monarch's Way signs to Illey Lane and return by the same route. 2.75 miles.