Timetable Confusion results in Fastest Ever Pint
The Slow Ways from Birmingham City Centre continue, but I have a feeling this could be the end of this particular line. We are getting into "Buses in the Countryside" territory. Both as complex and inefficient as you would expect.
This route is very straightforward. Head out of Bridgnorth through housing estates. Pick up a remote and infrequently used lane, which eventually turns into the Jack Mytton Way. This runs through the woods of Shirtlett High Peak. Some fine views over Shropshire to the Clee Hills. Orchards and Countryside into Much Wenlock. A town that you should take your time over to appreciate.
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| Shropshire under blue skies |
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| Through Shirtlett High Peak Woods |
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| More of Shropshire, with the Clee Hills in the far distance |
We enter Much Wenlock, but with the route planned in haste, I haven't planned our exit. A quick look on the phone has Google Maps suggesting there is a lunch time lull in the hourly service back to Bridgnorth. We have exactly 18 minutes to get the Good Beer Guide Tick at the George and Dragon before making our way to the bus stop.
Is that enough time?
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| Of course, even in photography has to take the back seat |
Its a squeeze through what surely must be the world's narrowest front doors. This is not a pub for fatties or people with a rucksack. No queue at the bar and a choice of four real ales. Shropshire Gold taken in solidarity with the area.
I then check Bustimes.org for the worrying news that they say the bus leaves 10 minutes earlier than what Google Maps say. If I hadn't have panicked, I would have noticed two things. One, according to bustimes there is no midday lull in service. Two, and most importantly for future reference, they have a real-time bus tracking feature.
So the drinks are consumed in two swigs. For the record, the Shropshire Gold would have gone back if I wasn't time constrained. I am left with a vinegar aftertaste for the rest of the day that even half a packet of extra stong mints couldn't shift. Disappointing for a GBG Pub.
A route march to the bus stop, with 90 seconds to spare. Although Google Maps was correct and it was 11 minutes and 30 seconds to spare.
To top it all, I find the tracking feature. The bus hasnt even left Shrewsbury yet.
Somehow, in the Countryside, an hourly bus service can be exactly 30 minutes late.
Or early.
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