Lunch at Ma Pardoes
That's how the Ramblers enticed me in for a third walk with company in a week. Redditch Ramblers are on a day trip out and nothing can get in the way of their faggots and peas.
We start at Saltwells Country Park - one of 27 Geosites advertised by Dudley Council. Naturally, I have compiled a tick list for future days out.
Saltwells National Nature Reserve in Netherton covers 247 acres of former coal, clay and ironstone workings that have since developed into woodland, grassland and pools. The site includes Doulton’s Claypit, worked from the late 19th century until the 1940s to supply fireclay for the Royal Doulton company. The pit, with visible exposures of Coal Measure strata, is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its geological importance.
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| Doulton's Claypit at Saltwells |
Psychogeography at its finest. I have no idea which way the walk leader will take us. Dudley Canal Number 2 for a very important bridge. A first time climbing Turner's Hill. This is often admired, with its aerial masts and surprisingly home to a golf course with some exceptional views. Bumblehole and the ruins of Cobb's Engine House.
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| And we've not won anything since - the period covering my lifetime |
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| Bumblehole |
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| Dudley Canal Number 2 |
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| Cobb's Engine House and some Ramblers |
Onto the Old Swan - known better as Ma Pardoes. A landlady who ran the pub from 1931 untill her death in 1984.
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| Etchings |
Its a brew pub, with its own onsite brewery. There's no indication to their brews on the handpulls but the names are chalked above the bar. The 6.7% Old Ale - Black Widow- unavailable today but one to surely try in the future. Today, it was the aptly named Bumblehole.
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| Always tricky to photograph without getting run over |
A labyrinth interior, but we have tables reserved in the front parlour.
A walk up to Netherton Church on the hill and an unsuccessful attempt to find Ma Pardoes' final resting place. Apparently on the right-hand side of the graveyard as you enter.
Walk Details
Distance - 7.5 Miles
Geocaches - 1
Future Walk Inspiration - 27 Dudley Geosites
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