LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

Parked car between Oversley Green and Alcester, in Old Stratford Road, by the River Arrow. Cycled through Alcester Town to Henley in Arden, via Great Alne Village and Wootton Wawen Village, including a cycle past Henley's Civil Hall, George House and Market Cross, before finding the alley to Railway Station. Chained bicycle to lamp post outside station, where I finished the last section of the Heart of England Way and walked over the station bridge, away from the town and towards the green open fields of the Arden countryside. Passed the local allotments and entered a buttercup field surrounded by hawthorn bushes covered with a wonderful display of blossom. What a beautiful start to a walk in the countryside. Passed close to Builth Farm and crossed A4189 main road with care to a cottage with a traditional well and a good path past the property. The cottage also had an unusual style in a wall as opposed to a style in a fence. Rounded Hungers Hill and continued through corn fields to Bannam's Wood and Little Brown's Wood. A 'Speckled Wood' butterfly flew past to my delight. The perfect reminder that summer is coming on a warm and sunny day. Steady climb uphill to wood, so the shade of the trees were very welcome. Good track through wood to a derelict wagon. Most surprised, probably been in the same location for many years, maybe a hundred years or more, who knows? Short detour to the edge of the wood for good views over Stoopers Wood Hill and across the Arrow Valley, with vivid yellow fields of rape seed dotted here and there. Another surprise, a bench dedicated to Pauline, with a plaque described 'Mom's Wood. In loving memory of Pauline who now is at home with her trees and wild flowers. Bye Nip'. Continued down hill past carpets of flowers (including bluebells) to the edge of the wood, passing High Fields Farm (with bull) and Greenhill Farm. Over footbridge to meadow fields, passing alongside Spernall Wood, Badbury Hill and Round Hill, before arriving onto Burford Lane by Burford Lane Farm and the delightful Pheasants Oak Cottage. More buttercup fields by Tut's Cottage before passing Newslands Wood, Lodge Hill and Alne Wood. Care required here to ensure the correct 'Way' is taken, as Monarch's Way, Arden Way and Heart of England Way all converge. Cross Spernall Lane to Coughton Fields Lane. As I passed close to Canada Barn a pheasant scurried ahead of me finally diving into the hedge. Pleasant views west across the Arrow Valley towards Arden Forest as I passed the OS Column and descended into Alcester. Interesting old Roman Town, well worth a visit. Passed the Town Hall and church into Malt Mill Lane, not to be missed. Finally, a short walk by the river to the car. Drove back to the lamp post by Henley Station to collect the bicycle to complete a perfect day out in the Warwickshire countryside. Can't wait for the next section of the Heart of England Way.

Location Map: - www.streetmap.co.uk, - Start: from Henley in Arden 414820/265880, - Finish: at Alcester Roman Town 409190/257060, - via: Alne Wood 410985/261330. (Click on location and use Zoom and BACK Buttons).