A 6-mile walk through the woods from The New Inn Shrawley.

Park your car at the rear of the New Inn, (there is a small charge if you do not use the pubs facilities)
Cross the main road to a narrow lane opposite the pub, this takes you into Shrawley wood, follow the waymarked track. There is a number of paths but keep left and soon you will be on the steep banks of Dick Brook.
Walk until you reach a seat with inscription, nearby are steeping stones, cross the brook here, if you are brave, otherwise following the track to a metal footbridge further downstream.
Cross the bridge bearing right and rejoin the track skirting Lower Astley wood, passing a small pool on your right and an abandoned rusty hulk, until you reach a unmarked leafy track on your left leading up into Woodland.
Walk up through the wood and upon emerging you will meet another path, turn right onto a track following this across a field passing the rear of the vineyards and eventually joining lane to main road.
Walk left for a few yards before crossing busy road to entrance drive to Solhampton Farm.
Follow the drive to the farm, pass buildings then through a gate, passing fishing lakes bearing right to follow waymarked bridleway. At junction turn right along bridleway with another fishing lake on your right, until reaching sunken track leading to Old School house drive. Walk along drive until meeting lane, turn left along lane leading to Astley church.
Past bungalows on left look for grassy drive to a galvanised pedestrian gate crossing pony paddock, with church on your right reaching another metal gate.
Follow path passing down through a deep rocky chasm through Newbridge coppice eventually to brick bridge crossing Dick Brook. Follow wooded path to reach a track through crops with Glasshampton Monastery on the right.
When reaching driveway turn left until reaching the junction with another drive on your right.
Follow this until reaching a waymarked track through gateway, that leads down to Nuttall pool.
With fishing pool on your right, look for a waymark arrow fastened to a tree on your left, and follow another wooded path, passing yet another fishing pool up to cultivated land (there usually is a clear path through crops).
Following path through field gate or footpath metal gate further up the bank (if you can see it in the brambles). The footpath though is clearly visible along top of bank ignoring first stile on your right, to another stile near farm gate at edge of wood.
Follow path with wood on you left, passing through a farm gate and waymarked path passing through pedestrian gates near Bonefields farm. When reaching farm driveway turn right and walk along to join a lane to your starting point at the New Inn Carpark.

Walking is Britain’s most popular outdoor pastime.

Walking can actually improve your life expectancy.
Walking has been proven to boost confidence, stamina and energy.
Walking regularly can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

In 2000 The Ramblers Association commissioned a survey: The main findings were 77% of the population walk for pleasure once a month. Nationally 62% used walking as their main form of exercise.
Walking in my Village, can be an enjoyable pastime, the problem is to find somewhere safe to walk, like a nice quiet lane or even a public footpath free from obstructions. A high percentage of footpaths in Worcestershire have problems.
We are told by government to be more active and walking is good exercise, most health experts recommend walking around 10000 steps a day, this equates to about five miles.

If only we could find somewhere safe to walk.

Country lane walking or dodging the Tractors, lorries, cars, motorcyclist’s, dog dirt and horse dung.

First decide where to walk, if you intend to walk along a so-called “quiet country lane” you will soon find that it is far from quiet.
Motorists obviously, can not see walkers, in fact most motorists must regard walkers as completely invisible, and possibly, do not have any regard for pedestrians,
You should be prepared to take swift evasive action from rapidly moving vehicles, cars motorcycles lorries and even tractors, can be injurious to your health.
Country lanes do not have footpaths, try and jump out of the way, even in the ditch, (but mind the dog dirt,)
Nearly all motorists in my village tend to ignore the speed limits, especially in narrow lanes.
Please remember, that motorists think; walkers should not be here,
Motorists should always be given right of way, always let them speed past.
A large number of horses are kept in my area, they leave heaps of horse droppings along local roads, making another smelly obstacle for the pedestrian.

Country lane walking not advised!

Main road walking, (sometimes a potholed footpath will be provided)

Walking along a main road can also be very hazardous, even if a footpath has been provided, you will be in very close proximity to the traffic and you must be aware of this fact. It can be most frightening when a huge multi axles Juggernaut from the local cake factory, speeds past, be prepared to be soaked if it has been raining.
Watch out for the local boy racers, with characteristic paintwork, noisy exhausts and stereos.
Best not to walk near main roads, (if you don’t own a car use the bus, or get a taxi, much safer.) Main road walking not advised!

If you really want some fun why not try footpath walking.

The fun is, finding a footpath clear of obstructions.

You must acquire the correct equipment.
If you intend to try footpath walking; that is footpaths and bridleways, that cross over private land, usually farm land, make sure you go well equipped, wear extra strong clothes to withstand tears from brambles and barbed wire, which inevitably you will come across, as most paths today, are partially blocked, sometimes deliberately, also a good pair of wellingtons would be advisable during the winter months, as there will be plenty of mud. A heavy walking stick is another essential piece of equipment.

Always wear a distinctive hat, this will serve two purposes, helps to mark the spot where you fell in the slurry pit but the most useful being to keep a folded note in the brim, as a bribe to get a lift back home, when finding you have walked too far, a tip at this point, do not ask a Farmer.

Another use for the hat would be to get a drink from a stream, that is if you can find a watercourse not polluted by effluent, by the landowner.

In order to be easily seen, choose a brightly coloured or fluorescent waterproof jacket with plenty of pockets, you will soon find your fourteen cargo trouser pockets are insufficient.
A useful item is a compass, but make sure you know how to use it, (preferably use with a map.)
You could check to see which side the moss grows on trees, but as most have been chopped down, do not rely on this method.
Always carry a large knife or a sharp Machete (to cut a limb free if you get trapped in the undergrowth.) An axe can also be a useful tool easily carried.
Include in essential equipment, a pair of insulated wire cutters, a pair of secateurs, Bolt cutters and a ball of string. If you have the room, a pedometer, (to check 10,000 steps) a set of maps, a torch, with spare batteries, a box of matches, a piece of chalk, an “Acme survival whistle”, a small bow saw, and try and find space for a good pair of hedge loppers. A very useful item that clips onto your belt is the “Dazer ultrasonic dog deterrent.” this will come in very useful when encountering vicious beasts. A comprehensive first aid kit could be a lifesaver.
A camera could prove to be invaluable, (if only to record the obstructions.)
A collapsible strimmer or even a folding scythe will prove indispensable.
Another useful item is a hammer and nails but not essential. A folding seat will also be useful.
Always take a large packed lunch a two-litre bottle of water, and a flask of tea, (or even something stronger.) Don’t bother taking a mobile phone, this will add too much weight. A small (75 L) rucksack should also be obtained.

The Walk.

Be prepared to be confronted by the landowner, (and his dog) if you as much deviate by a few inches from the right of way, [Ger awf moi lan, afore I luss moi dawg on yer]. Translation: (Get Off My Property before my dog gets you.) Do not worry if the dog runs towards you, they only chase sheep, if it gets too close, a crack on the nose with your walking stick may repel, but the farmer may not like it. Remember, a zap from your “Dazer device” will soon have the animal and the dog running for the hills.

Some farmers even lock their gates, and fasten barbed wire, to the top bar, climbing over can be a test, (your wire cutters will be invaluable.)
(Your County Council will take a dim view of this and will take swift action to reopen blocked paths).

Sometimes the footpath goes through a field of maize eight feet tall, or worse still a field of oil seed rape, this crop is wildlife friendly, (but walkers with breathing difficulty’s should avoid.) Although the grower has a statuary duty to provide a way through, this is rarely done, and may possibly, give you a little difficulty, the law allows you to make your own path through and your collapsible strimmer, scythe, machete or hedge loppers will become very handy at this time.
Always remember, if the path you are cutting, is longer than five hundred yards, stop for a rest a gulp of water and a cheese and pickle sandwich halfway through.
Always carry a spare five litres of petrol for the strimmer.

Sometimes you will find the public right of way has had a thick layer of manure spread on it by the farmer, do not worry you will eventually lose the smell from your boot’s.
When walking through the farmyard, watch out for concealed slurry pit, your brimmed hat will now be useful, remember if you slip in here, your friends will not want to walk with you for some time.

Occasionally crossing a field, you may be surprised to find a herd of bulls (before they find you,) but as this is illegal you can ignore them. Just hope they ignore you. Quoting the bylaws to them will seldom have any effect. Remember the enforcement of bylaws is a job for the police. Your “Dazer” may not be effective.

When walking public rights of way, you will occasionally come across signs trying to dissuade you from using them by promising dire consequences if you as much as step on this “private” path.
You will also find signs that announce outrageous words such as “dangerous dogs” or even “beware of the bull”, these notices have been put up to intimidate and you should ignore them as they are illegal. A tip at this point do not whistle. Always report any such signs to local authority. (The County Council will take action but please be patient)

The law will be broken if any dangerous animals are allowed on a public right of way.
If you are walking on a public footpath and are attacked by a dangerous animal, remember the owner will be liable, just hope there is time to take a photo of the animal, /owner, before you are completely debilitated. A photograph of the attacking beast will also help your case when you come to sue the owner. But rest assured the air-ambulance will soon have you safely in hospital.

A lot of improvement have been made in Worcestershire, thanks to the Countryside Services, recently so do not be deterred.

Be extra careful when arriving at a stile, as these are made of wood, most are in a shocking state of repair, in Worcestershire the landowner will have added an extra bar to make the stile five ft. tall, this is an old custom in these parts, remember if you break a leg falling off someone will be responsible, your solicitor MIGHT be able to make a successful claim.
Make sure you find the carefully concealed barbed wire under the top rail or even the electric fence that also may have been placed to thwart.(The County Council should take action).

You can sometimes, damage the stile and injure yourself clambering over, but fear not the local authority is going to replace all stiles during the next thirty or forty years, with metal gates. So this will not be a problem much longer. Theoretically we should soon be able to leave the hammer and nails behind.

Sometimes paths are “enclosed” with a barbed wire fence alongside, forcing the walker to keep close to the hedge, (usually untrimmed,) in addition to the razor wire, mind the stinging nettles, tree roots, and brambles.
Badger sets, rabbit warrens and foxholes are usually found here but they will not bother you unless you are wearing a red coat and blowing a horn.

You must report all problems.
When you come across a blocked footpath, you should report this to the local countryside service, there are many problems outstanding and patience is advisable.

Always remember you are walking on farmer’s land and most farmers do not want walkers on their property, and will do everything to impede your progress. Even if it is a public right of way.

Footpath walking should only be undertaken if you have a strong sense of humour, adventure and an iron will and think! do I really need the exercise?
Most of all enjoy your walking even if everyone else thinks you are mad,

Do not ignore this advice from experienced ramblers.

All footpath problems should be reported to the local authorities, whether it is broken or missing stiles, or waymarkers, blocked or ploughed up paths locked gates, all problems must be reported, otherwise the authorities may never know. Don’t bank on anything being done quickly though although all problems will be attended to eventually.

The new CROW. Act legislation enables the local authority to threaten landowners with fines of up to £1000 if they do not restore ploughed footpaths within seven days, and we as individuals can take the local authorities to the Magistrates Court, if they persist in not taking action against these Landowners. Basil.

For all public right of way problems in the Worcester area

Please contact basil@worcestervista.co.uk with as much detail as possible of any problems encountered.

The Malvern Hills District Footpath Society
The society, formed over thirty years ago, now has several hundred members. The main objective of the society is to endeavour to safeguard access to the countryside by the preservation and improvement of public rights of way, especially those within or on the periphery of the Malvern Hills District. A further objective is to encourage people to enjoy walking and to foster an understanding of the value of rights of way in the countryside.

The society produces leaflets and other information on local walks. It also Reports footpath obstruction (over 400 in 2002), works with the local authority on a number of practical issues including the identification of lost paths and also operates on behalf of the Ramblers Association with the local authority on planning diversion and modification matters affecting footpaths in approximately 100 local parishes. The society also organises social functions and holidays for its members.

A newsletter is sent to every member three times a year, listing time and place of walks and also the degree of difficulty. There are two led walks per week: a shorter walk usually between 4 to 6 miles is held on a weekday, while at the weekends a more demanding walk is offered, sometimes to 15 miles. Experienced walkers reconnoitre and lead most walks and a backmarker is nominated to ensure nobody gets left behind. As often more than 25 members turn up, he does a vital job.

The walks programme is displayed on the notice board in the library at great Malvern and on the web site at www.communigate.co.uk/worc – click on “clubs and societies” and look for Malvern Hills District Footpath Society. Each weeks walk’s are also usually listed in the “what’s on” section of the Malvern Gazette.

Footpath Problem Reporting.

When encountering a footpath problem you really should make an attempt to complain to the relevant authority, this usually is the County Council in the area of fault.
In Worcestershire, Countryside Services look after all rights of way. Your complaints should be addressed to them.

When making a complaint make sure all relevant information is included.
First include an accurate description of problem encountered. Next location of footpath, this should be Parish, Village or District in area you are walking. Next, grid reference would be useful; although not essential will make location much easier.
If you are making a telephone complaint, the footpath officer will try to assist in locating your problem, from what you are able to tell him, but as there are 15700 paths covering 4540 Kilometres in Worcestershire alone, this could be difficult.
All footpaths have an allocated number, found on the definitive map; (the County Council will have a copy for you to view.)

The Countryside Services are usually inundated with complaints and your problem will definitely not be attended to immediately, but depending on priority may possibly be included when they next have a maintenance session in your area, this may be a year or two away.

An easier way to report a problem would be to contact the area Parish Council Clerk and ask to forward your complaint to the Parish Council member with responsibility for footpaths.
Parish Councils have differing views regarding footpaths; some villages have excellent paths but most will have problems.
Some Parishes have a Parish Footpath Warden and may be able to help you directly.

The use of a GPS.

An Etrex GPS has been obtained and I will try and define its uses. This is probably the cheapest unit on the market, I got mine for £80 but although lacking some features has enough for most people. First I would suggest that alkaline batteries are utilised, the unit tends to eat standard batteries but alkaline should last for about sixteen hours use, or of course you could invest in rechargeable batteries.
To determine your position the GPS compares the time a satellite signal was transmitted with the time it was received, and the unit must be set to our time zone.
Besides giving an accurate fix to your location it can also tell you accurately, distance travelled, time taken, time stopped and also your average speed.
A compass is another useful feature but on the Etrex it is not a magnetic type and you must be moving to determine your heading.
When switching unit on for the first time there may be a short delay in the machine determining your location and you should have a clear view of the sky to do this.
The settings menu allows the correct mapping format to be utilised and this will give Ordnance Survey co-ordinates when you create a Waypoint and also gives it a number or the option of a name, this allows your waypoints to be checked later to your map. A feature of a GPS is that map data can be downloaded from your computer to the unit but you will need to purchase a lead and software to do this.
Co-ordinates can be entered from your normal map by hand and these will be stored on unit to give proposed route. I have found that occasionally the route taken from your map may not correspond to the GPS location, this is due to path being moved from its correct location by a kind farmer to make your walk more interesting, why farmers think we are interested in brambles nettles and barbed wire beats me, but we are all aware of this problem.
In use the Etrex should be switched on at the beginning of your journey and a Waypoint created to mark your start, and further Waypoints made to help build up your route, the screen will give you a breadcrumb trail and heading. This trail will allow you to track back along your route and could possibly prevent you getting lost.
If you have created waypoints previously, the unit will guide you from Waypoint to Waypoint throughout you walk.
All in all I would consider this device to be a nifty bit of kit and will help the keen walker to find his way, but bear in mind you will need a bit of computer know-how to be able to use successfully.

Maintenance of public rights of way.

Introduction.

Responsibility for keeping open public rights of way that are maintainable at public expense is divided between highways authorities and the occupiers of land. Some national park authorities, district councils and parish or town councils act as agents to carry out work on behalf of the highway authority for their area.

Highway authority responsibilities.

Highway authorities have the duties set out below to maintain public rights of way, and where necessary, will act in default where the responsibilities of others such as landowners, have not been carried out.

Surface and vegetation.

Maintaining any public footpath or bridleway in the community;

Liability for Injuries in the Countryside.

Some visitors to the countryside are injured through their own fault-using the wrong equipment, or not looking where they are going-but occasionally someone else is liable.
Everyone using the countryside must take reasonable care for the safety of others. You should not ride a horse or cycle carelessly and you should nor move signposts, dig holes or otherwise endanger other users. You will be liable to pay damages if others are injured or their property damaged owing to your carelessness you might also commit a criminal offence.
The Landowner or occupier has no responsibility for the safety of people using rights of way, beyond ensuring that his activities do not endanger people on the highway. He must not deliberately set up obstacles to injure you, but he need not take a lot of care to protect you. If you are on his land with his consent, he has a duty to take care of your safety.
Whether someone has taken enough care is a difficult question, regarding legal advice. Landowners, occupiers and anyone using the countryside can be liable to each other for injury and damage they cause through carelessness, even though there are differences in detail. A lot can depend on what is known or ought to be known by the visitor.
If you engage in a dangerous activity such as climbing or caving, and have willingly accepted the risks, the Landowner will not be responsible for any injuries you sustain. A Landowner may meet the duty of care by offering a warning, verbally or in writing, of any danger on his land, but it must be clear enough for users to avoid the danger.
Tenants and other occupiers of land also have a duty to take care of the public, although a tenant may be able to blame his Landowner if he had warned him of the problem. A tenant can ask trespassers to leave land and sue people for trespass or nuisance. Other people, such as members of the tenants family or contractors cannot sue for nuisance or trespass. But they probably have the authority of the Landowner or tenant to order you off the land if you are trespassing.

This text has been reproduced with the kind permission of the Countryside Agency.

The Landowner is responsible in law for gates and other structures in a fence or hedge across a public right of way.
Failure to maintain stiles, gates and gaps could leave the landowner liable for injuries sustained by a member of the public whilst using a defective structure. If a stile appears to be badly maintained you should not cross, but try and find a way around the obstacle, you are legally entitled to do this.

The law locks up the man or woman
Who steals the goose from off the common
But leaves the greater villain loose
Who steals the common from off the goose.

The law demands that we atone
When we take things we do not own
But leaves the lords and ladies fine
Who take things that are yours and mine.

The poor and wretched don’t escape
If they conspire the law to break;
This must be so but they endure
Those who conspire to make the law.

The law locks up the man or woman
Who steals the goose from off the common
And geese will still a common lack
Till they go and steal it back.

Edward Potts Cheyney.

Not only did they nick the commons and left the poor with only the roads under the Inlosures of the 18C and 19C,
but now the CLA have come back for the ruddy roads as well!

Barbed wire at Grimley.
Despite the wire being fixed to walkers side of fence posts, the countryside services enforcement officer, has said this is ok. as walkers have sufficent width of path to keep away from barbes. I would say that footpaths should be able to be used by all, even short sighted walkers. This wire has been erected, not just as a nuisance to walkers but main purpose is to keep people out of the quarry. I feel that Ramblers are being treated like animals. As for the barbed wire keeping people out of the workings I would suggest it will prove to be ineffective.The operatives of the quarry have been requested by me, to remove wire but they refuse to do this, perhaps when walkers put in claims for torn clothing (with proof) to the quarry owners, they may decide upseting walkers and the local community is not worth it. Max Sinclair a local historian sent following information.

We were told when we planned to fence part of the Droitwich Canal it is a criminal offence to erect barbed wire fencing less than six feet from a footpath. The quarry must erect a plain wire fence where the barbed wire is now and then their barbed wire as a second fence six feet from the footpath. Max. Max also gives his view on the Grimley Sand and Gravel Workings.

Obstacle at Grimley Worcester.

This stile on a well used path in Worcestershire has obviously been built with little concern for the person who has to traverse. A health and safety risk assesment should be obtained before attempting crossing.

Stiles on a Right of Way.

It is a misconception to assume that stiles and gates on public rights of way are for the benefit of the walker. In fact the reverse is true. The stile or gate is a concession to the landowner by the public to help the farmer keep his stock penned.

Landowners have a duty under section 146 of the Highways Act 1980 to maintain any stile across a footpath or bridleway in a safe condition�, and to the standard of repair required to prevent unreasonable interference with the rights of users.

A right of way can be likened to a lane across a field and must be kept free of obstructions at all times; a stile is a restriction of that right.

The landholder has no right whatever to put up gates or stiles where previously there were none. If he wants them then the Highways Act 1980 S147 allows a local authority or highway authority to grant permission, but only if the gate or stile is for the purpose of efficient agriculture or forestry as well as for preventing the ingress or egress of animals. It cannot be granted for any other purpose. They do not have to grant it, they may make conditions to avoid undue inconvenience to the public’s use of the path, and there is no appeal if they simply refuse to grant permission.

The Ramblers Association View.
Quote.
There is no statutory design, height or width to which stiles and gates must comply. This is because each site differs according to the slope of the ground, the condition of the fence, wall or hedge and the materials to hand. Indeed the diversity of stile and gates designs found throughout England and Wales is generally considered to be an attractive feature of the path network and one that should be perpetuated, provided that they are maintained in a safe condition and are convenient for all users, including the elderly and less able, to cross.
However, the British Standard BS5709: 2001 on Gaps, Gates and Stiles (1) provides specifications for stiles and gates to ensure that they cause the minimum of inconvenience to users whilst fulfilling the requirement of substantially preventing the passage of animals. BS5709: 2001 states that the least restrictive option should be chosen, in order of this preference: (a) gap (b) gate (c) kissing gate (d) stile. Specifications are provided to allow use with pushchairs, wheelchairs and other mobility vehicles, RADAR keys, horses and dogs. The RA promotes the least restrictive option policy. Quote.

The legal views expressed on this page are thought to be correct, if you think otherwise please feel free to contact. basil@worcestervista.co.uk

Blocked public footpath at rear of factory at Lower Broadheath.

This footpath has now been cleared with the help of a tractor mounted flail mower, what a pity when doing this, they broke the step on nearby stile.
The old milestone on mainroad near here has also been damaged, could this be the same culprit.

Please send your comments to basil@worcestervista.co.uk

SINTON GREEN, NEAR HALLOW, WORCESTER
An extremely pleasant place for walkers. (If you do not mind the obstructions.)

Stile at Sinton Green.
This rotten stile at Sinton Green, SO 818 601 Nr. Hallow, is fastened to a rotten tree, a dangerous place. A good point, the waymarkers are still visible.

I have reported this at least three times, must be falling on deaf ears.
Quote, The Ramblers Association.
(The owner of a dangerous stile or gate may be committing an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.)
Landowners have a duty under section 146 of the Highways Act 1980 to maintain any stile across a footpath or bridleway in a safe condition and to the standard of repair required to prevent unreasonable interference  with the rights of users. This duty applies unless there is a specific agreement or condition to the contrary e.g. under section 66(3) or 147 of the Highways Act 1980. Quote.

This path leads to the locked gate on to main road. (picture below.)

This locked and chained gate at SO818 602 has a gap at side to get through, (if you are extremely slim built)
I think the landowners at Sinton Green have something against the walker.

Another Footpath Problem at Worlds End, Sinton Green.
This path at SO815 599 is 200 to 250 yds long. It is situated at Worlds End near Sinton Green Hallow. Accessing is diffucult due to narrowing by addition of fence. When hedge grows, path will become impassible.
Something tells me Sinton Green walkers are easily pleased.

Yet Another High Bar at Sinton Green.

Yet another high bar at Mosely, nr. Hallow.

Missing handrail here at Grimley.

(Could this be an old Worcestershire custom?)
Must be some very tall people in Sinton Green, or a group of very inconsiderate landowners. Note the waymarker is still in place at SO 812 601,

Please send your comments to basil@worcestervista.co.uk

Blocked path at Birchwood.

Today 3/6/05 have been informed: There is no intention to remove this obstruction at SO 815 566, as there are 30 other paths in Lower Broadheath needing more urgent attention. This path has been blocked for a number of years, I cannot imagine what could be more urgent.
8/05. Most of the waymarkers in Lower Broadheath have been replaced.
Is this what the authorities mean when they say “we are carrying out urgent footpath work”? As most of the waymarkers were in place before, I would suggest the money wasted on these could have been put to better use in clearing blocked footpaths such as Birchwood.
New waymarkers only direct walkers to unusable paths.

Please send your comments to basil@worcestervista.co.uk

No use Northwick stile.
This cleverly constructed but useless stile can be found on a well used riverside path at SO 836 576 near Northwick Slip, Worcester. Very diffucult to climb over as it lacks a footstep and handhold. The barbed wire looks a little menacing, the spikes on the right could be downright dangerous. This has been reported. The problem remains at 22/9/06 and reported again. and again at 30/04/07
Quote, The Ramblers Association.
(The owner of a dangerous stile or gate may be committing an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.)
Landowners have a duty under section 146 of the Highways Act 1980 to maintain any stile across a footpath or bridleway in a safe condition, and to the standard of repair required to prevent unreasonable interference with the rights of users. This duty applies unless there is a specific agreement or condition to the contrary e.g. under section 66(3) or 147 of the Highways Act 1980. Quote. The Ramblers Association.

Please send your comments to basil@worcestervista.co.uk

A magnificent replacement at long last (2008) Thank you Countryside Services

Damaged gate.
This kissing gate at Grimley has been deliberatly damaged. The locals said a vehicle was driven through in the early hours. Little things please little minds.
Thankfully, within a few weeks of the incident, gate was replaced. As the field has been arable for many years, perhaps a gate here is completely unnecessary. I reckon the authorities should spend money on more urgent problems.

Locked at Grimley.
The owner of a dangerous stile or gate may be committing an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

I assume the highway authorities permission is required before a new gate or stile can be erected accross a right of way.
Putting any sort of fence, including an electric fence across a right of way without providing a safe means of crossing is an obstruction.

This farm gate on temporary diverted footpath at SO 832 601 near Grimley, has been chained for some time, despite reporting to Countryside Services. Climbing over is diffucult as gate is insecure at hinge. Even the horse is unhappy.

Grimley is situated close to Sinton Green and Moseley, is this trend becoming clearer. Most unconsiderate landowners seem to be in this area. What is the Parish Footpath Officer doing?

Please send your comments to basil@worcestervista.co.uk

Pirton Church.

St. Peters Church Pirton is located off the A38 at Severn Stoke.

Magnificent Tree in Pirton Churchyard.

Pirton Pool.

Pirton Pool is part of the Croome Park Estate now owned by the National Trust.

Teal Turf at Stoulton.

Minor Diffuculty!!!!

Birmingham to Bristol.

A walk on the Wild Side.

Recently the Worcester Ramblers Group led a walk from Kempsey Common. The walk began on a warm but cloudy day, and headed off in the direction of Hermitage Farm, Wadborough Park Farm and Stoulton.
We crossed the railway line, (the main line Birmingham to Bristol.) The trains are every five minutes along here this made crossing a nervous experience. This necessitated a coffee break before we ploughed a path through long mowing grass near Wadborough Park Farm, for about half a mile, before joining the Stoulton Road.
After a few hundred yards we turned right onto Teal Turf’s field where they were busily lifting turf with a specialised machine. We walked across the perfect turf to reach a little village, Hawbridge near Stoulton. Passing through the hamlet we then walked alongside Deerfold Wood across some extremely rough ground to cross another very large field of mowing grass, before reaching the Wadborough Road. Crossing an unmarked path through a field of corn we reached the village of Wadborough, and took a path through some woodland to be confronted with two huge fields of Oilseed Rape, we could not see any sign of the footpath and had no alternative but to fight a way through for about three quarters of a mile. Before having to cross main line again. The next obstacle was another field of corn where a considerate farmer had planted Oilseed Rape over footpath for walkers to again fight a way through We eventually reached Pirton Church and stopped for a break having travelled close to six difficult miles. We then set off on final part of journey crossing a field of corn and reaching a field of recently planted maize, before passing through the hamlet of Pirton. Walking through a small wood we were confronted by an extremely high stile that could be classed as dangerous. We travelled on through yet another unmarked path through a field of corn, reaching Kempsey Common and our starting point. We had struggled through obstacles for more than seven miles.
Most of the group took advantage of hospitality at Farmers Arms and several refreshing pints of shandy were consumed.

The rights of way act 1990.

Crops, other than grass, must not be allowed to grow on or overhang a right of way at any time, so as to obstruct or otherwise inconvenience the public or prevent the line of the right of way from being apparent on the ground.

For certain purposes the 1990 Act sets out “minimum widths” for public rights of way which apply if there is no width recorded, for example, in the Definitive Statement (written description of route). When ploughing or cultivating crops, the landowner or occupier must ensure that the minimum width is reinstated, remains clear of crops and is apparent on the ground. The minimum width for a footpath is 1m across the field or 1.5m on the field edge; for a bridleway it is 2m across the field or 3m on the field edge; for RUPPs and byways it is 3m across the field or 5m on the field edge.
These widths only apply to the law on ploughing and cropping and do not affect other aspects of the law on rights of way.

The highway authority can prosecute a landowner or occupier for failing to comply with the law. It can also carry out the work it thinks is necessary (sometimes to a wider “maximum” width) and recover its costs from them.

Further advice is given in “The Rights of Way Act 1990”, a booklet published jointly by the Countryside Commission and MAFF,

Please send your comments to basil@worcestervista.co.uk

Blocked path at Moseley.
This path is still completely blocked at Moseley by fallen tree’s, despite reporting on 3/3/05 to countryside@worcestershire.gov.uk and again on 13/9/05. The owner is aware of this problem.
20/12/05 The tree’s have been removed by Countryside Services.

This bar is much too high.
The land is owned by same person with fallen trees. Dangerously high top bar has been added by this unconsiderate landowner. Problem has been reported so far without success.
Moseley is the next Hamlet to Sinton Green, could this trend be spreading.
Could this be an old Worcestershire custom?

Please send your comments to basil@worcestervista.co.uk

The views are stunning Sept 06.

This path at SO 793 676 near Astley Church in Worcestershire runs near hedge, trouble is the kind farmer has put his irragation pipe on line of footpath. This has the effect of blocking the route and entailing a one mile detour for walkers. This has been reported.

Julie Royale, writes in our local newspaper (The Worcester News) describing a walk in her weekly page. She made this very apt comment regarding a recent published route. “The Views are stunning but the paths are dreadfull, the lovelier the view the poorer the path.”

Bevere Island near Worcester.

The island is Situated near the locks, and accessed over an old possibly unsafe cast iron bridge from the east bank.

Recently Bevere Bridge has been in the news. An article by Becky Fisher, appeared in the Evening News (OCT 04) headed Mystery of falling bridge over Severn.

The bridge itself is in a bad state of repair Janet White contacted the Evening News, worried that Bevere Bridge, which links the shore to a small island a short way upstream from Bevere lock, is in a bad state of repair, but that no one was able to give her any advice on its maintenance. Janet said “I would like to know if this bridge is to be saved before it collapses” The Evening News contacted both British Waterways and the bridge manager at Worcestershire County Council and both confirmed they were not responsible for it and did not know who was.

However Max Sinclair a local historian immediately wrote the following letter to the Evening News entitled Bevere picture tells a story

It is probable Bevere Bridge was built for the secretive and wealthy Mr Moon who owned property and land in Bevere. He was chief engineer of the London and North Western Railway Company and lived the last years of his life in Bevere.

He was noted for making unexpected inspections of the railway, but the signalmen got wise to him.
When he was spotted travelling towards the east, they would telegraph ahead “Moonlight tonight”. This was the origin of the expression Moonlighting.

Bevere Bridge is a superb example of Victorian craftsmanship probably brought down the Severn on a “flote”, a raft with sides. The first American Locomotive travelled in a similar manner from Stourbridge down to Gloucester.

The County Council who must be entitled to a lottery grant for the work should make this lovely structure safe.
History.
In 1051 King Hardicanute sent officials to Worcester to collect the Danegeld tax. They were assaulted and murdered. Not surprisingly troops arrived some months later to punish the rebels who, being warned, escaped to Bevere or Camp island. After sacking and burning the city the soldiers made for the camp. Four unsuccessful attacks were made ending in a truce.
After payment of a fine the citizens were allowed to return home. Centuries later the island was again a place of refuge for those fleeing the city to avoid the plague.
( Seen in walking groups newsletter.)

Bevere Bridge near Worcester.

The bridge crosses to Bevere Island, was built in 1844, now in a dangerous state.

Wrong side of Bevere Island.

A Belgian family, coming down the Severn went on the wrong side of Bevere Island and over the weir.
Don Smith the lock keeper lowered himself down in a Severn Punt and rescued them.
Later a tug came up from Diglis and pulled the boat back up the weir. Max

1954 Bevere in the Spring.