Walk fit

May - October 2012

Summer to autumn walks

A programme of walks across Dudley borough for all ages and abilities

Welcome to the summer and autumn walk fit programme. The aim of the programme is to improve participant health, well-being and fitness levels through walking.
Walk fit | Introduction
This programme includes weekly short walks, lap walking, longer walks, walks that take in local history and visitor attractions and our higher intensity Nordic walking programme. We offer an inclusive programme and welcome all levels of fitness from beginners to regular walkers. If you are unsure whether a particular walk is appropriate to your level of fitness, please call Kim Braznell on the number below and she will advise accordingly. The walks are free of charge and everyone is welcome. Its a great way to be active, socialise and have fun. Please wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear - boots are recommended as paths can get very muddy. Dogs are welcome on most walks but must be on a short lead or under close control. To find out more call Kim Braznell, park ranger/physical activity manager on 01384 816992 or 07799 070089.

Walk fit programme contents

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Introduction Contents
Walk fit | Contents

Healthy towns walks Halesowen - The Leasowes Quarry Bank- Saltwells Himley - Himley Hall Sedgley - Cotwall End Valley Dudley Borough - other walks Dudley Borough Local Access Forum

Healthy towns walks

There will be weekly walks starting from each of the activity centres at our hubs, they are as follows:
Mary Stevens Park, Stourbridge The Stourbridge and Norton Trail
Day Time Monday Registration at 9.15am for a prompt 9.30am start. Walk usually lasts up to 1.5 hours. Activity centre, Mary Stevens Park, Stanley Road, Stourbridge, DY8 2DN Moderate Healthy towns park rangers

Silver Jubilee Park, Coseley The Wrens Nest Trail

Day Time Monday Registration at 1.15pm for a prompt 1.30pm start. Walk usually lasts up to 1.5 hours. Activity centre, Silver Jubilee Park, Mason Street, Coseley, WV14 9SZ Moderate Wendy Jackson and Ian Wilson

Meeting point Intensity Walk leaders

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Meeting point Intensity Walk leaders

Extended monthly walks - Fridays

For walkers who have increased their fitness levels and want more of a challenge, Ian and Wendy have put together a selection of longer monthly walks that takes the group on new routes in the borough. Unless otherwise stated the group will meet on the following Fridays at the activity centre, Silver Jubilee Park. Except for 20 July, all walks will also include the opportunity to purchase a pub lunch. Registration at 1.15pm for a prompt 1.30pm start. 25 May, Penn Common via the Beacon A picturesque undulating walk over hills and pathways including some stiles. Walk will take approx 3 hours and is of moderate to hard intensity. 22 June, The Wolverhampton Canal Walk A walk along the canal to Wolverhampton, stopping for lunch before returning back to Coseley. The walk is of easy to moderate intensity and will take between 4 and 4.5 hours including a lunch break. 20 July, Baggeridge and Cotwall End Trail Please bring your own lunch on this undulating walk that takes in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The walk is of moderate to hard intensity and will take up to 3.5 hours including the stop for the picnic lunch.

31 August, Netherton to Bumble Hole Nature Reserve A lovely walk of moderate to high intensity that looks at our industrial history. The route goes along the canal towpaths and through undulating Warrens Hall Nature Reserve. Meet at the activity centre, Netherton Park , Greaves Road, DY2 9EX. 28 September, A linear walk that enjoys parts of the scenic Dudley trail This walk will last up to 4 hours and includes some steep pathways and steps. The group will stop at a public house for lunch and finish at the activity centre at Silver Jubilee Park. Meet at Dudley Leisure Centre, Wellington Road, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 1UH. 26 October, Himley to Baggeridge A picturesque walk of moderate intensity along pathways to historic Baggeridge Country Park. This walk takes up to 2 hours. Meet at Himley Park, car park next to golfers car park, Himley Road, Himley, DY3 4DF. There is a small charge for parking.

Netherton Park, Bumble Hole Health Walk

Day Time Meeting point Intensity Walk leaders Wednesday Registration at 10.45am for a prompt 11am start. Walk usually lasts up to 1 hour. Activity Centre, Netherton Park, Greaves Road, Netherton, DY2 9EX Moderate Healthy towns park rangers

Huntingtree Park, Halesowen Weekly Lutley and Uffmoor trails

A brisk Thursday morning walk through undulating, historical and scenic landscapes. Walkers can enjoy diverse terrain with wildlife, flora and fauna while reflecting on how agricultural, industrial and residential use has shaped the landscape. Day Time Thursdays Registration at 9.45am for a prompt 10am start. Walk usually lasts up to 2 hours. Activity centre, Huntingtree Park, Huntingtree Road, Halesowen, B63 4HT Moderate John Amyes, Gary Mills and John Bren

Meeting point Intensity Walk leaders

Extended monthly walks

For walkers who want to push themselves a little bit harder, this group also run extended monthly walks, from various venues all having registration at 9.45am for a prompt 10am start. These walks replace our normal weekly walks. Please bring a drink and snack if needed. All walks involve stiles and rough ground and will last up to 2.5 hours.

3 May, Wollescote Hall and Stevens Park Walk to include a visit to the national plant collection of Ceanothus with an informative narrative on the history of the hall. Due to the activity centre being used as a polling station the meeting point will be on the site of the outdoor gym at Huntingtree Park, Huntingtree Road, Halesowen, B63 4HT. 7 June, Clent and Walton Hill A beautiful walk that takes in the panoramic views of the surrounding counties. Meet at Nimmings car park, Hagley Wood Lane, B62 8QF. Please note there is a small charge for parking. 5 July, Nimmings, Clent A walk up to Nimmings over farm and woodland taking in the views. Meet at activity centre, Huntingtree Park, Huntingtree Road, Halesowen, B63 4HT. 2 August, Hunnington Circular A circular walk that goes through Uffmoor Woods and agricultural land taking in Breach farm and the moated house. Meet at activity centre, Huntingtree Park, Huntingtree Road, Halesowen, B63 4HT.

6 September, Round Hill Wood and Wychbury Ring A circular walk that touches the Monarchs Way and passes over the Elan Aquaduct. Meet at Nimmings car park, Hagley Wood Lane, B62 8QF. 4 October, The Pedmore circular A scenic walk that includes Hagley, Roundhill, Wychbury Hill and Pedmore Hall. Meet at Nimmings car park, Hagley Wood Lane, B62 8QF.

The Dell Stadium, Brierley Hill Fens Pool and Buckpool Trails, Nordic Ramble
An eight-week programme of Nordic walking designed for beginners and walkers who enjoy walking at a moderate pace in a picturesque environment. All weekly walks will finish with refreshments in the Dell stadium hub. Dates Time Meeting point: Intensity: Walk leader: Thursday 10,17, 24 and 31 May and 7, 14, 21 and 28 June Registration at 11am for a prompt 11.15am start. Walk usually lasts up to 1 hour. The Dell Stadium, Bryce Road, Brierley Hill, DY5 4NE Moderate Matt Owen
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Beginners walking programme

This is a structured six week walking programme specifically designed for beginners. It aims to increase the distance walked every week to build fitness levels and confidence. By the end of the programme walkers should be able to join in with other walks. Refreshments are available in the wardens base after the walk. Dates Monday 7, 14, 21 and 28 May and 11 and 18 June Time Registration at 9.45am for a prompt 10am start Meeting point The Leasowes car park, off Mucklow Hill, Halesowen, B62 8QF Intensity Easy Walk leaders Keith Bojczuk

Leasowes Weekly Walk

The weekly Monday morning walk will take you over the parks footpaths and varying terrain to take in impressive views of the local area. Our walk leaders take participants on varying routes. Dates Monday Time Registration at 9.45am for a prompt 10am start Meeting point The Leasowes car park, off Mucklow Hill, Halesowen, B62 8QF Intensity Moderate Walk leaders Roy Davies, Jacqui Whitworth, Trevor and Ann Crees, Margaret Hanchett, Angela and Trevor Hayward, Pat Gibbons and Keith Bojczuk.

Halesowen | The Leasowes

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Extended monthly walks

For walkers who want longer walks of moderate intensity, the Leasowes walking group offer extended monthly walks. All walks start at 10am at the Leasowes car park (off Mucklow Hill, Halesowen, B62 8QF) unless otherwise stated and take up to 2.5 hours. 7 May Leasowes, Illey and Lapal This walk takes in views of Halesowen Abbey, covers about 5 miles and is moderate to hard intensity with a number of stiles. 11 June Clent and Wychbury Hill This walk is about 5 miles and of moderate to hard intensity with some climbs and a number of stiles. Meet at Nimmings car park, Hagley Wood Lane, B62 8QF.

2 July Leasowes to Woodgate Valley A very scenic route of about 4 miles, easy to moderate intensity with a small number of stiles. The group will stop at the cafe in Woodgate Valley for refreshments. 6 August Lutley and the North Worcester Path A walk through historical landscapes between the built up areas of Lutley, Wollescote and Hagley taking in the North Worcester path and Hagley Golf Course. The walk is about 5 miles and easy to moderate intensity with some stiles. Meet at the activity centre, Huntingtree Park, Huntingtree Road, Halesowen, B63 4HT. Refreshments are available afterwards.

Halesowen | The Leasowes

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3 September Leasowes, Coombeswood and Dudley number 2 canal A circular walk taking in The Leasowes, Coombeswood, Gorsty Hill and the Dudley number 2 Canal with views of Hawne Basin. The walk is about 4 miles, easy to moderate intensity with a small number of stiles. 1 October Waseley Country Park to The Leasowes A linear walk from Waseley Country Park to The Leasowes. It takes in Twiland Wood, Dowery Dell and The Illey Pastures, through Lap Meadows and St Marys Abbey and along the route of the Dudley No 2 Canal back to The Leasowes. This is a walk of about 5 miles, easy to moderate intensity with some stiles. Meet at 9.40am on The Leasowes car park for a 9.50am departure by coach to Waseley Country Park. Advance booking is essential and there will be a small charge for the coach.

Wardens walks On the same dates as the extended walks, the wardens will also offer a 1 hour walk around the Leasowes with an informative narration on the historic importance and natural beauty of the site. For more information call 01384 814642.

Halesowen | The Leasowes

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Halesowen | The Leasowes

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Weekly Walk
Take a walk through the ancient woodland of Saltwells Nature Reserve with local historian Dennis Rydes as he guides you through varied routes, sharing his extensive local knowledge.

Extended monthly walks

For walkers who want more of a challenge, the Saltwells walking group also offer longer monthly walks from various venues all having registration at 9.45am for a prompt 10am start. All walks start from The Saltwells Nature Reserve car park unless otherwise stated and last for approx 2 hours. 11 May, Saltwells to Old Hill A walk of moderate intensity meeting at Saltwells and walking to Old Hill railway station to catch the train to Cradley Heath with a return walk back to Saltwells via Mushroom Green. 8 June, Bumble Hole and The Netherton Tunnel An undulating walk over Netherton Tunnel, then returning through the tunnel to finish with refreshments at the Bumble Hole visitors centre. Meeting at Bumble Hole car park, Windmill End, Dudley, DY2 9HU (at the rear of the disused Dry Dock pub).

Quarry Bank | Saltwells

Day Fridays Time Registration at 9.45am for a prompt 10am start Meeting point Car park, off Coppice Lane, Saltwells Lane, Quarry Bank, DY5 1AX Intensity Moderate Duration 1.5 hours Walk leaders Dennis and Carol Rydes, Terry Bardell, Alan Stevens, Shirley Cox and Angela and Trevor Hayward

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7 September, The Birmingham Canal Walk A linear walk of easy to moderate intensity for just under 2 hours along the canal into Birmingham. The group will then catch the train for the return journey home. Meeting at the Railway Station, Galton Bridge, Warley, B66 1HU. 5 October, Blackbrook Valley A scenic walk of moderate intensity on undulating terrain. The walk starts at Saltwells Nature Reserve and goes to Blackbrook Valley via Cinder Bank.

Quarry Bank | Saltwells

6 July, Fens Pools To Barrow Hill A scenic walk of moderate intensity that wanders through the Fens Pool Nature Reserve and up to Barrow Hill. Refreshments are taken on the way at St Marks Church. Meeting at the Fens Pools Wardens Base, Bryce Rd, Pensnett. DY5 4NB.

3 August, Brockmoor and Fens Pool A circular walk along the canal to Brockmoor, Fens Pools and the Merry Hill Wharf. Refreshments available to buy at Sainsburys at the end of the walk. Meeting at Sainsburys car park, Sandringham Way, Brierley Hill, DY5 3JR.

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Weekly walk
Explore the grounds of Himley Hall and Park and Baggeridge Country Park to discover the history and beauty of a truly English stately home and park. Day Tuesday

Himley | Himley Hall

Time Register at 9.45am for a 10am start Meeting point Himley Park car park next to golfers car park, Himley Road, Himley, DY3 4DF. There is a small charge for parking. Intensity Moderate Walk leaders Alan Stevens and Vanessa Potter

Extended monthly walks

For walkers who want to push themselves a little bit harder, this group also run extended monthly walks, from various venues all having registration at 9.45am for a prompt 10am start. These walks replace our normal weekly walks on the following dates. Please bring a drink and snack if needed. All walks involve stiles and rough ground and will last up to 3 hours.

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22 May, Wombourne to Compton via South Staffs Railway Walk, return via the Staffs & Worcs Canal Meet at Wombourne Station, The Bratch, Bratch Lane, Wombourne, WV5 8DW. This walk is of easy intensity 26 June, Caunsall, Blakeshall and Drakelow A picturesque walk of moderate intensity over undulating terrain. Meeting at Caunsall Bridge, Caunsall Road, 200 yards from its junction with the A449 Wolverhampton Road/ Beechtree Lane. Please note there is a restricted amount of parking at this meeting point. 31 July, Worfield and High Rock Point A gently undulating walk across fields and woodland path including High Rock with views of the River Severn and Bridgnorth. Meeting at Worfield Village Hall, Worfield, Bridgnorth W15 5NS, off the A454 Wolverhampton to Bridgnorth Road.

4 September, Trysull and Seisdon Walk: A picturesque countryside walk. Meeting at Halfpenny Green Vineyards, Tom Lane, Halfpenny Green, Staffordshire, DY7 5EP. 2 October, Enville and The Million. Meeting at the Rock House car park, Compton Road, Kinver, DY7 6DL. Easy to moderate intensity.

Himley | Himley Hall

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Monthly walk - Cotwall End Valley

On the third Saturday of every month, enjoy the natural beauty of Cotwall End Valley. Follow the landscape through the seasons as new flowers and butterflies emerge and the trees blossom. Walk through the fields and woodlands by streams, pools and a fossil face and see evidence of the rich history and geology of the area.

Circular 5-mile walk Sedgley

Explore Sedgley and its varied surroundings with a series of walks on the second Monday of the month. Please bring a snack. Arrangements have been made for us to eat our own food, as long as drinks are purchased at the historic public houses visited on each of the walks. Day Second Monday of the month Time Register at 10.45am for a prompt 11am start, walks are approximately 3 hours including a 30-minute lunch break Meeting point Front forecourt of the Red Lion, Bull Ring, Sedgley, DY3 1RU Walk leaders Stuart Brasier

14 May, Seven Streams Sedgley to Penn Common via a series of alleyways, returning through coppices and cornfields, visiting the Clifton public house. Moderate intensity 11 June, Beacon Hill Woodland trails and open spaces skirting Penn Common and past the present Beacon Tower that was built in1846 for the purposes of astronomy. Includes a visit to the Beacon Hotel. Moderate to hard intensity. 9 July, Coseley Canal Tunnel A walk via Mons Hill and the Coseley canal returning via Beacon Hill, visiting the Chain Yard public house. Hard intensity. 20 August, The Ripple Beds This walk takes in alleyways and parks and climbs over Mons Hill and Wrens Nest to view the ripple beds, Dudleys 420 million year old beach. Return is via fields and woodlands, taking in The Caves public house. Hard intensity.

Sedgley

Dates 19 May, 16 June, 21 July, 18 August, 15 September and 20 October Time 1.45pm for a 2pm start, walk usually lasts up to 1.5 hours Meeting point Brockswood Animal Sanctuary car park, Catholic Lane, Sedgley, DY3 3YE Intensity Moderate with some steep sections Walk leaders Sue Bole and Paul Greenaway

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Sedgley

10 September, The Butterfly Walk A walk through open spaces at Dibdale and Milking Bank returning via the picturesque woodland of Cotwall End Nature Reserve and visiting The Fountain public house. Hard intensity.

8 October, Cotwall End and Baggeridge Alleyways and horsefields, stiles and steps to Cotwall End Nature Reserve and Baggeridge Country Park for panoramic views from the pit mound, visiting the Baggeride Tea Shop before returning via grazing land and alleyways. Includes a peek at exotic animals over the wall of the Brockswood Animal Sanctuary and towards the end, calling in at the Seven Stars. Hard intensity.

Additional Thursday Walk - Sedgley

Summer Stroll Thursday 30 August, A walk over the pleasant countryside of Penn Common returning over cornfields and coppices, visiting The Old Stags Head. Easy intensity. Same time and meeting points and Monday walks. 17

Dudley - Priory Park

Priory Park lap walking
Lap walking is designed for all levels of fitness, ages and abilities. By walking a circular route participants decide how many laps they want to do and as they improve they can build up distance and monitor progress. The friends of Priory Park organise this walk and offer an incentive scheme of a free gift voucher for every 10 attendances. Refreshments are available at the end of every session. Day Wednesdays Time 10am Meeting point Priory Pavillion, next to the tennis courts, Priory Park, Priory Road, Dudley, DY1 4EU Intensity Easy

Priory Park health walk

Join the weekend ranger for this weekly walk around the historic Priory Park. Its a great way to meet new people, get some fresh air and take on some gentle exercise. Day Sunday Time 10am Meeting point Priory Pavillion, next to the tennis courts, Priory Park, Priory Road, Dudley, DY1 4EU Intensity Easy Walk leader Mark Tarpey, park ranger

Stourbridge
Wordsley trail
This is a picturesque walk that takes place on the second and last Wednesday of every month, through woodland trails and along canal towpaths and now includes The Buckpool Nature Reserve. Dates 9 and 30 May, 13 and 27 June, 11 and 25 July, 8 and 29 August, 12 and 26 September and 10 and 31 October Time Registration at 9.45am for a prompt 10am start. Walk usually lasts up to 1.5 hours. Meeting point Wordsley Park main car park, off Lawnswood Road, Wordsley, DY8 5PN Intensity Easy to moderate Walk leaders Jackie Edwards

Dudley borough | Other walks

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Dudley borough | Other walks

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Dudley borough | Other walks

Nordic walking
Nordic walking is a fitness technique that uses walking poles in order to give you a whole body workout. It has many benefits including: Burns 45% more calories than ordinary walking Its great for neck, shoulder and back problems Its easy on the knees and joints Suitable for all levels Its a sociable and safe outdoor exercise Please note that walking poles are provided by the instructor. It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing and robust/ sturdy training shoes.

The Leasowes
Day and time Mondays 5.30 to 6.30pm Hard Intensity Wednesdays 2 to 3pm Moderate Intensity Meeting point The Leasowes car park, off Mucklow Hill, Halesowen, B62 8QF Walk leaders Kim Braznell and Margaret Hanchett

Nordic Ramble
A twelve week programme of Nordic walking designed for beginners and walkers who enjoy walking at a moderate pace in a picturesque environment. Dates Thursday 10, 17, 24 and 31 May, 7, 14, 21 and 28 June and 5,12,19 and 26 July Time 6pm to 7pm Meeting point The Leasowes car park, off Mucklow Hill, Halesowen, B62 8QF Intensity Easy to moderate Walk leaders Carol Hackett and Sally Orton

Dudley borough | Other walks

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Dudley borough | Other walks

Action Heart
The Action Heart cardiac rehabilitation centre provides a programme of weekly health walks on Monday and Friday mornings. The walks are open to everyone and are held at different venues every week. For more information call the Action Heart Office on 01384 292233.

AW surgery walks
These walks are aimed at patients of Albion House and Withymoor surgeries in Brierley Hill, but everyone is welcome to join them. These walks meet at different venues each week and offer participants the chance to experience some of the best views of the area. Each involves either nature reserves or canal walks and progression walks with provision for new walkers on slightly shorter routes if necessary. Venues include Baggeridge Park, Himley Hall, Barrow Hill and Fens Pool, Saltwells Nature Reserve, Wordsley Woods, Kinver, Bumble Hole, Highgate Common, Himley Station and Bratch Station. For more information call Balraj Johal on 01384 321848 or 07876 563973 or email balraj.johal@dudley.nhs.uk

Walking independently
If you enjoy walking, but cannot attend one of the health walks or prefer doing your own walks, the following initiatives may be of interest to you. If you would like to set up a health walk in your local community, support is available. We are able to provide walk leaders with training and support and can help to promote your walk in the community. If you would like to set up a health walk call Balraj Johal on 01384 321848 or 07876 563973 or email balraj.johal@dudley.nhs. uk. Alternatively, call Kim Braznell on 01384 816992 or email kim. braznell@dudley.gov.uk

Dudley borough | Other walks

Healthy Footsteps programme

Age UK Dudley LEAP (leisure, exercise and activity for people) project delivers its healthy footsteps programme for Dudleys over 50s. The walks are aimed at people over 50, but people of all ages are welcome to attend. The programme provides a diverse range of walks. For more information call Maggie Thompson on 01384 343535 or email leapover60@ageukdudley. org.uk

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Dudley borough local access forum

The forum is a statutory body, set up under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. It advises the council on the improvement of public access to land across the borough for outdoor recreation and enjoyment. If you would like to find out more about the many other walking routes in Dudley, use the following link to view Dudley Councils map of urban and rural paths: www.dudley.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/ roads-highways-and-pavements/public-rights-of-way For more information about the local access forum, email dblaf@dudley.gov.uk or write to: DBLAF secretarial support Dudley Council Culture and leisure services, Claughton House Blowers Green Road Dudley DY2 8UZ