February 19th – It was a warm day with an insistent wind and occasional sunny periods – but a fine day for a ride. I covered 63 miles, the first big ride of the year, and the towpaths were much easier going than I thought, apart from a couple of rough patches at Stourton and west of Wolverhampton.

The canals showed themselves beautifully, and the sound of church bells and sight of daffodils, snowdrops and other spring flowers gladdened the heart.

Of course, the architecture stole the show – the viaducts, aqueducts, bridges, locks and associated houses are gorgeous. 

The Black Country is wonderful and I’ll always love it.