BrownhillsBob

April 16th – Possibly the most impractical footbridge ever designed. Try crossing with a bike. This curious, delightful folly spans the Birmingham & Fazeley just by Drayton Manor Park, outside Tamworth.

April 15th – later in the same afternoon I found myself in the wake of a very fast lady cyclist, powering through the Aston canal towpaths. I was left thinking some distinctly ungentlemanly thoughts, but they weren’t quite what you might expect.

You need to watch this with the sound turned on.

April 15th – Whilst cycling round the Birmingham canals between meetings, I happen upon a guy training on the Soho Loop. He doesn’t dig my sense of humour…

April 15th – Skirting Walsall through Rushall on my way home, I saw the 6th Heron of the day, but this one was a little disturbing. I’m used to these oddly dishevelled, down at heel fishers, but this one seems to be laughing at me. Or is he just mad? Should the death of fish really look quite so pleased with himself?

April 15th – Tower Hill on the way back to Walsall, and this bridge, it’s height and elegance always take my breath away. This is another place where, but for the distant hum of traffic, you’d never know you were in the inner city.

April 15th – The stretch of inner city canal between Brindley Place and Aston is endlessly fascinating. Architecture old and new, the Post Office Tower, lots of locks and dark places, every ride here is a vicarious thrill to the soul. Bits of it are rough, bits of it charming, but it’s never, ever boring.

April 15th – peace beneath the city. After some business in Great Bridge, I hit the canals for a meeting mid-afternoon in Brum. Here, not far from Smethwick and the old Chance Glassworks, the bridges – old and new – are hugely impressive. Nice to see the trees greening up in the inner city, too.

April 14th – From the quarry entrance on the Chester Road at Shire Oak, the view towards the central Staffordshire plains is fascinating. On this murky day, only the Lady of the Vale and her sister spires could be easily seen, with a mere suggestion of the warehouses at Fradley in the distance. In the foreground, Sandhills, Springhill, Summerhill and Pipehill roll and fall, a patchwork of texture and spring colour.

April 14th – Last commute to Redditch for a bit. Despite a dull, overcast day, the River Arrow is looking as beautiful as ever – and this is only 100 metres from heavy industry. Utterly remarkable. Sadly, not seen any kingfishers here this week…

April 13th – Morning downhill commute. Long uphill run from Little Aston, the hill crests at the lights at the junction of Streetly Lane and Four Oaks Road. An exhilirating blast at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour ensues. Just right for blowing away the morning blues.