The ‘tranquil’ park near Coventry which has ‘beautiful man-made waterfalls’

Many waterfalls across the UK offer scenic views of nature, some of which fall seamlessly offering tranquil, high-up waterfalls that fall from an extreme height to crash and splash over rocks to create a unique roaring sound. A waterfall that is known as a 'hidden gem' is in Halesowen, just 50 minutes away from Coventry ^[1].

Leasowes Park is a nature reserve in Birmingham which was designed by the poet William Stenstone between 1743 and 1763. It is considered to be one of the first natural landscape gardens in the UK and one of the most important and influential landscapes of the 18th century.

The park covers 141 acres and has open grasslands, wooded valleys, lakes, streams, and waterfalls created by Shenstone that make the site important for wildlife. There are many different types of wildlife from mammals, birds, invertebrates, and plant species.

An easy stroll around this park where you will encounter the hidden waterfall will be a mesmerising sight to see. Look out for toads, kingfishers, dragonflies, and newts in the wetlands areas and woodpeckers, tawny owls, and badgers in the woodlands.

The walk is around the Coombes Wood area, which follows the Dudley canal and leads through Leasowes Wood towards the springs and the pool. The trail starts from the car park in Leasowes Park, and heads across Mucklow Hill before heading up the hill to offer beautiful views of the local area.

The walk is a 2.5-mile trail that takes around 1 hour and 4 minutes to complete and is great for hiking, walking, and birding.

The full walking route to the waterfall

Before leaving the car park, check out the nature board to the left of the ranger's office. This is a large green building. Turn right along Leasowes Lane, then left up the grassy path by the two houses. Go through the wooden gates and pass the memorial garden on your left. This has been planted with several old varieties of apple and pear trees. Continue through the gap onto Sylvan Grove.

Cross Mucklow Hill by the pedestrian crossing, then take the road on the left. Cross to the high cream-colored wall, then head downhill, keeping between the two black bollards. Follow the path around and at the sign, take the left path marked Gorsty Hill. The path is well-maintained and follows the route of the canal. Hawne Basin is visible on the other side of the road. Continue to Coombes Bridge.

Pass Coombes Bridge and continue to follow the path. After this point, it is likely to be overgrown. Go up the flight of wooden steps and continue to ascend the hill. Head up towards the green fencing visible at the top, where you will meet a gravel path. Turn right along this, then after a short distance, take the path on the right through the trees. Head straight and you will emerge onto a field with views of the local area.

There is also a great diversity of wildlife. Look carefully and you may see the black-with-red-spots Cinnabar Moth. Follow the mown path down through the field, then take the stile on the left. Follow this path through the woods, crossing another 3 stiles before joining the A458. Cross the road, head left, then take the stile on the right just past the houses.

After crossing the stile, notice the blue sign on the right warning you about golf balls. The path continues straight across the fairway and enters Leasowes Wood on the other side. Bear right, then take the path on the right. It will slowly descend through the trees, eventually leading you to the springs. Several bridges and benches dot the area. The paths all eventually lead past the pond, so feel free to explore a little. Follow the path past the large pond on your right, then past the stepped waterfall.

After a short distance, a gap in the trees leads you to the orange spring. Return to the main track, following the springs as they get larger. Take the very wide path over the large pond at the bottom, and head slightly uphill back onto Leasowes Lane. Go past the two houses, straight on, and return to the car park

One visitor who came to Leasowes Park says the walks are 'lovely' and passes by various streams and waterfalls on Tripadvisor ^[4]. "Had a lovely walk with my baby son through the woods around the lake with little streams and waterfalls. There are good paths, and although there was a lot of mud when we went and some steps it was quite possible on my own with a pushchair. Loads of dogs seemed to be enjoying the streams."

Alec L said: "Leasowes Park is often my tranquillity. Sometimes before work and sometimes after work. From the ponds and lake to the wooded areas, lazy streams and waterfalls. There is so much to see and so many places to lose yourself."

Another visitor added: "Beautiful woodland with walking path. Also has a lake, canal, and streams running through.. love the man-made waterfalls."

Location of Leasowes Park: 3 Leasowes Ln, Mucklow Hill, Halesowen B62 8DH - 50 minutes from Coventry via M40.

References

^{^} Coventry (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
^{^} The 'stunning' waterfall' near Coventry that has 'great wildlife' and 'peaceful views' (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
^{^} Coventry's family-run Afro-Caribbean hair salon with 45-year legacy (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
^{^} Tripadvisor (go.skimresources.com)
^{^} here (data.reachplc.com)