The bridleway leads from the short cul-de-ac called Silvercroft Ave, crosses the brook and
leads upwards past the site of Hill Top Farm. It is a lane fast becoming over-grown but
retaining a very rural aspect although so near to such a highly populated area. A bordering
hedge of holly has grown un-restricted all the way up from Silvercroft Ave to Hill Top Farm
and beyond. It is of massive natural growth and an outstanding example of how holly can form
a boundary and shelter from strong winds and cold. It is unique in that very few hedges like
this have survived to the present day in an age when it has become the custom in the farming
community to destroy boundaries of this nature. The eastern side of the bridleway reaches a
level portion near Hill top Farm and passes the 1939-45 gun site and prisoner of war camp.
The old gravel pits now show as a dingle with middle age beeches on its banks. Several elm
trees were once growing but succumbed to the Dutch Elm disease. Before the sports field was
made, the lane continued to join and cross Park Lane and continue as a private drive to
Sandwell Hall. An alternative way progressed along the boundary of Sandwell Park to become
Salters Way up to West Bromwich. Although now rural in character the lane saw much war-time
use. The road was re-laid with electricity cables and telephone communication. Water was
laid on. All traces of this have now gone and nature has reclaimed her own. On the crest of
the hill are remnants of the artillery emplacements and the concrete platforms for hutments
and on the eastern slopes a circular sewage disposal unit remains.
