South Staffordshire Railway Walk is a 5.5-mile walking trail that follows the path of an old railway line. The walk starts at the former station of Bratch and passes through Wombourne and Smestow Valley before ending at the station of Stourbridge Junction. The walk is a perfect way to explore the beautiful countryside of South Staffordshire while enjoying a leisurely stroll.
The Route
The South Staffordshire Railway Walk starts at the Bratch Station car park, where you can find information boards detailing the history of the railway line. From there, the route follows the path of the old railway line, passing through fields, woodland and over bridges. The walk is mostly flat and easy to follow, and there are plenty of benches along the way to take a break and enjoy the views.
Flora and Fauna
The South Staffordshire Railway Walk is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The woodland areas are home to birds such as treecreepers, nuthatches and great spotted woodpeckers, while the fields are home to butterflies such as the common blue and small heath. There are also plenty of wildflowers to spot along the way, including cowslips, wild garlic and bluebells.
History
The South Staffordshire Railway Walk follows the path of an old railway line that was built in the mid-19th century to transport coal from the local mines to the factories in the Black Country. The railway line was closed in the 1960s, and the track was removed in the 1970s. The former railway line was then turned into a walking trail, which officially opened in 1997.
Facilities
There are plenty of facilities along the South Staffordshire Railway Walk to ensure that your walk is as comfortable as possible. The walk starts at the Bratch Station car park, where you can find toilets and information boards. There are also toilets and a caf?? at the half-way point in Wombourne. The walk is suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs, and there are plenty of benches along the way to take a break.
Conclusion
The South Staffordshire Railway Walk is a beautiful and peaceful way to explore the countryside of South Staffordshire. The walk is suitable for all ages and abilities, and there are plenty of facilities along the way to ensure that your walk is as comfortable as possible. So why not pack a picnic and spend a day exploring this hidden gem?
