Wightwick – Compton – Lower Penn – The Bratch - Wightwick

Roger Hersee

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Enhance your visit to NT Wightwick Manor by taking this delightful circular walk before or after your visit. If you don't want to call at the NT property you could stop at the Mermaid Inn instead, or start from Compton where hostelries abound and access by public transport is probably easier. You'll walk along some of the Kingswinsford Railway Path, which is also a cycle route, a small section of the Monarch's Way and part of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal. The 46-mile canal was built by James Brindley and completed in 1772. It was a major route for commercial traffic until the 1950s, by when the railways had become the preferred means of transport.

The Kingswinford Path follows the disused track of a branch line which opened in 1925 but only lasted to 1966. The canal continues to be a hive of activity, but now for pleasure craft rather than freight, whilst the railway that successfully competed against the canal has now become a wildlife haven. The railway path is shrouded by trees and is host to all manner of wildlife, with good views over open countryside in the later stages. The canal oozes with Victorian brickwork in the bridges and neighbouring architecture. You should not get bored on this walk!

England - Central England - West Midlands - Canal Walk

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Flowers, Gift Shop, Great Views, Industrial Archaeology, Mostly Flat, National Trust, Nature Trail, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

6/28/2019 - Heather Lawrence

This was a great walk and even better because it was in beautiful sunshine! Just one note on the instructions: the instructions state that we reach an old railway platform just before Wombourne Dog Training Centre and the bracket indicate that this is Penn Halt. There is a large wooden sign some 2 miles prior to this waymark that is 'Penn Halt' and caused some confusion. The old platform, I believe, is the old Wombourne station which now houses The Railway Cafe.

6/1/2014 - Michele Ibbs

Beautiful walk, run keeper measured it out at 12.2 miles, but did start at Bratch locks and walked up and around Wightwick Manor. New to the site and so pleased with finding this walk, will definitely do it again - will try some others first though :-) Thank you for sharing

6/1/2014 - Michele Ibbs