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Continuing the 'seven miles from home' theme, let's start at Stourbridge.

Mike Jemmett

I took a ride on the 248/247 bus. The Stourbridge - Dudley - Stourbridge circular route, and the 248 via Halesowen - Old Hill – Dudley.

But firstly, before I begin, I've got to mention the Stourbridge Canal event on the Stourbridge Arm Canal at the Bonded Warehouse.ÌýThis most colourful meeting of boats and boat people happens around midÌýOctober of each year. See the gallery for snaps of this.

Walk one: Wychbury Hill

On the 248 route from Stourbridge, alight at the second bus stop after passing Pedmore Lane (Wythwood Close) and cross the road alongside the bungalow to the right.

Hagley Monument

Join the foot path to Wychbury Hill.Ìý This path can be very muddy so boots are advised.ÌýAs you ascend, pass the farm. The path bears left and affords wonderful views from Brown Clee Hill around to the Wrekin in the distance, along with good views of Stourbridge, Brierley Hill, Dudley, and Rowley Hills.

Continue the walk, pass the path on the left, and it now gets a little steeper.ÌýPass through the narrow woodland into clear country to the Hagley Monument. This is an obelisk, built in about 1750 by Admiral Smith a distinguished son of the Littleton family.Ìý

Beyond the monument to the west are fine views of Hagley Hall, across Worcestershire to the Malvern Hills and around to Abberley Hills.

Wychbury Wood

Retrace your steps back to the wooded area.Ìý Take the path right and this attractive trail returns you to the lane.Ìý Turn left so you can return down Pedmore Lane, to join the bus route.

Walk two: Two Gates Lane WalkÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý

Take the 248 bus to Two Gates Lane.

Alight at the first bus stop in Oldnall Road, by the housing estate.Ìý Walk about half a mile and on the right at a wooded area, there are some new concrete bollards.Ìý

The foot path starts here.ÌýAgain this affords good views on both sides of the path.ÌýA three-quarter mile walk gives access to other paths leading toward Walton Hill.

A country stroll

For those who find the walks too much,Ìý the bus ride is very worthwhile as it stillÌý offers great views. The whole Stourbridge - Dudley - Stourbridge journey takes some two hours.

If you want to shorten your trip, try Stourbridge - Halesowen outward on the 248 bus. You can return back to Stourbridge on the 247 bus - these services operate every 30 mins

Enjoy the snaps!

Next, still using the 248 route, I plan to write about walking in Halesowen, Old Hill and Bumble Hole.

View from Two Gates Lane

Useful Information

Dudley Planning and Leisure print walk leaflets including the Pedmore walk together with Wychbury Hill.ÌýAlso they print another 14 walks in Dudley called 'Country Wide Walks in Dudley'.Ìý These are most useful, giving basic routes with information about local history, and are available from most of Dudley's libraries.