Each year on the run up to Xmas we try and do a little walk. Recent years have prevented us inviting more people but this year fewer restrictions are in place.

The plan this year is to walk a loop to Arley by way of the river. After a cafe stop we will head back to town via a cross country route. The start/finish is at Costa by Sainsbury’s in Kidderminster. There is parking aplenty, though better on the retail park side than the supermarket. The adjacent Mill Street has unrestricted parking.

https://www.strava.com/routes/2897145646002212700

It’s a distance of around 29km (17 miles) which, at a leisurely pace, should be despatched in 5-6 hours. Obviously there are no restrictive timings and people are free to walk faster or slower depending on their fitness, mood or horoscope advice.

Things to note

1. Participants should be self sufficient for the most part. There are shops just off route in Bewdley and a cafe at Arley but the majority of the route is in the countryside. Bring food and drink.
2. It is winter and we are walking alongside a river in places. There may be occassions where a detour maybe necessary to avoid localised flooding. In the event of the weather being very wet in the preceding week we will postpone.
3.  It is still winter so clothing appropriate to the task is also necessary. The river path is likely to be variously, muddy, dry, boggy and grassy and potentially something unspecified too. Walking boots are recommended.
4. It maybe dark near the end so a torch is a good idea.
5. The majority of the route is level though there is some uphill on the return leg.

Feel free to join us for this stroll through beautiful countryside. You may want to join us for part of the walk or meet participants at the end.

Having done several walks like this I can say it’s a good challenge and very rewarding. Plenty of time to chat and laugh and marvel at the nature and get a good dose of country air.

You can indicate your desire or excusable reluctance in the comments below.