April 16th – my favourite canalside trees are coming on a treat. The weeping willows look so beautiful against the water, and form verdant, shady canopies filled with emerald light.
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April 16th – Cats seem to be an increasing feature on canal boats. I’m curious as to how the suit a mobile life – this little lass didn’t seem to bothered by it, but wasn’t keen on having her towpath nap disturbed by the inconsiderate cyclist.
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 – 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 – The fields at Lanes Farm (or Home Farm) have been ploughed and planted now. Looking over from the Lichfield Road, I noticed the spire of Brownhills Church was clearly visible.
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