Clent Hills Walk and Lunch

Event report

A week before the event the forecast looked quite promising. By Saturday the scene had changed to Noah’s Flood being forecast. Rapid consultation, “Do we cancel the walk and just turn up for the lunch?” The decision was to turn up and see what conditions were like. The forecast did in fact change again to the rain moving away earlier than originally predicted, although not until we would be into the walk.

With a couple of last-minute illness dropouts, 11 of us turned up kitted out for the worst. Most had endured downpours to get to the meeting place by the Four Stones, which was to be our lunch venue. Miraculously, it seemed, by the time we all gathered the rain had stopped. However, as we set off into the hills it began to rain again, albeit fairly lightly. So, were we going to be trooping around in a pouring rain and seeing nothing except the torrents down the paths? Fortunately, not a bit of it. The shower quickly passed and we soon saw the skies brighten. We ended the walk in bright sunshine, enjoying the magnificent views over the Worcestershire and Shropshire countryside and the Welsh mountains to the west and the Black Country and Warwickshire the north east and east. Naturally, conversation turned to all manner of things linguistic. Once again it proved a very pleasant way to network with fellow linguists.

We then enjoyed a well-earned drink and an pleasant and convivial meal in the restaurant, not our original choice but the Fountain had been unable to accommodate our numbers. It proved an adequate substitute and when we went our separate ways, I think we could all say that we had enjoyed the combination of exercise, good food and good company.

Thank must go to Astrid Fiess for organising the event and in my case, opening my eyes to some walks of which I was unfamiliar, despite its being on our doorstep and somewhere that we do like to walk.

Join the Midlands Network on this lovely 1.5-hour walk around the Client Hills. There are beautiful views across Birmingham, the Black Country and beyond. This walk is not too challenging, but there are some steep hills and level changes, and it can get a little muddy in parts. Bring sturdy boots, walking gear, some water and a snack. We will meet at the Fountain Pub car park where we will also go for lunch afterwards.

If you would like to attend, please contact us via midlands@ciol.org.uk. Let us know how many are coming, whether you would like to come for both walk and lunch or just walk/lunch and whether you have any dietary requirements. We will need your email by 17 October latest.

Timings:

10.30am - Meet in the Fountain Pub Car Park, 1 Adam's Hill, Stourbridge, Birmingham, DY9 9PU

11am - 12.30pm - Walk

1.30pm - Networking lunch