- 110 at Fazeley Square -
Indeed, the 110 bus between Birmingham and Tamworth is operated by a stylish fleet of Sapphire-branded buses courtesy of Arriva. Laptop sockets and stitched leather seats are among the on-board features that show an extra attention to detail while we enjoy the view out of the large top deck front window. A sprint along the Aston Expressway is followed by the intricacies of Spaghetti Junction then Erdington, Sutton Coldfield and Mile Oak before we reach Fazeley.
- Bonehill Road Bridge -
The war memorial at Fazeley Square is our cue to alight in readiness for our opening waterways wander of the day. The Coventry Canal has the honour first up as we quickly locate an aqueduct spanning the River Tame, a notable preliminary find to set the tone for the trip. Retracing our steps back towards Fazeley village, we pass through Fazeley Junction and then explore out past Peel's Wharf to the brown-brick simplicity of Bonehill Road Bridge.
- Drayton's dramatic footbridge -
To Fazeley Junction once more where we now join the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal in the shadow of Tolson's Mill. Tolson's Footbridge and Fazeley Mill Marina are interesting enough but a truly remarkable structure awaits a little further along. Drayton Footbridge is distinctly decorative with its whitewashed towers and spiral steps - I've certainly never encountered anything quite like it before. If the footbridge alone isn't fascinating enough, an accompanying swivel bridge only increases the sense of intrigue at a most memorable location - we then duly reward our exploration endeavours with a lovely half of Draught Bass in the timelessly traditional surroundings of the Three Horseshoes.
- Posing in Polesworth -
The next 110 along takes us fully into Tamworth where we find the 785 route ready and willing to provide our passage to Polesworth; the ride incorporates Glascote, Stonydelph and Birchmoor with the Dolphin, Chiltern Road estate and the Game Cock being the respective landmarks we meet along the way. Alighting on the old stone bridge above the River Anker, we make a beeline for the Bulls Head as Polesworth's premier contributor to the Good Beer Guide. A zingy half of Glamorgan Welsh Pale tickles the tastebuds although the pub itself is quiet during a mid-afternoon lull.
- Coventry Canal (with handy pub indicator) -
The Bulls Head is handily located on the side of the Coventry Canal so we soon indulge in another towpath tour, covering the short section between bridges 54 (Tamworth Road) and 51 (Limekiln Bridge). The walk passes quietly between houses to begin with before the scenery opens out looking across Abbey Green Park.
- Polesworth Abbey -
Although situated roughly three miles from Tamworth, Polesworth is in a different county to its larger neighbour hence Nick rather relishes being back on Warwickshire soil. The village has a proud history as indicated by the presence of the Abbey Church, the site of which has been a place of worship and reflection since Saxon times. We also admire the Abbey's restored 14th century gatehouse then pick out Polesworth pictures of the Spread Eagle, the post office, the Red Lion and the local library.
- A Peaty Pint -
The 15:26 786 bus is on hand to return us to Tamworth where our priority becomes obtaining a belated lunch. The Bole Bridge gets the nod for a bite to eat whereby our corresponding gammon and salmon meals are accompanied by Marston's Irish Peated Ale, something of a taste sensation assuming you like the flavour of peat bogs - it seems we do! The beer has been brewed especially for Wetherspoon's real ale festival and the prospect of more beguiling beverages means we seek out the Silk Kite, Tamworth's other JDW outlet. There I sample O'Hara's Irish Red whereas Nick requests a three third sampler of various international concoctions, striking it lucky when he actually gets served a trio of halves, all for £1.65!
- The King's Ditch -
Last but definitely not least, we could not come to Tamworth and miss out on visiting the town's micropub. As an old cycle shop, the Kings Ditch is small but perfectly formed with three ales on gravity and an impressive selection of ciders. I partake of Nethergate's Priory Mild with Nick on the Duck & Cover as we watch a big screen showing all the 'action' from the barrel room. After that we settle aboard another sprightly Sapphire for our ride home, content at having covered canals in two different counties. Cheers!
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