Dudley trail 12 mile walk, part 1

The Dudley Trails are taking place this weekend. Here is a preview of the 12 mile route, and some of the highlights (this is the memorial on Barrow Hill).

Starting off down Russells Hall Road  - in the distance, the blue Shropshire hills just visible

Over some rough ground and then starting the climb up Barrow Hill, now a nature reserve, but once a very small volcano!

It's a steep but clear climb

The views from the top are good,... 


...including the aforementioned Barrow Hill memorial ...

... and including this view of Russells Hall Hospital

The trail then continues down to the Pensnett Railway walk.

I loved this pedestrian bridge

There's a working sand quarry on the route.

An un-named stream which goes down the valley by the Railway Walk.

Crossing a few roads, the the trail heads to Cotwall End Valley Nature reserve

There are a few pools along the way... 

... and they are at their best right now, with the new spring growth on the trees around

There are plenty of bluebells too.

It's a delightful place to be. 

The route skirts around Ellowes Hall School.

...the cobbles on the path date from when Ellowes Hall was a stately home rather than a school. This was the coach road which led to the Hall.

There are more bluebells at the far end of the nature reserve.

And there are extensive views as you leave the path onto the road at Moden Hill. 

To be continued tomorrow: Sedgley Beacon, and Wren's Nest. Click here to see part 2