Blessing of your heart: You brew good ale
The Ramblers Meetup Invitation had me at "and then we will visit the Bathams Brewery Tap".
I failed to notice distance, walk type, where we would be going or indeed, who I would be going with.
Let's answer the questions in turn....
Distance - 5 Miles
Walk Type - Planned as linear, with the bus for the last 1.5 miles back to Cradley Heath Station. I was too tight to pay the £3, having more time at my disposal than funds.
Where We are Going - a walk through Saltwells Country Park - visiting the quarry and a reservoir. Then along the Dudley 2 Canal, including the nine locks. Walk leader then "abandons" his flock and says "time for the pub, I will you show you the bus stop, but I plan to stop for a session. You are welcome to join me or make your own way back.
Who I would be walking with - Its the Ramblers. You are never sure who will turn up. But I probably didnt expect a gentleman in Chelsea boots who then commented on the Meetup Page post walk that he "thought the lady who patted me on the train was lovely, but they were all very nice". I have no idea what he assumed this type of group would be. Once again, I was the youngest - but only by two years. Reminiscing about the hot summer of '76 always provides the necessary data to make deductions.
Photos:
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| Doulton's Quarry - Zoom in to the rock-face for a giant dragonfly |
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| Nine Locks down to Delph Road |
The walk leader was correct to make it an "every person for themselves". He had done his work and only gone wrong twice. Some stayed for one. Some drank cider, coke or Stella. Most had a Bathams. I stopped for three and left the hardcore for their afternoon session. Complicated rounds were starting to form and I didn't want to leave in a pensioner's debt.
Always keen to find something new - I noticed that the pub used to be a lodge for the Buffs. See the RAOB glass above the door.
The beer, as good as always.
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| RAOB |
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| Bathams in the Garden |
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| The horrified bar man recovering from 15 ramblers, paying separately. |
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| The classic frontage through rush hour traffic |
Walk Details
Distance - 5 Miles
Geocaches - 5
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