April 23rd – a recovery ride to get the legs moving again and a wee bit of shopping done, I span over Castlehill. Heading back towards Brownhills, I checked out the Bluebells in Fishpond Wood, and they didn’t disappoint. A carpet of violet blue, English delights.
If you visit, take care, because it’s private property…
April 23rd – Waiting for the rain that never came. On the canal in Walsall Wood, the Walsall Wood Fisherman – Rod to his acquaintances – is still without the company of Bob the fish, mysteriously ‘lost’ some months ago.
The sculpture, like it’s fellow follies, now looks rusted, scruffy and forlorn. It’s utterly symbolic of the supposed regeneration and council attitude to the village. Throw some sculpture at it and hope it goes away.
Thankfully, the spirit and soul of the Walsall Wood people is stronger and worth more than that…
April 22nd – The long Good Friday.
I start many journeys into the Peak District with a run up the A515 Ashbourne Road from Lichfield to Sudbury. This may seem an odd thing to do, but it’s a lovely road, and is fairly straight and direct. When I’m exploring far away, I prefer to get there as quickly as I can – there’s plenty of time for the quiet byways near home on shorter runs. The A515 passes through delightful villages, serious hills, two rivers and a fantastic downhill through Draycott.
It was a fantastic morning.
April 22nd – The long Good Friday.
Another big panorama image, about a mile further into the Manifold Valley. The road descends nerve-wrackingly to a 90 degree righthand bend through a farmyard, otherwise known as Throwley. Nearby, the ruins of Throwley Hall are preserved. Few really seem to come here, and it’s why I love the area so much – there’s unexpected delight in every turn.
Further down the valley, people throng at Dovedale and Milldale, yet seldom stray up the hill. Their loss.
April 22nd – The long Good Friday. 2nd 100 mile plus ride this year, a 114 mile spin up through Staffordshire, into the Dove Valley and up over the Weaver Hills to take some photos and video for top twitter guy @66usual (Steve Lightfoot), who’s interested in the area. Dropped down into the Manifold Valley, then up onto the Tissington Trail, back down the High Peak Trail to Brassington and home via Ashbourne, Hatton, Barton and Lichfield.
This image was taken from the back of the Weaver Hills, just north of Calton, overlooking the Manifold Valley. Few people here, only livestock and bird song to break the silence. And, of course, an old, sweaty cyclist singing tunelessly to the Stone Roses as he descends on one of the best downhill runs he knows.
A great day and a fantastic ride. Seem to be in good shape for early spring, and didn’t crap out once – although the climb out of Thorpe to the Tissington had me sweating a bit.
Look out for a post and video here and on the main blog in the next day or so. This is a large panorama photo and you’ll need to click on it to get the full impression.
April 21st – Springhill, near Stonnall, as seen from Summerhill, further along the A461 to the Northeast. Returning from Lichfield, fully loaded with shopping, it was a nice leisurely pootle back home in the evening sun.
April 21st – interesting fixie in Birmingham city centre. I locked my bike up in High Street, and it was in the stand next to me. Interesting conversion as both gear levers and the front mech are still present. It’s obviously a well loved, well used urban bike.
April 20th – A trip down the woodland path over the Shropshire Union Canal, just near to Brewood. A great spot to walk or ride, it’s well worth a visit. Brewood has some great cafes and pubs, and Chillington Hall is nearby, with loads of great history.
April 20th – negotiating the Longford Island, Great Wyrley, Staffordshire, at rush hour on a bright Wednesday afternoon at 5:00pm. Not as scary as you’d imagine.
Apil 20th – continuing my ride home, I took a spin down Lower Avenue, near Brewood. This overgrown wooded approach to Chillington Hall is charming and secluded. Where it crosses the Shropshire Union Canal, it does so by means of a gorgeous bridge. I first came hear 27 years ago, and the ride has lost none of it’s charm in that time.
BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking 