Few explorational rules are set firmer in stone than my autumnal visits to Coventry, whereby the Sky Blue city usually registers one October or November trip on an annual basis. Over the last ten years, these have been in the guise of a Hub Marketing blast but Mr D9's current spell of recuperation means I'm going solo this time...
- Tile Hill Station Sign -
Alas there won't be any daft quiffs or Rock & Roll singalongs this year (sorry!) but I am still intending on good solid exploration with a pint or two thrown in. To that end, I make my way via Birmingham International to Tile Hill railway station as my nominated starting point; I first came here back in 2004 when the level crossing was still in situ instead of the current road overbridge. The little ticket office hasn't changed much, except maybe for a lack of Thomas the Tank Engine colouring sheets, while the housing enclave of Penruddock Drive and Alan Higgs Way is firmly bedded-in on the site of the former Midlands Sports Centre.
- Tanyard Farm Terminus -
The opening leg of my walk basically involves reacquainting myself with a couple of turning circle termini I remember fondly from documenting previous Coventry bus network reviews. Torrington Avenue corner retains its lay-by stop at the junction with Station Avenue (the 2/A and 18/A being the routes calling here nowadays), then on Goodman Way is where the 6/A lands up on the Tanyard Farm estate. Elsewhere, I note that the Bell pub is now calling itself the Auction House and boasting that it has the best beer garden in Coventry - quite a claim!
- Tile Hill Wood -
Emerging onto Banner Lane, I proceed towards Eastern Green by passing the light industry of Wickmans Drive. There has been a lot of activity in this area since I last visited, including the creation of a sprawling new housing estate; indeed, Wain Homes are currently putting the final touches to their Hillwood Gardens plots with showhomes trying to entice would-be purchasers. Tile Hill Wood meanwhile is declared a Local Nature Reserve covering circa 70 acres mainly composed of deciduous and coniferous woodland with spruce, larch and hazel species to the fore. It is one of four such preserved green spaces locally, the others being Pig Wood and Plants Hill Wood (both off Tile Hill Lane), plus Limbrick Wood (south off Jardine Crescent).
- The Penny Farthing -
Further along Banner Lane, I reach the heart of what has become known as Bannerbrook Park, that cluster of modern residential living arranged around Astoria Drive, Jefferson Way and Monticello Way. All of this land used to be part of the Massey Ferguson tractor works, which itself had started out as a shadow factory built during the Second World War for the manufacture of Bristol Hercules aircraft engines. The modern setting presents a shopping parade (Spar, Subway, pharmacy, chip shop) next to which is the Penny Farthing pub, a Marston's offering under their Generous George stable. A quick check inside confirms they serve a decent pint of Pedigree (£4.45) and have growing demand for Christmas bookings.
- Eastern Green Cottages -
The Penny Farthing might not be the most exciting pub in the world (or even in Coventry) but it seems to fit the brief of satisfying its target catchment well enough, so I hope the pensioners enjoy their festive lunches in due course. I progress along Broad Lane into Eastern Green, an area I always associate with Metrobus rides on the old 10 and 11 routes. The map suggests the suburb is split into Upper and Lower segments although I've tended to think of it as one combined place really. Anyway, the Unicorn falls under the 'Upper' bit and is a Greene King Hungry Horse establishment that keeps itself slightly detached from the adjacent lane. I can't see any cask ale at first glance so a Strongbow suffices whilst watching the ATP tennis finals.
- The Newlands -
Retracing my steps along Eastern Green Road with hints of Unicorn Lane cottages, I rejoin Broad Lane as it closes in on the centre of Coventry. Several of the streets around here have arboreal names including Beech Tree Avenue where many of the semi-detached properties have distinctive pebbledash-effect frontages. This is quintessential West Midlands suburbia now, gritty in appearance with blocks of shops that would not win many beauty contests. Up ahead, the Newlands (Hotel) is part of the Sizzling chain and seemingly rammed on a Friday afternoon even if part of the attraction is lost on me. Admittedly I can admire some 1930s architectural flourishes, especially the barley twist brickwork columns either side of the main entrance, and it has proper roadhouse credentials; it just didn't stand out as particularly organised and the Thornbridge Jaipur was on the insipid side so I'll reserve judgement.
- A Canley Station Conclusion -
Tile Hill Lane has me circumnavigating a busy retail park to intercept Herald Avenue, home to the Standard Triumph Recreation Club as an extra nod to the city's automotive pedigree. I spy Carlsberg branding and a Standard Bowls arrow but don't investigate further on this occasion; my train is imminent at nearby Canley railway station and I need to negotiate Dolomite Avenue and a wide-tentacled passenger footbridge to safely reach the Birmingham-bound platform. Thus ends my Coventry Caper for this year, hopefully Mr D9 will be back on duty in 2025!
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