Yew Tree and Barr Beacon

What have we here then? Another 'Monday Mission' by the looks of it, as 8th June 2015 is the stage for the tenth in my growing series of adventures. Admittedly there wasn't any sign of a self-destructing note, but the challenge to explore the Yew Tree estate, Great Barr and Barr Beacon was wholeheartedly accepted all the same...

- Yew Tree Youth Club -

I'm off and underway with some pictures of the Yew Tree estate, pitching straight into Sandwell although the adjacent Delves area comes under Walsall. Many of the roads here are named after species of tree (maple, laurel, walnut and so forth) as I find the local primary school on Birchfield Way before strolling round to the youth club, colourfully adorned with a caricature artwork of Her Majesty The Queen.

- Redwood Road Shops -

Redwood Road serves as the centre of the estate as many of the amenities and facilities are concentrated here. Shops include Yew Tree Pharmacy, Dave's Discount and Bobby's Fish Bar while the Yew Tree & Tame Bridge Community Centre is also close at hand. Add in a doctors surgery and the Church of the Annunciation plus the mobile library van and there's plenty for me to photograph.

- Former Social Club Site -

The Hub Marketing Board have visited Yew Tree previously so I now had the chance to see again some former haunts. The Archers pub is instantly familiar on Thorncroft Way but the Yew Tree Sports & Social Club has passed into history, the site now occupied by new houses along Broom Road. The club was a place Mr D9 had much affection for so I'm glad we got those final photos of it back in 2012.

- Q3 Academy -

A path now leads me over the Rushall Canal at Hill Farm Bridge and on as a cycle route to Wilderness Lane. Here I pause by the Q3 Academy (formerly Dartmouth High School) where layover stops for school bus services are positioned outside the main entrance. Given its name, Wilderness Lane doesn't feel at all bleak or remote and soon has me emerging onto the A34 Birmingham Road by Great Barr Memorial Hall and the Beacon Harvester pub-restaurant.

- Merrions Wood -

I have very much enjoyed exploring Walsall's collection of local nature reserves over the years and today I would be taking a first look at another example of these open spaces. Merrions Wood is a patch of ancient woodland, notable for bluebells at certain times of year. From the attractive lodge beside the Birmingham Road I can follow the main track through to Chapel Lane, enjoying the dappled shade of the trees.

- St Margaret's Church -

When I think of Great Barr I usually conjure up thoughts of the busy Scott Arms crossroads or the M6 motorway junction, but there is an altogether more charming side to the area that I'd never seen until today. Taking centre stage is St Margaret's Parish Church, situated just off Chapel Lane opposite the entrance into Great Barr Golf Course. A church has been located here since the 13th century and the building as we see it today is certainly very impressive, dedicated to the 4th century Christian martyr Saint Margaret of Antioch.

- Barr Beacon Memorial -

Chapel Lane continues as a leafy country lane among fields and farms towards Barr Beacon. Bronze Cricket Club is a surprise find, very much unheralded as if in the middle of nowhere, before Old Hall Lane surfaces by Barr Beacon School as I flirt momentarily with the Pheasey estate. It's now lunchtime, and what better place to enjoy a bite to eat than on Barr Beacon itself, admiring the lovely views from on high. Last time I came here (February 2013) the famous war memorial was being restored so it's only now that I can see it in all its glory complete with Portland stone columns and a zinc dome. It truly is one of the West Midlands' most iconic landmarks.

- Bridle Lane -

On with my walk and Bridle Lane is next, stretching away between hedges so I need to keep my eye out for oncoming traffic. Aldridge Road is then home to Farmer Johns, a modern Marston's corporate pub, followed by a curious green tin tabernacle that now seems to be used as a printing studio.

- The Queslett -

The end is almost in sight as I dodge the Hundred Acre estate and arrive by the Queslett, an Ember Inns pub that has merited inclusion in the 2015 Good Beer Guide. Bakers Lane gives me a bite of Birmingham as I conclude my picture haul with King George's Playing Fields and the Toby Carvery (Parson & Clerk) on Sutton Oak Road. The ever faithful 77 bus is on hand yet again for a ride back towards Walsall, meaning that its another Monday Mission accomplished.