Tag: 365daysofbiking

October 30th – It’s good to see the site of the long-gone Superalloys factory being redeveloped. Derelict for thirty years or more, it’s stood for decades as a testament to Brownhills’ lost industrial past. Once a chemical works and known to locals as ‘The Chemical’, the land was contaminated and hard to pitch to developers. Finally, one of the last major manufacturers in the area, Castings PLC, have decided to expand onto the wasteland and the new building is positively flying up. Although it towers over Ogley Junction, I welcome the jobs and business this new factory will bring. Good news in a bleak economic landscape.

October 30th – I found myself crossing Chasewater for the third time in as many days. Today, I came along the canal as far as Wharf Lane; hopping off and across the footpath that traverses the north side of the old trotting track. This is a heavily used route by local cyclists since the closure of the canal basin access to Chasewater. The stile at the Chasewater end of the path is a pain to negotiate, and achieves nothing in terms of security (the site is open to vehicles at numerous, more southerly points). I noted with some amusement today as I hefted my steed over the bottom rail, the imprint of oily chainrings on it and the wear they’ve caused. Surprised it’s still in one piece.

October 29th – Highfield House Farm is still decaying silently. Robbed of anything of value (including it’s roof tiles), the derelict farm is a haunt of bored teenagers, explorers and the curious. When I was a kid this was a functioning farm, with a dog that used to bark and snarl violently as you walked past the yard, now it’s quiet, a ghost of a past that seems very distant now. Planning applications to replace this grim welcome to Chasewater come and go, yet this haunting building seems determined to cling on until it collapses into it’s own cellar. A sad landmark.

October 29th – Today found me at Chasewater again, and once more I was here at the dying of the day. Coming over the motorway bridge at twilight, against what was a rather evil wind, it threatened rain; rain which was clearly already falling elsewhere. This peculiar little rainbow was visible for 20 minutes or so due east. A lovely splash of colour on a rather dull day.

October 28th – In contrast, doubling back over Springhill and Shire Oak down into Walsall Wood, I stopped to admire the lights southwest towards Walsall. Somehow, I didn’t quite capture what I wanted here, but this view is iconic to me, and maybe a camera can’t do it justice. I’ve admired the lights stretching out before me here on many an occasion, and find it engaging and captivating, yet I think it’s a view not many ever notice.

October 28th – Out early evening, a quick spin around the local area. I found myself at a darkened Chasewater, and taking a quick look round for a decent photo, could find nothing better than the Innovation Centre. No one was around at 6:30pm, just a few workmen in the dam compound and the sounds of activity from the brewery… I sat on a bench, listening to the geese chattering softly tin the dark. And then I heard an owl call.

This is Brownhills. I heard an owl hoot in the darkness. I still find that incredible – unthinkable when I was a kid.

October 27th – Zipping home late from work in heavy rain, I was suffering a migraine, so headed for the quiet back lanes of Little Aston and Stonnall, the better not to contend with too much traffic. Near Little Aston forge, I spotted this fellow sat bolt upright in the road, enjoying the precipitation. This common toad – I’m surprised he wasn’t already hibernating – must have had a hard, dry summer, and he really seemed to be enjoying the rain. He was alert, and nervous. I moved him carefully to the grass verge and cycled on. Hopefully, he’ll stay out of the way of passing vehicles.

October 27th – The rains came today, and I was glad; we need the water for replenishing the reservoirs, ponds and streams, and of course, Chasewater. After the otherworldly beauty of yesterday, the Arrow Valley in Redditch was wearing a very grey, rainy overcoat. It still had it’s unique beauty though, and it was good to see the Arrow flowing with some purpose again. 

October 26th – It was with some surprise that a noticed quite a dense mist over the countryside south of Birmingham as I zipped through on the train. I love misty mornings like this, and when they happen, I try to get near water where the mist is most beautiful. Fortunately, today I was passing through the Arrow Valley in Redditch anyway, and it didn’t disappoint. The park as a whole was gorgeous, wreathed in a thin, billowy mist, but the lake stole the show. I was so absorbed by it, I was very nearly late… but it was worth it.