[1] Leave the layby at the vehicle exit and turn left along the footway of the A449 until you meet Acton Lane, signposted ‘Acton Hall’. Turn left into the lane and proceed along it until you reach a small field on the right hand side with tall poplar trees planted around it.
[2] Pass through the waymarked small wooden gate and walk diagonally across in the direction of the far left hand corner where you reach a similar gate between the last two poplar trees before a facing ranch fence. Pass through this waymarked gate into a meadow. Your direction is towards a distinct upward slope and the extreme right hand end of that fence. In front you will notice Acton Hall (A). At the end of the fence notice a metal kissing gate in the hedge to the right. Pass through it and continue ahead keeping to the left hand hedge. Pass straight over an access track to the converted barns and keep this direction until you reach the end of the fence line.
[3] When you reach the field corner bear right for a few yards then look carefully into the wood for a short waymarked post showing the crossing point over a small stream. [The county council has been asked to improve, and make more obvious, the route in this area.] Proceed over the small plank bridge carefully and continue on until you reach the field boundary ahead at which point turn left and continue along the left hand field edge.
Electric fences - Please be aware of the possible presence of electric fences in this & the following fields. If present, crossing points may be indicated. In any circumstances cross with care.
Continue along this left hand field boundary for approximately 150 yards. When you are level with the electricity pylon in the centre of the field turn right to pass just left of the pylon. [If in doubt regarding the point to make this right turn it can be confirmed by looking for the large green farm building seen through the hedge to the left. When you are level with it, turn to cross the field as described]. Continue over the brow of the hill towards a gap in the hedge opposite.
Cross the stile in the hedge then continue ahead gradually converging with the right hand hedge and following it to the far right hand corner of the field. Here you cross another stile into the field beyond. Now go directly ahead over this small field towards a footbridge over a stream.
Once over the bridge aim for a small circle of trees in the centre of the field and pass to the right hand side. At the far side of the trees you will see a marker post with several waymarks on it. Bear left at the rear of the trees and walk towards a distinct protruding hedge corner. On reaching it keep your general direction to go towards the far left hand corner just to the right of another pylon. When you reach this point go through the gap into the lane beyond.
[4] Turn left onto the road (National Cycle Route No.45) and continue along the lane crossing over the railway line by a brick bridge until you reach a T junction where you turn left into another road. Continue along this road until you reach a lane opposite the entrance to Mount Pleasant Farm on the right.
[5] If you wish a shorter route turn left at this junction and follow the lane down past Valley Farm until you meet a bridleway on the left hand side where you rejoin the route at Way Point No.7. To follow the longer route continue along the road, ignoring the kissing gate on the right hand side, until you meet a road junction on the left hand side.
[6] At this point you may wish to see the remains of the medieval village of Elmley Lovett (B). If you do, pass by the junction and continue along the road until you see a finger post in the right hand hedge. Look over the stile into the field beyond and you will see the evidence of the village.
After this diversion return to the road junction where you turn down the joining road (signed Hartlebury) and go downhill with a trading estate on the right hand side. On the way down the hill you will notice some derelict buildings on the right. These were military structures since the trading estate was formerly a RAF maintenance establishment. Take great care walking along this section of roadway since it can be quite busy. Once you pass the entrance to the trading estate there is a footway on the right hand side of the road. Continue along the road until you pass under a railway bridge. Here you cross the road and turn left along a lane that runs parallel to the railway. Continue up the lane until you reach a bridleway joining from the right hand side.
[7] This is the point at which the shorter route rejoins the walk. Turn right up the bridleway and continue up passing a small pond on the left hand side. Pass through a metal gate ahead and continue up the enclosed bridleway until you meet a crossing path.
[8] At this point turn left leaving the bridleway and continue along a footpath that eventually crosses an asparagus field. The line of the path is well marked. Proceed over the field and aim for the large gate ahead ignoring the stile on the left hand side. Pass through the gate and onto a roadway in front of Pepwell House. Ignore the stile immediately in front of you. Bear to the right and continue along the roadway passing through the village of Norchard until it reaches a road junction with Stoney Lane in front of Stoney End. Continue straight on passing Stoney Lane Farm on your right until you meet a lane on the left hand side.
[9] Turn left down this lane, pass to the right of a metal gate, and continue along until it the lane emerges at the A449 opposite the Mitre Oak public house. This would be a good place to take refreshments now or after the walk. Turn left onto the main road and proceed along it passing a number of buildings on the left hand side. You will eventually pass a very old tree, on the left, that appears to be in extremely poor condition. This is the Mitre Oak (C) which gives its name to the pub. Continue past the tree and you will shortly reach the lay-by where the walk commenced. It is worth noting that during the week there is normally a refreshment van parked here that serves a selection of hot/cold drinks, hot food and sandwiches.