Frankley Services
We walk under the M5 and pass close to Frankley Service Station, although there is no way of gaining access. This service station is between Junction 3 and 4 of the M5. Opened in 1966. I once saw Bernard Sumner from New Order having a cup of tea.
the monarch's way
This is a 615 mile long distance path that charts the route that King Charles II took, following his defeat at the battle of Worcester in 1651. It runs from Worcester, heads north to Boscobel and then runs south to Shoreham-by-Sea. I am constantly meeting up with this path in various parts of the country. The path is well signposted, with a distinctive markers showing an image of a galleon.
On this leg of the walk, we pick it up in fields near Illey and follow it along the canal, all the way to our destination, Old Hill Station.
On this leg of the walk, we pick it up in fields near Illey and follow it along the canal, all the way to our destination, Old Hill Station.
Halesowen abbey
Now I bet you didn't expect this. I have travelled directly past this relic for 35 years before realising it was here. The abbey was founded in 1215 by Premonstratensian canons under a grant from King John of England. It survived until the dissolution of the monastaries by Henry VIII in 1538. The ruins are incorporated into the farm house outbuildings, which are nearly as dilapidated as the Abbey.
Dudley canal Number 2
Another canal. This one connects the Birmingham Main Line to the Birmingham to Worcester Canal, which we walked along in Stage 1. Primarily used to ferry coal from Dudley to Stourbridge, it was completed in 1779. I have walked many stretchs of this canal, with my favourite part being Bumble Hole, which we meet in Stage 3.
We pick it up near Leasowes Park, where the canal has run dry. We follow it, crossing over a couple of times, all the way to the Gorsty Hill Tunnel, near our train station. It is part of the Monarch's Way.
We pick it up near Leasowes Park, where the canal has run dry. We follow it, crossing over a couple of times, all the way to the Gorsty Hill Tunnel, near our train station. It is part of the Monarch's Way.