Smestow Valley & Nature Reserve
7 people attending
18 places left
The Smestow Valley - A brief history
The Smestow Valley was formed at the end of the last Ice Age. The Smestow Brook flows through the area opened up by glaciation, which removed part of the ridge, creating the Aldersley Gap. It effectively forms a boundary between the catchments for the Trent and Severn rivers. In fact the glacial action shifted the Smestow Brook from the Trent to the Severn catchment.
The Smestow Brook rises from it's source at Water Street in Park Village at the site of the old Springfield Brewery. It drains, Wolverhampton, South Staffordshire and parts of Dudley , and it is the most important tributary of the river Stour, forming part of the Severn catchment. The brook flows over glacial gravel beds, but for the greater part runs over sandstone deposits. These are permeable and the size of the brook is deceiving as most of it's water flows underground. This is further evidenced by the number of it's tributaries that may be familiar to you: The Spittle Brook, Dawley Brook, Holbeche Brook, Wom Brook, Black Brook, Perton Brook, Finchfield Brook and Graisley Brook.
Two Roman sites were built along the Smestow, with the larger Greensforge, where two camps utilised the brook as part of it's fortification.
The Anglo-Saxons cleared this land for farming. They were the first permanent settlers in the valley. From the middle ages, locally produced charcoal and the availability of water gave birth to a local Iron industry.
The first references to the valley were made in the 14th Century, when the area was known as "smetheslall" and "Smethestalle", and even by the 19th Century, it was still referred to as "Smestall" in surveys, meaning "place of the Smiths".
The lower Smestow was lined with bloomeries and forges, with the brook water being used for cooling and later to power forge machinery in the local areas.
The Foley family and Dud Dudley, made fortunes locally and the latter carried out the first trials using coal as a substitute for charcoal in Iron production.
The Oxley to Kingswinford Railway was originally owned by the Great Western Railway and one of the last stations to be constructed by the company now forms the ranger station at the main entrance to the Smestow Valley Local Nature Reserve, off Henwood Road. Work began on the station in 1913.
The railway ran as a passenger service between 1925 and 1932, before becoming a goods service until it closed on 24th June 1965. The line had also served as a World War 2 ambulance train service.
The Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, which runs along the length of the valley was designed by James Brindley and opened in 1772. Water power was so important to the valley, that when the canal was being constructed, Brindley's plans to cut off the natural flow of Smestow Brook were blocked and he was forced to construct the Dunstall Water Bridge to carry the brook over the canal, so maintaining it's natural course. The canal served to heighten the attractiveness of the valley to industry, allowing major Iron works to be created at Swindon and Gothersby, the former continuing until 1976.
It maybe potentially muddy in places and recommend walking boots or appropriate footwear to be worn.
Dogs are welcome on the walk, however will need to be on a lead at times.
The route is 11.1 miles / 17.8km
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What to bring
Given it'll be spring, please keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for cold and possibly wet weather - layer appropriately and bring wet-weather gear.
Below is a standard kit-list you may wish to draw from:
Suitable well-fitted walking footwear is most important to keep you safe and comfortable. Sturdy trainers with cushioned soles and a good grip are often suitable if dry weather; but proper walking boots or shoes in wet conditions or on uneven ground are preferable. Smooth soles with no grip are not suitable. Thick, well-fitted socks cushion your feet, help to keep you dry, and prevent blisters.
Layers of clothing you can easily put on and take off according to changing temperature and weather conditions help to keep you warm and comfortable. Choose a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or long-sleeved shirt), and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. Synthetic trousers are lighter and dry quicker than denim. Large pockets are useful. Demin jeans become heavy and cold in the rain and take ages to dry out. On warm days shorts may be suitable, but consider rough foliage such as brambles or nettles on some routes. Check for ticks when walking through long grass, etc. with bare legs. A hat or cap keeps your head and eyes shaded in direct sun. Sunglasses protect your eyes from glare and make it easier to see where you are going. Sun block is advisable during prolonged exposure. In colder weather or a biting wind, a hat, scarf and gloves are essential.
Bring waterproofs to stay dry in wet weather. Water resistant fabric loses effectiveness over time. It will need to be re-proofed or replaced periodically. Bring a towel and a set of dry clothes to change into if possible. A backpack rain cover helps to keep belongings dry. Gaiters are optional and help to keep lower legs and feet dry. An umbrella is impractical while walking.
A comfortable backpack (with suitable capacity for your gear and lunch), allowing you to use your arms freely, is suitable for most day walks.
Walking sticks are optional, the walk is long even laid track.
Bring any essential medicine you may need during the day for hay-fever, diabetes, or any on-going ailments or conditions.
Food & drink
Bring water, snacks and a packed lunch for the walk.