Birds and trees are two of the main features of this walk. The birds include a variety of species, from blackbirds to buzzards, but it is wetland birds which are most numerous, thanks to the proximity of the River Severn and the proliferation of pools (former gravel pits) between Hallow and Grimley.

As for the trees, they include ancient oaks scattered in fields and hedges, and young mixed woods which are flourishing in former riverside meadows.

Planted less than 20 years ago, these developing woods are already making a big impact on the landscape. There is a fine view of the newly wooded valley from the footpath near Hallow Old Churchyard, which contains some fine trees of its own.

n START: Park Lane, off A443 250m south of Hallow Church; grid ref SO 829576.

n Length: 81/2 miles/13.5km.

n Maps: OS Explorer 204, OS Landranger 150.

n Terrain: Mixed farmland, mainly pasture; undemanding, but very muddy.

n Footpaths: Most are adequate-to-good, although waymarking is poor. Two fields have been ploughed almost to the edge, partially obliterating rights of way. At one point, you will have to climb over a seriously overgrown and derelict barrier - a former stile or fence - where there should be a functioning stile or gate. If unable to manage this you could try the alternative route (see map) but please note that I haven't checked it for obstacles. The county council has been informed of the situation.

n Stiles: 24. There's also a locked gate, and the obstruction described above.

n Parking: There is some roadside parking near Park Lane. Alternatively, choose another suitable place along t

the route.

n Buses: Monday-Saturday services include 293/294/296/308/309/310/313/314/315/316/758. The 758 (Yarrantons) is recommended. Most of these serve Hallow (including Park Lane), some serve Broadheath and some serve both. On Sundays/bank holidays there is currently only the 300 but it is hoped the 759 will resume in the summer. Traveline 0870 608 2608 or www.traveline.org.uk

Refreshments: Camp House Inn, Corner Shop Post Office, the Crown and the Dewdrop are on the route; the Bell, the Plough, the Royal Oak, Ladygo Stores and Broadheath Post Office Stores are very close to it.

DIRECTIONS

Walk north towards Hallow Church then take the first footpath on the right. Skirt the churchyard before turning right on a fenced path, then right again along a street. At the end of the street, continue past Hallow Old Churchyard until a waymark directs you to the left.

The path descends into the Severn valley and you keep straight on at a junction, into GGG Green Park Arboretum. After you have passed through two gates, turn right to a field corner, then left. Cross a stile in the next corner and proceed to another.

Turn briefly left, then to the right along a paved bridleway. Reaching a junction near the Camp House Inn, take a diverted footpath on the left, following signs and waymarks to the A443.

Turn left, then left again on Greenhill Lane. Turn right as the lane becomes a bridleway, then right again on a footpath at Bridles End. Turn left at the next junction and keep straight on until you meet a track by a hedge. Turn right to Hallow Green then left, soon crossing the A443 to join a footpath passing to the left of Hallow Lawn Tennis Club.

Descend a slope to Hallow Lane and turn left, then join a footpath on the right. Walk uphill towards a prominent telegraph pole then follow the left-hand hedge to a stile ahead.

In the next field, follow the right-hand hedge to a corner then proceed across the field to a gate at the far side. Cross another field then turn left in the next one. Pass Ashfield Farm, joining the farm access road and following it to Peachley Lane. Turn right towards Lower Broadheath.

Turn left at a junction and walk to Martley Road. Turn right and cross to Frenchlands Lane. The lane eventually becomes a footpath and leads to The Elms, where waymarks guide you past the farmhouse, an outbuilding and a pair of semi-derelict cottages to a stile into a field. Turn left along the edge.

Cross an overgrown stile in the corner and then go through a gate into the field on your left (or keep straight on for the alternative route - see FACTFILE). Follow the right-hand hedge to the corner then climb over an obstacle (see FACTFILE) and a gate. Follow the right-hand hedge to the next corner then go diagonally to the far left corner of a long narrow field.

Leaving the field, turn right along the edge of the next to Heath Grange Farm, where you turn right on a grassy path. Follow it to a stile then turn left to Bell Lane.

Walk across Broadheath Common to the far side then go diagonally left to rejoin Bell Lane. Turn right. After 400m, take a footpath on the right, by Urma Cottage, then turn left by a field edge.

Proceed to a junction and go diagonally right to a redundant stile. The path has been ploughed and you may not be able to see the stile at first. However, a path has been trodden by local walkers to a hedge corner, and the stile is to the left. Walk past it and continue to Martley Road.

Turn right then cross to a footpath and bridleway. Go through a gate and take the footpath, crossing two fields then turning right to Lovington Lane. Turn left.

The lane eventually becomes a bridleway, which makes a sharp left turn at Lovington Farm. Walk down a field, cross Laughern Brook and turn right past a sewage works then along a field edge. Go through a gate and walk uphill to meet the A443 by Park Lane.

PLEASE NOTE This walk has been carefully checked and the directions are believed to be correct at the time of publication. No responsibility is accepted by either the author or publisher for errors or omissions, or for any loss, accident or injury, however caused.