Should have taken the loss of Cask Marque Status as a warning
The first Winter Walk of the season and this starts off so well. Easy parking at Bratch bridge, where you can choose from a canal or disused railway line, with a cafe. We are walking both transport modes, so either will do.
Heading North, the South Staffordshire Railway walk shares its disused rail bed with the Monarch's Way. Unsure if Charles I used locomotion to flee the roundheads, but from a walking perspective its a joy. For humans, firm, mud free paths. For dogs, fallen leaves for new smells and plenty of canine company.
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| Railway Cafe at the Bratch |
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| Beware the Wolves, Guide Dog in Training Ivy |
The South Staffordshire Railway Walk is an 11-mile (17.7 km) trail that follows the former route of the Wolverhampton to Dudley railway line. It is a popular destination for walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of historical charm and natural beauty.
The story of the South Staffordshire Railway Walk begins in the late 19th century, when the Great Western Railway Company envisioned a thriving rail connection between Wolverhampton and Dudley. The railway's construction commenced in 1882, and by 1884, the line was officially operational, breathing life into the region's transportation network.
As the 20th century unfolded, the transportation landscape underwent a significant transformation. The rise of automobiles and the decline of the coal industry posed challenges to the railway's viability. In 1964, the Beeching Axe, a government initiative aimed at streamlining Britain's railways, sealed the fate of the South Staffordshire Railway. Passenger services ceased in 1964, followed by freight services in 1968, marking the end of an era.
Starting Point: Aldersley Stadium, Wolverhampton
Ending Point: Himley Station, Himley
We leave the line at Lower Penn for a short bit of countryside and picking up our second historical mode of transport, the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal. The towpath is firm but narrow. We are concerned, unnecessarily, that Ivy will be taking an early bath.
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| From rail to canal |
...a 46-mile (74 km) waterway that winds its way through the heart of England's West Midlands region. This historic canal, completed in 1772, played a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution, facilitating the transportation of goods and fostering economic growth.
Starting Point: Great Haywood
Ending Point: Stourport on Severn
In hindsight, we should never have left the canal. Our route recommends leaving at Awbridge Bridge and heading into Trysull - an ancient Staffordshire Village. Mainly to visit the Plough. I follow the route to the letter but ignore the pub, having found one closer to end.
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| Trysull Church in the Sunshine |
Let me count the ways this was a mistake.
Our crisp Winter's day walk has left the three of us mudfree. How ironic that the temperatures have rose enough to unfreeze the slurry through Woodford Grange. By the time we have slopped through the fields, we are filthier than the cows that have ruined us.
We can just about get away with visiting my selected pub.
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| No date under the Cask Marque Sign shows a "lapsed pub" |
In keeping with out walk theme, this is a pub whose history is intertwined with the canal. Formerly known as the Boat Inn, this C18th pub originally served the canal trade. Its now a Marston's pub, trading on family food - although their web site suggests themed nights. Monday for Poker, Thursday for cocktails.
If I hadn't had such a convoluted conversation about whether the fishfingers were breaded or battered, I would have surely taken my Enville Ale back. Mrs M's inquiry already had me down as "problem punter".
This is why cask ale sales will fail. Untrusted venues serve bilge like this.
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| Bubble clinging to a dirty glass. Enville Ale does not look like this |
As the food was OK, good value and quickly severed,I think we are even.
Looking behind us on leaving, they would have needed to get the dustpan and brush out.
This post almost snuck past my radar so I'm glad I spotted it. The South Staffs Railway Walk and the Staffs & Worcs Canal are a great combination, and I quite often head down to Lower Penn just to see if any graffiti dogs have been painted. I've never been too fussed by the Round Oak (decent enough boozer, beer usually ok) but if you had tried for the Plough at Trysull you'd have found it long-term closed. The Bell is a Holden's cracker though so all would not have been lost! Cheers, Paul
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment..... That's a shame about the Plough - I've been in the past.
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