January 10th – A little further on, and a vista opened up I hadn’t noticed before. This is why I love Walsall. The light caught the dome on the Sikh Gurdwara at Wellington Street, framed perfectly by it’s surroundings. Every generation and every group brings their own architecture to the Black Country, and the Sikhs are no exception. This is why I love this place. A new face for every angle, every angle a new view. Catching the light like a jewel.
October 20th – Today I found myself cycling into the Black Country to a meeting. Having finished in early afternoon, I sought something to eat in Great Bridge, which wasn’t easy as all the old style cafes seem to have closed down. Finding myself in West Brom, I pottered through the backstreets on my way to the canal, aiming to return via a leisurely run along the canal. Quite unexpectedly, I stumbled upon the Oak House, looking as beautifully incongruous as ever. There seems to be some renovation work ongoing, but I may be wrong. A gorgeous building. Must stop by and explore sometime.
October 13th – A day of meetings. First in Darlaston, then a second in Telford. Leaving Darlaston mid-morning, I headed onto the canal to catch the train to Wolverhampton from Dudley Port. On such a sunny, hazy, bright day it’s easily to fall in love anew with the Black Country. I adore it’s backstreets, canals and unexpected vistas. The view of Rowley Regis and Turner’s Hill from the station was particularly fascinating. I love this place.
September 12th – A day of fearsome winds, seemingly crafted on Satan’s back doorstep which tormented me all the way to Great Bridge. Fortunately, the wind honoured it’s bargain and blew me back up the canal through Moxley and Darlaston to Walsall, and it was in Moxley that I spotted something I never noticed before; right in the centre of this industrial, urban place, there’s a row of Hazel trees which are currently fruiting large hazelnuts. The squirrels are having a ball and discarded, nibbled shells litter the ground beneath. This is a truly remarkable thing – Moxley was once a very polluted place, and this is a sign of an improved environment. I’m still stunned, to be honest.
August 3rd – The twin churches of Wednesbury are a landmark for miles around. This view is iconic to me, and one I always remember when thinking of the Black Country. It’s a surprisingly hilly area, are there are many such spots throughout the conurbation, but none with such an old-world, English feel to them. I keep saying it, but man, I love this place.
June 8th – A trip into the Black Country is always a fine excuse to hit the Tame Valley Canal. A lovely, historic run through cuttings and over high aqueducts takes in the best, and the worst, of the area. Today the canal was busy with boats heading north to the Pelsall Canal Festival and a benevolent wind blew me from west to east. Here at Ray Hall, crossing the motorway is always a cause for amusement. Good evening, lemmings…
BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking 