Wolverley, Worcestershire

Between Wolverley and Cookley, the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal (opened in 1772) cuts through the local bedrock of Triassic red sandstone, sharing a valley with the River Stour. The outward part of this easy walk is along a tow path through rolling countryside. At Debdale Lock there's an artificial cave, supposedly used either for storage or as stabling for canal horses. The return from Cookley follows pleasant footpaths and tracks through fields and woods. There is a pub and canalside cafe at the start. (The Lock Inn and the Old Smithy Tea Room)
Additional Notes:
There are no stiles. There is one long canal tunnel. Please park considerately on the street. Please do not park in the Lock Inn car park unless you plan to drink there. Public transport is possible Bus 9A (from Kidderminster) to start. Trains to Kidderminster from Birmingham / Worcester.
Circular Walk
Start time 10:30am
Estimated finish time 1pm

Distance: 4.8mi / 7.7km

Start place: Start at the Lock Inn. Please don't park in their carpark unless you plan to drink /eat there. Park on side roads.
Time: 10:30am
Grid Ref: SO831791
Postcode: DY10 3RN
What3Words: ///props.assume.later

Start time is when the walk commences. Please arrive earlier to ensure you are ready for the start

🅿️ Is parking available?
Yes, parking is available on street

👞 What should I wear?
Wear walking boots/shoes or sturdy trainers - bringing a waterproof coat is also recommended.
Additionally...
If it's cold: gloves, hat, scarf, warm trousers and a fleece/warm top.
If it's hot: sunscreen, hat, a pair of shades and a thin top - it may get hot.

🥪 Do I need to bring food?
A packed lunch, snacks and water are recommended.

🚶 How hard is this walk?
This walk is easy

I have never walked with the group before and/or don't know anyone, can I still come?
Yes! This group is a great way to meet new people, socialise, get out in nature and improve your fitness. We welcome any and all people to come along.

🚗 I can't get to the walk, are lift shares available?
There are a few methods to look for lift shares:

• Post a comment on the event
• Join our Discord and post in the #lift-sharing channel, don't forget to specify the walk you are looking for a lift for.

We also encourage people that are coming along to offer lift shares to others when possible.

🐶 Can I bring my dog?
Unless stated in the description, dogs are welcome provided they are well behaved around people/other dogs and kept on a lead/under control in areas where there may be livestock.

⚠️ Some walks may have stiles, and you may need to lift them over. ⚠️

📞 How can I contact the event organiser?
Walks are led by volunteers, and not all of them use meetup.com The best way to contact the walk leader is via the Groups website wmwg.org.uk/walks
It is unlikely the walk leader will read messages on the day, especially minutes before the event starts, so please try to contact them in advance with queries.

🗒️ Who runs this group?
We are known as West Midlands Walking Group (WMWG), and are a Ramblers Association group, ran by volunteers. As well as walks almost every weekend, we regularly have social events and trips away multiple times per year. You can find more information on our website: https://www.wmwg.org.uk/
You are allowed to attend 3 walks before you need to become a member of The Ramblers (around £43~ a year).
The Ramblers is a walking charity dedicated to removing barriers so everyone can enjoying walking in green spaces, as well as preserving and improving hundreds of thousands of miles of well-loved paths, tracks and trails across England, Scotland and Wales. Find out more on their website: https://www.ramblers.org.uk/
If you have any questions, please send us a message on Meetup.