The Hanging Tree of Hatch Hall
Lichfield is a fine place to start/end a walk. Plenty of historical interest, a pleasant town centre and a smattering of decent pubs - most of which are within spitting distance of each other.
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| Lichfield's Crown Jewell |
It's just the countryside around it is a bit dull. If it wasn't for the mud, there would be little to remember this walk by.
The route is from my 1951 Guide book, 50 weekend walks around Birmingham. Understanding the hand drawn map is tricky at the best of times. Let's look at what it hints at;
Elmhurst - nothing there at all.
Kings Bromley - just before arrival, the route heads west to Handsacre. The text provides no indication as to whether it is worth the detour.
Handsacre - The pub, the Crown, is still going strong. Alas, I arrive at 11:30am and its not open. The text also discusses Handsacre Hall. This has been knocked down for a very dull housing estate. The guide text states that of the Hall "you may hear some surprising stories from local residents". And that is it. Such a tease. There are no locals to ask - as as it was knocked down in the early 1970s, they might not remember. The internet suggest it may be referring to the ghost story of the Grey Lady.
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| Trent and Mersey Canal delivers me to the Crown at Handsacre |
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| One of the few photos of the Handsacre Hall before demolition |
Longdon - again, the guide book is vague. Described as a delightful village but the route seems to be taking me east and away from whatever charms it may possess. It does appear to be in a bit of a dip, as only the top of the church tower is visible from my paths.
I am keen to track down the location of the Hanging Tree of Hatch Hall. A chestnut tree, that marked the parish boundary and according to folklore, has a ghost dog and was used as the place of execution. It took a little hunting for the exact location but in case this blog comes up on future google searches for wannbe ghost hunters - it's at grid ref SK 100 140.
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| Looking it's age now.... 300 years old. |
And grid ref's are important to this blog. The route guide suggests returning to Lichfield along what is now the A515. Obviously a lot less traffic in 1951 and kust a grass verge that makes this totally unsafe.
Instead there is one footpath running parallel and south. But it looks like the farm has removed footpath signs, installed CCTV and super high gates and padlocked the PROW shut. Staffordshire Council have been informed. It makes you wonder what they need to protect so badly.
A handy bus-stop and only 10 minutes for the on-time hourly bus stops the monotony of more agricultural fields to cross.
And where to go in Lichfield? Today, it is the turn of Beerbohm - a lovely beer cafe, run by enthusiasts and specialising in Belgian and German brews. Oh, and the man was fixing a Bass sign to the handpull.
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| A fitting reward |
Walk Details
Distance - 10 Miles
Walk Inspiration - 50 Weekend Walks near Birmingham, Walk 3
Geoacaches - 6
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