Walks Reports:
Bluebell Walk
3 miles.
The short break in the rain came at the right time for the Knowle Society Bluebell walk of 2012. It must have been the shock of a fine evening that brought out 32 walkers to enjoy a modest 3 mile walk from Knowle towards Barston. We were very lucky to pass bluebells in hedgerow and wood. It was very pleasing to discover that the vast majority were the native English variety, although there was one clump of Spanish ones that had escaped from a garden. This did enable us to study the differences between the types.
Despite the rain of late the ground was not too muddy, although boots were the order of the day. Despite the sometime difficult conditions we made good time and finished well before darkness fell!
'Neighbour Day' Walk
The 25th March is 'Neighbour Day' in Australia which is their annual celebration of Community Spirit. Would you like to join us in a leisurely afternoon circular walk through our lovely countryside? 3- 4 miles
One of the finest March days drew an 18 strong group of members to join the ' Neighbourhood Day' walk on 25th March. Leaving from the Guild House the route took in Kenilworth Road and Kixley Lane before heading north on the canal to Grove Farm. We then worked our way back towards Knowle through the lanes and housing estates to the east of the Warwick Road. In the process most people learned more about their neighbourhood and chatted to other Society members and therefore their neighbours.
Temple Balsall Walk
The traditional 'Tea & Cakes' walk. Don't use the car park opposite the school, but carry on down Fen End West Road another couple of hundred yards, around the bend and take the drive on the right down to the 'new' car park.
The final walk of the 'summer' season took place on Sunday 25th September and, in accord with recent tradition, started at Temple Balsall. I was surprised and very pleased when twelve people (and a dog) turned out on a very wet afternoon, although the dog did decide that enough was enough after a third of the route and very sensibly decided to take its owner back home. The rest of us continued and of course the rain stopped and the sun came out! We were rewarded at the end of the walk as usual with tea & cakes at the Old Hall.
Knowle By-ways
3 - 4 miles mainly road or pavements. Let's see whether I can find a part of Knowle where you've never been before!
The walk at the end of June around the more obscure parts of Knowle demonstrated how hardy the Society’s members are. Despite the presence of dark and threatening clouds and a weather forecast of very heavy rain, 18 members turned out for this walk.
We set off from the car park behind the Church, through Crabmill Close and the car park of the Wilson’s Arms before cutting through the Legion into Arden Vale Rd. All was well until this point, but as we reached there the downpour began. We were already rather damp when the shelter of the trees at the end of Stourton Close provided significant relief, but not enough for two of our number who decided that better waterproofs were required and headed off home. ‘That’s the last we’ll see of them’ I thought to myself but no, as we set off again as the rain eased, there they were waiting for us – very well done!
As the rain seemed to have stopped for at least a while we decided to carry on, down Langfield and Barnbrook roads and onto the footpath that runs alongside the golf course. To prove we weren’t the only mad ones, there were several golfers out playing. This footpath comes out at the top of Longdon Road and we crossed onto Tilehouse Green Lane and into Hallcroft Way, Landor Road and into the park. We finished off the walk through St John’s Close and the Red Lion car park to look at the site planned for the possible Waitrose store.
I am pleased to say there were no reports of pneumonia or other untoward consequences after the event. Well done to you hardy lot.
Bentley Heath, Hillfield & Widney
4 miles mainly footpaths. Railway, motorway, roads and fields, we'll do the lot!
The first walk of the summer walking season was well attended with 18 walkers in bright sunshine on a day that was warmer than would be expected for mid March. Having met at Bentley Heath we set off toward Solihull, crossing the M42 (by bridge!) and the River Blythe before turning towards Hillfield via a tunnel under the railway and skirting Widney Manor Golf Course. We then passed Hillfield Park on our way to Shelley Farm before crossing the golf course, the M42 and the Blythe again. We then followed alongside the railway, which was quite busy for a Sunday, emerging onto Four Ashes Rd at the entrance to the Solihull Riding School. Crossing back over the railway we returned to the car park through the Bentley Heath Recreation Ground.
Boxing Day Walk 2010
Meet at the Guild House for the traditional mince pies and mulled wine, but you'll have to walk to get them. 2-3 miles.
Another successful Boxing Day walk!
The snow and cold were not enough to put off the hardy members of The Knowle Society from enjoying the traditional Boxing Day Walk. Although not as many turned out, we still had over 60 of all ages to complete a route that was slightly shorter than usual, in recognition of the lying snow. Fortunately the thaw had not yet set in, so the snow was dry and crisp (although not even!). The usual mulled wine and mince pies were much appreciated (thanks to all those who donated mince pies and organised serving the refreshments).
