As mentioned in Part 2 of this series, the lower half of this region of mine has less to discuss than the upper half of it. So it made sense to combine that discussion, rather than talk about a quadrant that really doesn’t have much to it for a part. As you’ll see with the map of the region. I will say once again that, being a concept map, things aren’t exactly to scale. Simply giving an idea of positioning as you read.

To start with, the upper area that connects to the north. On the east, the roads of Grange Road and Manor Lane both connect to Manor Way in reality. With this region, all roads are a single continuous road. Over on the west, the out of bounds road that was visible in the north-west quadrant enters the boundary of this region at this upper area. The out of bounds part of the road I see as being Lutley Lane, merging with Uffmoor Lane as it enters the boundary.

Sticking with the west for the towns of this upper area, Causey Farm Road and those that connect to it become one town. Including the small roundabout, where the road leading to the farmhouse in the north connects. The paths leading through the forest also connect to this town, allowing access to the facility that it holds. Along with being one half of the link to Uffmoor Wood on its north side.

Lapal Lane South traces a small hill on its north and east sides, which serves as the source of the Bourne Brook. A small strip of forest marks the boundary of the hill on the west and south. On Lapal Lane South are a few houses, but also a building I see as a special facility. Whether that be a battling one or something else. Since it is roughly central to all the farmland, it could easily be a farming community of some sort.

There is a lot of farmland in the south, with it all thinning toward the east. There’s some sloping land on this east side, but nothing as large as the central and western areas. The forest that borders the east serves as a natural barrier for the world. The large forested area that splits the farmland in reality goes from north to south. Though, to be more natural with this region of mine, I’ve elected to have it go from east to west. One of the sources of the River Stour.

The other source being on the hills to the west. Hills that serve as a natural border, either by being steep at the boundary, or through close-growing trees. The two hills that can be seen from the Coombswood Wedge are at the south-west of the border, both being steep enough to stop people using them. Of course, both of those hills being non-usable means I’d want a hill that can be usable. And this is a hill that I’d fictionalised for The Alternate Adventures of Halesowen.

Based on Daleswood, south of Romsley, the north side of the hill is grassy fields on its lower third, with a forested area in the middle third. The top is again grassy field. The south side of the hill is almost all forested. The north side is longer and thus has a lighter slope than on the south. That north side also includes the campground that is seen by Daniel in that story from Alternate Adventures.

Detailing the other towns scattered around this southern half of the region, there’s one at the south of the hill that is based on the Romsley Hill Grange. A large housing estate made up of one large building that almost resembles a coat hangar in shape. While there are other buildings part of that estate, I’ve kept the focus to just that one large building, along with a small L-shaped one.

Nestled in the south-east of the region is a small town based on Chapman’s Hill. I’ve chosen to keep the road layout similar, though no farmhouses are found here. It’s just a small town with a small lake. Rather than hills forming the border, this town is on the top of one. Steep slopes stop people from heading out of the boundary, with the road out of the town being on a bridge. That is closed owing to damage.

A town on the border of Uffmoor Wood brings all the buildings with the exception of one farmhouse along its left side together. The town I see as being in a shoddy state, owing to some sort of a mystery that can be discovered within the woods. Uffmoor Woods in general is large, with the paths and streams splitting at numerous points. Off the paths are where the mysteries can be found, along with quite a bit of uneven terrain.

And lastly, the largest town of this half of the region. Inspired by Romsley, this town is shaped like a very drunk triangle, with not a single straight road found. A small business complex can be found on its north, with a car park to its south that is simply for tourists exploring the area. While no such thing exists in reality, one of the buildings also houses a museum. A private one run by a family who cherishes the history and mysteries found in the region. Who are interested in adding more current items to it.

With that, the region is complete. While I don’t have names for any of these places, or even the region itself, I’ve had fun building it up and thinking of story elements to fit within it. Had I done four parts as I had originally planned, all four map pieces could have been put together to form the entire region. I might just post an image with all of them together on socials without all the numbers on them. As basic as the map is, collecting them into one map would still show the strengths of it.

At some point, I might return to this region of mine with a story that can be told in it. An adventure worthy of the region. One that might involve something else from the Alternate Halesowen and Beyond universe. Or maybe I’ll create a map based on another postal code region. One which I already have used in a personal story. Whatever I do, I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as reading me detailing this Halesowen-based region.

Images Taken From:
Google Earth Pro