Geocaches - 6
Walk Inspiration - Country Walking Magazine - Feb 1992
The unexpected answer to the question posed by my walking partner to where we heading today was Walsall.
"Why not somewhere nice, like the Cotswolds?" was the response. My assurance that there is beauty everywhere was met with a curt "Not in bloody Walsall there isn't".
There's a couple of reasons for me to be heading the urban sprawl of the West Midlands. 1) I looking through some (very) old Country Walking Magazinse and this was featured in a 23 year old edition. I love eBay. 2) The number 1 pub in the West Midlands is in Walsall and it needs checking out.
We park up at Barr Beacon, one of the highest spots in the West Midlands but cannot see any views because of the fog. We hope these have lifted by the time we return.
The route follows the Beacon Way in part and we follow the signposts downhill to the Church at Great Barr.
The Beacon Way |
St Margaret's, Great Barr |
The first pocket of woodland, Merrion's Wood, is traversed. Great paths, through woodland and we soon forget our proximity to the City. We really could be anywhere, even the Cotswolds.
First of three Nature Reserves |
Rushall Canal - Very Pleasant |
Sonia will have to wait until the best pub in the West Midlands for refreshments.
Stomping off to a very clean Portacabin |
Yes, this is Walsall |
Perfect Walking Country |
The ascent back to Barr Beacon is that gradual that we didn't notice we were climbing. Before we know it, we are on the edge of the park, with just one lane to navigate.
Sonia made me stand here - No idea why. |
Barr Beacon War Memorial |
Wolverhampton is down there, somewhere. |
10 Real Ales on - all with a little pot showing the colour of the beer. Sonia thinks they look like samples for people with different degrees of bladder infections. That lady sure knows how to kill a mood.
Bonus Geocache right outside |
Nothing medical looking about this Wellingtonian |
Hats off to Walsall Council - some great paths and a walk that even surpassed my expectations.
Next week's blog from Upper Gornal.
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