phase2walk.gpx | |
File Size: | 3 kb |
File Type: | gpx |
The above file is the GPX from my GPS device. Right click on it, Save
Target As and rename from an XML to a GPX. You should be able to import
into your GPX or mapping software.
Notes on Walk
I am more than likely going to come back to this stage and look for an alternative to the road walking stretch on Egghill Lane. What looks like a nice country lane on the map, is actually a bit of a rat run. There is a verge alongside, but it wasn't pleasant or safe. A shame, as it did have great views, gained access to Frankley Beeches and an alternative looks like it will add distance and complexity.
Longbridge Station
Turn right out of station and then take the first road on right - Tessall Lane. Follow this as it crosses the Bristol Road at the traffic lights (Cantonese restaurant) and continue. Bear left at roundabout, still on Tessal Lane, with the golf course on your right. Right onto Elan Road and then Right again at Frankley Beaches Lane. At roundabout, turn left onto Egg Hill Lane. Great views over Frankley and Bartley reservoirs to the right and Clent to the left. But not the safest of walking.
Just after Frankey Beeeches - a National Trust owned collection of trees - turn right and look for our first footpath of the day on the left hand side. Cross one field to lane and cross over to path directly opposite. Cross field, aiming for pylon, where the path runs a short way along the side of the M5 before reaching a tunnel.
Frankley Services / M5
Tunnel underneath.
Follow posts with yellow markers to make your way across one field and then into another, where you aim for a gate diagonally right. This leads to a lovely path through Kettles Wood. On exit, over a stile, follow the obvious sunken path to the right. This leads to Illey House Farm - going through the grounds of the White House to pick up their drive. Follow this metaled path, signposted Iley, where you will be delivered to the Black Horse pub for a nice mid point break.
Cross over the road and take the footpath opposite. Almost immediately, you are looking for a path to the left. This is a bit further along than what is marked on the OS map, but an obvious stile and yellow marked posts show you on your way. You follow the edge of a football pitch and then turn left at Illey Hall Farm, quickly looking for a stile and path on the right. This crosses fields and soon leads to the Monarch's Way where the path is clearly marked. Just keep your eyes peeled for the signs.
Halesowen Abbey
The signs will deliver you to the Abbey, where you can take a slight detour to get the best views. Continue to follow the markers and this brings you to Manor Way - the A456. Turn right, cross the road at the gap in the central reservation and continue right to the bus stop. You could cut the walk short here, if you have had enough. The number 9 goes back to the city.
But who wants to miss out on the Dudley #2 canal? The footpath takes you into Leasowes Park, past a play area and provided you bear slightly left at the metal fence and follow the path, you will be at the canal. It's dried up here but follow it on the left and cross to the right hand towpath at the obvious point.
Keep on with the canal on your left. Great views of Breaches Pool and soon you will arrive at Leasowes Car Park. Follow the drive to the entrance on Mucklows Hill, turn right and cross over at the lights, heading up hill. Take the path before B&Q and head between the red topped posts. This will bring you back to the Canal when you turn right.
Make sure you cross Coombes footbridge and walk with the canal on your right all the way to Gorsty Hill Tunnel. You can walk no further on the canal so go up the steep ramp to the road.
Station Road is directly opposite you but the steps were closed off when I completed it. Turn left, then right to work your way around the blocked off steps. Cross over Station Road - you could stop for a pint at the Lighthouse. Or Chips. Or hell, both of them - you have walked 7 miles. Walk down (believe it or not but you are on the Monarch's Way) and reach the canal. Under the railway bridge and Old Hill Station is down on your left.
Target As and rename from an XML to a GPX. You should be able to import
into your GPX or mapping software.
Notes on Walk
I am more than likely going to come back to this stage and look for an alternative to the road walking stretch on Egghill Lane. What looks like a nice country lane on the map, is actually a bit of a rat run. There is a verge alongside, but it wasn't pleasant or safe. A shame, as it did have great views, gained access to Frankley Beeches and an alternative looks like it will add distance and complexity.
Longbridge Station
Turn right out of station and then take the first road on right - Tessall Lane. Follow this as it crosses the Bristol Road at the traffic lights (Cantonese restaurant) and continue. Bear left at roundabout, still on Tessal Lane, with the golf course on your right. Right onto Elan Road and then Right again at Frankley Beaches Lane. At roundabout, turn left onto Egg Hill Lane. Great views over Frankley and Bartley reservoirs to the right and Clent to the left. But not the safest of walking.
Just after Frankey Beeeches - a National Trust owned collection of trees - turn right and look for our first footpath of the day on the left hand side. Cross one field to lane and cross over to path directly opposite. Cross field, aiming for pylon, where the path runs a short way along the side of the M5 before reaching a tunnel.
Frankley Services / M5
Tunnel underneath.
Follow posts with yellow markers to make your way across one field and then into another, where you aim for a gate diagonally right. This leads to a lovely path through Kettles Wood. On exit, over a stile, follow the obvious sunken path to the right. This leads to Illey House Farm - going through the grounds of the White House to pick up their drive. Follow this metaled path, signposted Iley, where you will be delivered to the Black Horse pub for a nice mid point break.
Cross over the road and take the footpath opposite. Almost immediately, you are looking for a path to the left. This is a bit further along than what is marked on the OS map, but an obvious stile and yellow marked posts show you on your way. You follow the edge of a football pitch and then turn left at Illey Hall Farm, quickly looking for a stile and path on the right. This crosses fields and soon leads to the Monarch's Way where the path is clearly marked. Just keep your eyes peeled for the signs.
Halesowen Abbey
The signs will deliver you to the Abbey, where you can take a slight detour to get the best views. Continue to follow the markers and this brings you to Manor Way - the A456. Turn right, cross the road at the gap in the central reservation and continue right to the bus stop. You could cut the walk short here, if you have had enough. The number 9 goes back to the city.
But who wants to miss out on the Dudley #2 canal? The footpath takes you into Leasowes Park, past a play area and provided you bear slightly left at the metal fence and follow the path, you will be at the canal. It's dried up here but follow it on the left and cross to the right hand towpath at the obvious point.
Keep on with the canal on your left. Great views of Breaches Pool and soon you will arrive at Leasowes Car Park. Follow the drive to the entrance on Mucklows Hill, turn right and cross over at the lights, heading up hill. Take the path before B&Q and head between the red topped posts. This will bring you back to the Canal when you turn right.
Make sure you cross Coombes footbridge and walk with the canal on your right all the way to Gorsty Hill Tunnel. You can walk no further on the canal so go up the steep ramp to the road.
Station Road is directly opposite you but the steps were closed off when I completed it. Turn left, then right to work your way around the blocked off steps. Cross over Station Road - you could stop for a pint at the Lighthouse. Or Chips. Or hell, both of them - you have walked 7 miles. Walk down (believe it or not but you are on the Monarch's Way) and reach the canal. Under the railway bridge and Old Hill Station is down on your left.