As I went on this walk by myself I let someone know where I was going and took a mobile phone and basic first aid equipment. I ensured I had my waterproofs as rain was forecast and wore boots as I expected the ground to be wet and muddy following the previous day's rain. I have walked parts of this route before but planned, entirely by myself , a new 10 mile route through forest and heathland. As I walked I practised estimating the time it would take to significant points in the walk.
I walked East from Waters Green on a small road until I came to a ford where, after crossing the footbridge, I turned immediately left along a footpath by a river for 150 m and then through a gate and continued along the river until I came to another ford. I continued along the road that went past this ford for 0.25/ miles/ 0.4km. I then turned right onto the North Weirs and followed this to the road. 0.6 miles/ 1km. I crossed the road and continued on a small track for 0.3 mile/0.5km and at the edge of the forest just before a foot bridge I turned left onto open forest land. I followed the edge of the forest on open forest land for 0.4mile/0.6km until I came to a car park. I then took the footpath heading north for 0.2 mile/0.3km to Puttles Bridge. I crossed the bridge and turned immediately right and then immediately left on a path and continued on this for 0.15miles/0.2km until I met a wide track. I followed this for 0.8 miles/1.3km until I came to Aldridge Hill Cottage. At Aldridge Hill Cottage I turned left and headed on a track and then open forest diagonally across Fletcher's Green to Highland Water and crossed the footbridge. I then continued in this direction between trees at this point it was very muddy and I could also see deer in the distance. I continued until I came to the gate at the entrance to Hursthill Inclosure. 1.1 mile/ 1.8km. I then followed a ride between tall tree for 200m until I met the main track where I turned right. I continued along this for 0.7 mile/1.1km until I came to a gate, after the gate I turned left and continued for 1.4 miles/2.2km to a cattle grid, I then retraced my steps to the gate junction but continued straight on the track until I came to Bolderford Bridge. 2.5 miles/4km 100m after Bolderford Bridge I turned diagonally left onto a footpath on open forest, Black Knowl. On this footpath I walked past allotments on my left. I continued on this until it came to a road. 0.75miles/ 1.2km. I turned left onto Meerut Rd and followed this to Waters Green. 0.7 miles/1.3km
Map used OS,. Explorer OL22 1:25,000 Total Distance 9.8miles. Total Time 3hrs 26mins
