Himley to Stewponey, Kinver

I was off to the optician in Kingswinford. I got a lift to Himley Hall, and then decided to walk to Kinver after my eye appointment.

Starting at Himley Hall Park - the thatched boathouse of the Earl of Dudley now serves as a clubhouse for the sailing club.

The main gates were being painted. Very unusual to come into the park this way - but nearer for where I was heading.

There's a path from the main road which leads to this, Home Farm, Himley. The sign gives opening times, but I don't know what for.

The path becomes a track - easy to follow, though it does pass some colliery spoil heaps (grassed over) and a former industrial waste site!

Quite pleasant in parts, though.

Eventually I came out by Stallings Lane, a small industrial estate

There's then a path through a lovely park (heron on the dam) and on to Kingswinford.

Down the main road to the market, where I stopped at Jilly's Cafe for a beautifully cooked poached egg on granary toast. The cakes looked good, but it was too early for them)
Not long till Christmas, apparently!

The former MEB showroom with its interesting architecture!

Now a Travelodge, this is a lovely old building. Presumable once the home of an industrialist associated with the glass, coal or iron industries. (I couldn't find out)

Then, past Summerhill school I turned onto this path, which runs along the edge of woodland.

Easy to follow

And with far reaching views  - even on a dull day with poor visibility. 

Crossing the road near Lawnswood, the path got narrower

I wonder if we will have a hard winter. Plenty of berries - but perhaps too early yet  for the birds to have got to them.

There are some very posh houses just visible through the trees

...and of course, still plenty of Autumn colour.

Rural views

At the end of the woodland, there are two choices: either into the estate for a few yards, and get to the canal that way, or two, find this bridge

... and cross here, over the River Stour

...to the Stourbridge Canal

The woodland here is very varied and beautiful.

Plenty of colour in the trees as I walked

I was amazed by these colours on these dying rose bay willow herbs.

A traditional narrow boat, by Stourton Top Lock. You can even see the polished brass inside (Though it's probably rude to look!)

The lock right by the A449

Stourton Bottom lock. Stunning as ever

From here I turned right, towards Stewponey Lock

Traditional boats here too

My final destination comes into view: the octagonal toll house at Stewponey Lock.

A dull day, but a brilliant walk. Around 7 miles in total, with easy to follow paths, on the whole. Recommended, especially now. With so many trees, there's plenty of Autumn colour to see.

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To see the recent Royal Visit to Himley, click here


Today's walk. From Himley, follow the path to Hoome Farm, then to Stalling Lane , Wall Heath (Pretty much a straight line.) Opposite Morrisons, go between the houses and follow a path through King George VI Park, passing the church, Down High Street, past the market, down Summer Hill and Lodge Lane. Turn left onto the path after Summer Hill School, and follow thepaths on the edge of the woodland. Reaching Lawnswood, take the narrower path up towards the next lot of woodland, and keep to the paths which travel straight forward. Eventually, you will reach bridges across the Stour to the canal. Turn right along the canal. Follow past locks till the junction with the Staffs and Worcs CAnal. Cross the bridge, and head to towards Stourport. You could acarry on to Kinver village - about 1.5 miles more , and find a place to eat before catching a bus (infrequent). 7 miles to Stewponey. An excellent, easy walk.