Wood End Railway Station, Rail Trails

Start : Wood End Railway Station (B94 5DS) Grid ref. SP 107 717

(S/E) On exiting either Wood End Railway Station platform walk up the exit ramp to the road (Broad Lane). Turn left.

(1) Look for a footpath up a driveway opposite the Warwickshire Lad public house. Once on the footpath stay downhill in the same direction (South-East), first through a tree lined path, then through a kissing gate into a long field with the hedge left. Go slightly to the right of a lone oak tree then half right in the same field to reach a kissing gate with a path over the railway track.

Once across the railway go through a second kissing gate and immediately left alongside the railway. Go through a fence gap and turn right to go across the bridge over the River Alne. Ignore the footpath ahead.

(2) Go half left across the field to reach the top left hand corner and take the first of two kissing gates onto the road.

(3) Turn right on the road up Doctors Hill to go through the lovely village of Tanworth in Arden. The Bell public house opposite the attractive church of St Mary Magdalene is very nice for a halfway drink. Keep on the road which keeps bearing right.

(4) Shortly after Bellfield Road take the second of two footpaths on your right, which is narrow with tall fence left and hedge right. Go through a gate into the field keeping the hedge right down to a sunken dew pond.

(5) Go through a kissing gate and then slightly downhill to reach the bridge over the river.

(2) From here you will turn left alongside the railway and retrace your outward journey over the railway line, across and up into the field corner and up the shaded footpath back to the pub and station.(S/E)

Start : Wood End Railway Station (B94 5DS) Grid ref. SP 107 717

Transport: Wood End is on the Stratford-upon-Avon to Birmingham line. The service in each direction runs hourly (Mon-Sat), with most northbound services continuing to Stourbridge Junction. It is a request stop: passengers wishing to board or alight here must signal to the driver. There is no Sunday service. There are limited facilities available at this station.

Refreshments: Please note, there are no shops in Wood End or in Tanworth, so if you need to stock up for your walk, you’ll need to do so before arriving!

You’ll also come across two excellent pubs – the Warwickshire Lad, close to the station, and the
Bell Inn in Tanworth, perfect for a halfway treat. Alternatively, a further footpath connects Tanworth- in-Arden and Umberslade’s ‘Mile Drive’. Carry on for a Neapolitan pizza at Umberslade’s Pizzeria or great cake and coffee at Espresso Farm!

The Warwickshire Lad: A country pub with bags of atmosphere, it serves real ales, interesting wines and great home-cooked food in a refurbished interior with rich fabrics and a traditional pub feel. Its a slap bang on the trail and makes a great start or end point!

The Bell Inn: Right on the halfway point of the trail, Tanworth rewards you with a 330 year old country pub with open fires and a lovely terrace overlooking the village green. The cosy bar and excellent food are just the icing on the cake!

Espresso Farm: If you are craving a caffeine fix, look no further than the dedicated coffee shop on the Umberslade estate. Open daily for proper barista coffee and great cakes You also get a free wander round the farmyard!

Straight From the Cow: Yes really! Its a bit of a detour, but make the effort to get to Carpenters Hill Farm and you’ll find raw milk, raw butter, local cheddar made from aforesaid milk along with top quality meat (not all from the cow).

Discover the Heart of England by rail at Heart Community Rail Trail here.

As you progress along the trail you’ll cross the River Alne. This small Warwickshire river rises near Wootton Wawen, flows close to Tanworth and is a tributary of the Arrow which itself joins the River Avon. Look out for river trout and barbel, a small carp-like freshwater fish.

Nick Drake, the iconic singer/songwriter is buried in the family grave beneath a large ancient oak tree in St. Mary Magdalene’s churchyard in Tanworth.

The Umberslade Estate dates back to the 12th century, and despite its extensive lands and sweeping vistas has had an interesting past! A certain Horace Walpole visited and called it an odious place in 1751 and in the late 60’s it was the main home for design and development of BSA and Triumph Motorcycles! An amazing rural retreat offering everything from a Forest school, to Neapolitan Pizza, walking trails, camping, glamping, weddings and even clay pigeon shooting (hopefully not all at the same time!)

St.Mary Magdalene: Always open, this 13th century village church is cool and quiet with light shining through the many old stained glass windows. The large burial ground includes some notable residents and the views over the river Alne are just lovely.