Places Stories

The walk resumed at the Admiral Rodney pub, and by way of a circuitous, but planned route lost significant height, only to have to climb back up again to the top of Ankerdine Hill. 

Eventually we dropped down to The Talbot at the foot of the hill for coffee and something stronger for some.

Moira Jenkins

Moira Jenkins (Earth Heritage Trust - Herefordshire Geodiversity Manager) was the day's guest speaker.

She is a geologist with an interest in primary education and accompanied the walkers for the next few miles to explain the local formation.

Ankerdine Hill lies along the Malvern Axis, which follows a line that links it to the Malvern Hills.

Ankerdine Hill was formed by a massive upheaval of rocks, when Red Triassic rocks (250-million years-old) clashed with Silurian rocks (440-million years old).

The geological boundaries between the rock types are faults related to the Malvern Fault.

Hop stringing

The south-eastern slope of the steep-sided hill is characterised by a number of hummocks caused by landslips.

Since leaving the Talbot, the River Teme has provided a close escort for the walkers.

Not for nothing is this river known as the 'Wild Daughter of the Severn' due to its sinuous nature.

The river is remarkable for its near natural form, and as such it is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest throughout its course. 

Another companion, albeit to a lesser extent than years before, is provided by the hopyards that were extensive hereabouts.

Many of the six-metre high poles now stand idle, but specialist hops are grown for the Teme Valley Brewery at the Talbot Inn.

Damaged bridge

The necessary stringing of the hopyards is done earlier in the year.

Special trains and buses were provided for Black Country folk who would come to the Teme Valley to enjoy their annual holiday hop-picking in September.

The Knapp & Papermill Reserve provided an ideal venue for lunch.

An old footbridge that crosses Leigh Brook was significantly damaged by recent floods, yet it still survives.

New life was observed by the sight of a calf as it rested in a bed of nettles.

The end hill

The mother seemed quite unfussed by our presence despite the umbilical cord of the calf being still clearly evident.

In another field, a new foal was seen as it recovered from the ordeal of its birth.

Knight's extensive apple orchards were walked through with the majestic Malvern Hills providing a splendid backdrop.

But the exploration of the latter must wait for another day.