> Beautifully restored
rental properties
in St John's, Worcester
[ Woof / sniff / splash ]
>
HAPPINESS IS A TIRED, DAMP DOG
There are plenty of lovely walks around St John's...
A recent conversation with a prospective tenant made me think about what is really important when choosing a new home. It's all very well having reclaimed doors and deep skirting...but if you have a dog in your family, the chances are it really won't care about such things. It'll probably be more interested in taking you for a walk somewhere nice.
With this in mind, I thought it might be a good idea to share with you some of the best local walks for you and your sniffy friend :
Pitmaston Park :
Always a favourite, partly I suspect because it's only a tennis ball's throw from everyone in St John's. There is so much open space here, enabling you and your dog to be as sociable or unsociable as you like. It's pretty poo-free in there too.
We are all absolutely delighted that Pitmaston Primary School has recently failed in it's protracted battle with both council and residents to get a covenant lifted, so they could permanently partition a third of the park with a 6' fence, thus stopping other schools from using the space too. This park was bequeathed to the people of St John's for recreational use over a hundred years ago, way before the school even existed.
With the same warped sense of entitlement, this is of course how Nazi Germany started with the Sudetenland in 1938.
Land-grab should always be resisted.
/// model.froth.drums
Chapter Meadows :
This lovely riverside area has been protected from any development, which is lucky as it floods nearly every year anyway. There are muddy trenches, birds, insects and bats, so a good time will be had by all. Read more here
The Diglis Circuit :
Famed by dog-walkers, there are a multitude of routes, all of which seem to end up at the famous Diglis Hotel. Why not enjoy a coffee and a pint of ice cubes from the gardens, overlooking the river? Food is adequate, but the location is the best. It's very chilled...and very popular in summer.
The circuit is essentially a walk from Worcester bridge, southwards along the river path, past the Cathedral, up and over the new Diglis footbridge, (built to enable King's School pupils to get to their sports pitches more quickly) and back along the other side. People of St John's can take advantage of the footpaths up to Weir Lane and Bromwich Road, or indeed, Chapter Meadows. You'll figure it out.
Diglis Playing Fields :
It's a lovely walk down to these fields, over the Diglis footbridge and along a nice footpath. There are lots of newly planted (and vandalized) trees and shrubs. There are also frequent community events here and it's a great place for a knockabout with the chosen one.
> www.friendsofdiglisfields.com
/// lease.riding.hotels
Boughton Golf and Country Club :
Bug actually hasn't ventured across the golf course yet as he's worried about the types of Brexity people he might get shouted at by when he runs off with their ball. Silly game; silly ham-headed people.
/// hooks.tanks.priced
River Teme :
Right by the big chimney towards Malvern is Powick Bridge, so famous it has a battle named after it and its own Wikipedia page. It also provides some amazing walks along the River Teme. In the summer months the water level gets so low, a narrow beach forms and it is often possible to paddle along the river bed. The more adventuous owner can swim in here too, as there are deeper areas and such immense pleasure is to be had, on a hot summer's evening, from swimming alongside your hound in search of a tennis ball.
It feels quite clean and safe, but probably isn't either of these.
It is Bug's absolute favourite here, to the extent that we are unable to use the words 'river' or 'swimming' within ear-shot.
Pitchcroft :
This is the inner part of Worcester Racecourse and really is best avoided. At the best of times, drunk people shout at horses to run faster. The rest of the time there are often bandits down there and they've usually bought their dogs with them. Unless you and your little darlings particularly enjoy a good scrap, I'd avoid it like the plague if I were you.
Dog-friendly coffee houses :
Bug can often be found in Papas in New Street. It's great for dogs and their owners.
The King Charles pub, at the other end of New Street, heats up bendy pies but does go out of it's way to welcome dogs. Tuesday nite is Quiz Nite.
Further afield, there are some lovely places, just right for a proper ramble.
The Old Hills, Callow End :
Another classic, here there is so much space and it is a wonderful, recreational area. There are no municipal facilities, so you do have to improvise a little when needs must. Great for muddy ponds and blackberry picking.
Malvern Hills :
You really can't miss them, tho without doing some research first, actually getting up them can be a little confusing, Basically head up thru Great Malvern on the A449 and up and over to Colwall, bear left and park on Jubilee Drive.
Alternatively, continue along to the car park opposite The Malvern Hills Hotel and scamper up from there. The council bandits feel it neccesary to charge you £5.00 but there are great views of your house.
/// rooftop.swoop.tycoons
Earnslaw Quarry, Malvern :
A hidden gem, cut into the side of the Malvern Hills, this is a lovely spot to suss out. The dog swimming is good, but the sheer tranquility is even better. Malvern's very own Tourist Prevention Dept. don't want you to know about the quarry, but luckily Google Maps does...and it is lovely up there. Not a shopping trolley in sight. Park on the road. It's free. Here it is
Worcester Woods Country Park :
Situated behind County Hall on the ring road and really for people who would rather sit around eating cakes, but the doctor has told them to get out more. It serves a function and in it's defence, it does have toilets, a nice woodland walk and a cafe (for those cakes presumably). Read more here
/// test.avoid.burst
The Knapp And Papermill Nature Reserve, nr Alfrick :
An idyllic place to rediscover your inner calm after a busy week. Fields of bluebells, wild garlic, otters; what's not to like? Dogs should be on leads at all times. The otters insist on it. Read more here
River Avon, Pershore :
During the long, hot summers, nothing is nicer than swimming here with your best friends. Park up in the free parking area and walk along the river bank until the river slows right down on a bend. There you can swim safely and with privacy amongst the reeds and bullrushes. It's very Mr Darcy.
Obviously, this is wild swimmimng, so please use your commonsense. That rent isn't going to pay itself :-)
Live and Let Live, Bringsty Common :
Just off the main road, halfway to Bromyard, this beautifully restored 16th century thatched pub, set in a lovely area of common land, is well worth a visit. The pub is unusual for Britain in that it serves real, freshly prepared food, using actual ingredients, that has been properly cooked, in an actual kitchen with saucepans and everything ! Coincidentally, after a while the underfloor heating starts to cook your dog too, so take a water bowl with you. Read more here
The Ketch Car Boot Sale :
Every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, from Easter thru to about October, all sorts of rubbish can be bought here. Bug has a fine collection of swimming towels and decapitated Disney characters. Read more here
Monkwood Nature Reserve, Sinton Green :
This place comes highly recommended by a fellow dog-walker, but Bug has yet to try it out. It looks fantastic. Maybe we'll see you there one day?
/// releasing.domestic.drift
Remember your poo bags and a whistle !
Main photograph taken at
/// dusty.pine.feels
Both Sides Now / Joni Mitchell