Origins of Middle-Earth: J.R.R. Tolkien and Sarehole Guided walk

Sarehole Mill is running its Origins of Middle-Earth: J.R.R. Tolkien and Sarehole guided walk on Sunday 25 October, a tour that follows the scenery that inspired Tolkien when he lived near the mill as a child. It's a walk through the landscape he knew first-hand, taking you past his childhood home and through Moseley Bog, the kind of terrain that left its mark on the worlds he later built.

The route starts and ends at the mill and runs around two miles, so it's a proper morning out rather than a quick stroll. Along the way, you'll see the spots that fed into the Shire, with the walk working its way through the local scenery and the bog that Tolkien spent time in as a boy. It's a chance to see the actual places that sat behind the descriptions in his books.

There are a few practical things to keep in mind before you set off. The route includes steps and a boardwalk, and the boardwalk can get slippery when it's wet, so it isn't accessible for wheelchair users or pushchairs. It's a walk that takes you off the pavement and into the greenery, so you'll want to dress for the weather and wear shoes you don't mind getting a bit muddy.

The walk starts at 09:45 and takes about an hour, and you'll need to book your place at Sarehole Mill in advance. The mill is on Cole Bank Road, Hall Green, Birmingham, B13 0BD.