Tag: Milford

#365daysofbiking The night comes in

September 8th – Time at last for a ride out on a very pleasant, but distinctly autumnal Sunday afternoon. I headed for the Chase and Brocton Field, descending into Sherbrook Valley, then over to Milford for the restorative power of a Wimpy burger and chips.

On a whim, instead of heading back to Rugeley, I chose to return across the Chase up Abraham’s Valley and over the old ranges, and back through Hednesford in the gathering night.

The forest was as splendid as it always is is, and far less lonely than one would expect, with the sounds of deer, owls and other creatures scuttling around, it’s really quite busy.

A lovely ride reminding me that the nights really are closing in fast now.

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#365daysofbiking Taking a fence

August 18th – A ride up over the Chase to Milford for a much-needed burger meant a return via the A513 through Satnall Hills between Shugborough and Severn Springs. This fast stretch of road is sadly notable for its high number of deer-vehicle collisions.

I notice an electronic deer deterrent is being tried here. I’ll be honest: I’m sceptical of these things. When I rode past at dusk, the units were just beginning to activate as they only operate from dusk until dawn.

It seems that when they detect vehicles, they emit a weird bird-chirp style noise and flash blue lights. They charge via a small solar cell, and are spaced every 15 metres or so.

The manufacturers IPTE say on their website:

‘The flashing lights of the warning sequence are intended to capture the attention of the animals while the acoustic sound makes the animals feel uncomfortable and stop and leave the roadside area.’

Ignoring the painful tautology of ‘Acoustic sound’ it’s an interesting idea that was tried on the Chasetown bypass but the units were vandalised. I did see a stag in the scrub at the roadside here, but on my appearance he ran back up the hillside.

I guess unless we give it a try we’ll never know if it works. It’ll be interesting to see the results.

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June 24th – This week, I passed through Tixall, which is something I tend not to do much now Shugborough’s gates are open more. Tixall really is an odd little place with a lost village feel to it: From the gazebo overlooking the river and canal valley, to the lost avenue, ridiculous but gorgeous gatehouse and the bottle lodge.

You can’t fail to adore this place really.

April 14th – Just in the nick of time the weather improved. It was a bright, warm sunny and dry day, of the type we’re usually having a fair bit at this time of year, but have remained curiously elusive in the never ending winter of the last couple of months.

I rode out to Chasewater, then up onto the Chase itself at Hednesord; then along Marquis Drive and over to Rifle Range Corner. A total blast down Abrahams Valley, followed by a journey over Stepping Stones to Milford for ice cream.

I returned via Shugborough, then the canal to Rugeley and home over Longdon and Chorley.

The weather was lovely with bright sun, blue skies and a lovely golden hour. The Chase was gorgeous, Shugborough seems to be getting better under the stewardship of the National Trust now, and the canal was a peaceful restorative as ever.

Most long, offload rides wear you out, but today was the reverse. With every pedal stroke I felt my charge and life returning. I was being replenished by the sun and awakening spring.

Just in the nick of time…

September 26th – I enjoyed the Chase so much the day before, I went back to try a different route, down the Sherbrook Valley, and through the Shugborough estate, returning home via Hixon, Newton and Rugeley.

It was warmer, but the light and colour were just as fine as 24 hours previously. The leaves and bracken seem to be turning very quickly now.

By the way: a discovery. The ice cream van at Milford does Blackjack flavour sundaes. That’s the old penny chew flavour. They are delicious.

September 25th – A tough day relieved hugely by a great ride over the Chase, just shrugging on it’s autumn jacket. The deciduous trees starting to turn, the heaths, woods and trails were beautiful, seasonal and peaceful.

Some days, you just need this kind of peace to recharge your batteries. A fine ride.

August 2nd – Up on the Chase for the first time in ages, and I realised how much I’d been missing it. From Hazelslade to Rainbow Hill, Slitting Mill to Birches valley, up Penkridge Bank, Rifle Range Corner, Abraham’s Valley, Seven Springs, Stepping Stones then Milford. From Milford to Brockton, down into Sherbrooke Valley via Brockton Field, and back via the former RAF Hednesford. 

Once away from the crowds it was a treat, and the deer ar Brockton were an unexpected joy.

June 22nd – Up on the Chase on a lazy, hot summer afternoon. Gorgeous – I haven’t been here for too long, if I’m honest. A great ride down Rainbow Hill, the trails are dry, powdery and challenging, over to Birches Valley where the cafe and it’s pice list has been refurbished, then up Penkridge Bank, Abraham’s Valley, over to Stepping Stones, Milford, back through Shugborouagh and on the canal to Rugeley.

A great ride. I’d love to know what’s under that manhole near Brocton Coppice – guess it must be a well or borehole – there certainly aren’t and drains around there… and they really don’t seem to want folk getting in, either.

May 20th – The greening is now in earnest. All over Cannock Chase and the Shugborough Estate, nature is doing it’s damnedest to get our attention. From Brindley Heath to Severn Springs, Milford to Haywood everything is a fluorescent, vibrant, verdant shade of growth. To be in England: can there be anywhere finer right now?

By the way: Cycling over the Shugborough Estate at 8pm, when all the tourists have gone is the way to see it. Hardly a soul, and very, very peaceful.

November 6th – First video for a while – they’re a bit thin on the ground at the moment. The camera doesn’t work too well in the dark, an my daytime rides are confined to the weekend right now, but the Chase was so lovely last weekend that I thought we could stand another ride cam from it. I’m loving going there at the moment. This run is from Brocton Field (near the trig point and glacial boulder at Chase Road), into the Sherbrook Valley below, and then to Milford via the Stepping Stones. I love this ride…