The Twin Peaks of Dudley
8 people attending
12 places left
8 miles Circular Walk
A walk with amazing views, wildlife and history in the middle of the West Midlands! Come and see the view from the highest point in the metropolitan West Midlands, Turners Hill (271m) and it's twin Darby's Hill (270m). The views East of the Birmingham Skyline are impressive; West on a clear day Hay Bluff in the Brecon Beacons of Wales can be seen, as well as the Shropshire Hills and Malverns. The site is even included in a list of the best panorama views of the UK. You can identify what's on the horizon here: Darby’s Hill panorama.
This walk is surprisingly green. In what was known as the 'Black Country' for the smoke from it's industry, we walk by two green areas which were formerly quarries and clay mines, and have been totally regenerated. One is now a wildlife sanctuary.
Sheepwash Wildlife park is now home to locally rare flowers including snakeshead fritillary, cowslip and yellow bartsia. You would never guess that in the 19th century there was a clay mine, brickworks and coal shafts on this site. Read the history here: Sheepwash history.
Connecting the two are sections of canal near the Netherton Tunnel, one of the longest in the country. We have a short, exciting stretch of tunnel ourselves to reach the reserve (actually, it's a long Victorian underpass, but feels like something more!). When I checked out this walk, I saw Kingfishers by the canal. One canal is slightly higher up than the other: the canals were once so busy that Thomas Telford designed a new, straighter and broader canal, the Birmingham Navigation, which we shall follow back to the station. More details of the history are here: Birmingham Canal Navigation.
This walk is timed to start with the arrival of the trains as listed below. Why not park and ride into Birmingham or Wolverhampton after the event? With trains roughly every 15 minutes, take advantage of quieter Sunday free parking and take the 10-minute train ride into the city centre to enjoy the rest of your day!
Well behaved dogs are welcome to come with you on this walk.
Waitlist: If this event is fully booked and you want to attend, just add yourself to the waitlist, because places inevitably become available closer to the date.
New Members: Please feel free to join this as your first OutdoorLads event. If you have any questions then feel free to message me, or go to the "My First Event" section under "About Us".
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
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Pictures taken by the walk leader and permitted for use.
What to bring
Given it'll be spring, please keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for the 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. Denim 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. 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.