01/03/14 - Mission Accomplished

Start - Earlswood Station
Finish - Alvechurch Station
Distance - 6 Miles
Caches - 2 Found, 1 DNF

Stage 11 of the Brummie Ring

BrummieLoopPhase11 at EveryTrail


The last piece of a plan that was hatched back in September 2013 has been completed.  Phase 11, the final stage of the Brummie Ring, has been completed.  Five months after setting off from Alvechuch Station, I return.

This sounds more heroic than it really is.  I did a couple of legs every other weekend.

And this was a fitting end to the odyssey.  We had sunshine.  We had glorious countryside, including a trig point adorned hilltop.  We had two pub stops and an exceptional lunch at the Coach and Horses on Wetheroak Hill.  Even Sonia came, to join in the celebration nosh up.

The infrequency of the trains to Earlswood meant that a 5 mile journey would have taken a connection at the City Centre and 90 minutes.  So we ordered a taxi.  He was bang on the dot of 9:30, as arranged, and expressed mild interest in the finale of our challenge.

A nice little hut to put on our waling wear

Dropped off at Earlswood Station, we gaiter up and head off down lanes.  A shame that the first mile or so was along lanes, but our patience is eventually rewarded with some stunning walking.

Cache number one is found in the tunnel under the M42.  We are in good conversation, which means a couple of detours as I am not really looking at the Sat Nav.  It didn't help that the footpaths have been rerouted around Newlands Farm since my OS Map was printed.

Once in Newlands Farm, we had great views

We work our way to the trig point at Hob Hill.  There is a cache here, but we will add to the previous DNF.  Not to worry, the views over the M42, Longbridge and the Lickey Hills are stunning.

One of the best parts of the Brummie Ring

Which provides these views

We can see Alvechurch in the distance, and we walk along great paths to reach our destination.

Time to reflect on what we have learned and discovered on our circumvention of the 2nd City.

1. Canals.  Lots of Canals
2. An Abbey
3. Taking the dog on the train
1. To Tipton
4. Tramps.  Lots of Tramps.
5. Eating sausage sandwiches under a canal bridge near Wednesbury to shelter from the rain
1. With Tramps
6. 3 pubs in Solihull
1. Sonia was driving that day
7. The sense of achievement of completing a project
8. And this is where we walked

The BrummieRing Summary at EveryTrail

On arrival at Alvechuch, we take a tour of the town.

Alvechurch.  In Spring

 
I wanted to eat a big slap up meal at the Red Lion.  Sonia is nothing but diligent in her research and the slaggings that this pub had taken on tripadvisor meant that he had a quick drink only.  We couldn't stay for much longer, as the smoke from the real fire was billowing into the lounge.

Bad Reviews on Trip Advisor.  And their Lion isn't Red.

But I can celebrate anywhere

So we drive on for a much better experience at the Coach and Horses.  What a find.  A brewery and a choice of three different menus.  This will not be the last time I come here.

With this long distance path ticked off, I can get back to more regular walks.  And dream up my next challenge.