Stratford-upon-Avon

The beer festivals are coming thick and fast as attention now switches to Stratford-upon-Avon's offering being held at the town's racecourse. Towpath Turpin has transmogrified into the Bard of Beer as we seek out tracks, tramways and traces of Shakespeare...

- Train at Stratford -

Dorridge is our rendezvous on this occasion, meeting aboard the London Midland train from Birmingham to Stratford via Solihull. This connection is a relatively recent addition to the timetable, supplementing the existing link via Shirley and Henley-in-Arden, and was instigated in 2013 to serve the recently opened Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway at Bishopton. I therefore get my first ever glimpse of the new station, and a couple of minutes later our Class 172 arrives into Stratford's main station where I always enjoy admiring the period GWR features.

- Railway Remains -

Stratford-upon-Avon is a terminus stop these days but for many years was a main line through station on the GWR from Birmingham Snow Hill to Cheltenham. Our first mission today is to explore some remains of the lost line, hence Navigator Nick takes us on a wander via back passages, Summerton Way cycle routes and ultimately The Greenway. Here the old route is retained as a linear walkway towards Milcote and Long Marston. Besides the GWR, Stratford was also formerly served by the Stratford-upon-Avon and Midland Junction Railway and we investigate a little of this courtesy of a path running eastwards towards the River Avon. 

- Shakespeare's Resting Place -

The Old Town district of Stratford is next on our agenda, the area being home to Holy Trinity Church where the revered playwright William Shakespeare is buried alongside members of his family. The church can be a tourist hotspot so we were lucky to call in at a quieter time in order to visit the great man's grave - there were some wonderful stained glass windows and carved wooden misericords to admire too. Old Town is also where we find the New Bulls Head, a welcoming backstreet pub that also incorporates a community shop. Here Nick continues his recent predilection for blondes by way of Cameron's Galactico, an ale I was happy to join him in sampling.

- Stratford Racecourse -

More nifty navigation via Old Town Mews then brings us neatly to Stratford Racecourse, our festival venue for the afternoon. A public right of way stretches across the racetrack although you do have to limbo under some of the white plastic rails that mark out the route taken by the horses. There are views of the grandstand and some neighbouring flats as we make our way to the turnstiles and enter the festival. £10 gets you programme, glass and tokens as we find a perch in an upstairs room where there are boxes upon boxes of pumpclips to peruse. 

- Dazed and Confused -

As you might expect, there are plenty of interesting ales to pick from. I personally begin with a Paddington (hints of honey and marmalade) before proceeding via Fuller's 1845 (festive hints of nutmeg and fruit) to a Lancaster Black and a Leyden's Crowning Glory. Nick's dalliance with the blondes appears to be over however as his ale selections here confirm a return to the dark side. He embraces the chance of being Comfortably Stout, battles through a Bramble Stout and ends up totally Dazed and Confused!

- A Costume Change at the RSC -

With our tokens all spent it is time for more Stratford sightseeing with a riverside walk leading us to the renowned theatre of the Royal Shakespeare Company. A browse inside reveals costume displays and an exhibition of banknote boats, not to mention a regal suit of armour. Nearby we have further transport heritage to explore too, crossing the former tramway bridge where a horse-drawn service once operated to Moreton-in-Marsh. The Bear at the Swans Nest is a respected real ale free house where the Bear Bitter does nicely for a half in the hotel lobby catching up with the cricket scores.

- A Falstaff Finish -

The old tramway lend its name to one of the other local pubs as we pass a butterfly farm and pause for some Cumberland Ale. Back on the town side of the Avon, we make the acquaintance of Falstaff at Bancroft Basin Gardens then include a Henley Street homage to Shakespeare's birthplace (from grave to cradle in a few short hours). Last but definitely not least is the Stratford Alehouse, a micropub on Greenhill Street that keeps things simple with great beer and fine conversation as our closing port of call before the 19:05 train home. Cheers!

Swanning about with Towpath Turpin

What better way is there to spend a warm summer's day than to go for a country walk, stop off at a couple of pubs and finish up at a beer festival? That certainly sounds rather perfect to me, and that's exactly what 'Towpath Turpin' and I enjoyed during a visit to Brewood and Wheaton Aston on Thursday 11th June...

- St Mary's Catholic Church, Brewood -

Leaving the Stagecoaches behind in Warwickshire, Nick joins me in Wolverhampton ready for a ride on Arriva's 76 Stafford bus which will take us to Brewood. The route now calls at the i54 development on the Wolverhampton/South Staffordshire border, providing handy connections to Jaguar Land Rover and Moog. Coven is also encountered before we arrive into Brewood, alighting at the Swan Hotel and immediately investigating landmarks such as Speedwell Castle and St Mary's Catholic Church.

- Sighting Swans at Belvide -

Our chosen walk encompasses lanes, fields and waterways with Nick being retitled 'Towpath Turpin' in reference to our intended investigations of the Shropshire Union Canal. Setting out from High Green Bridge, we soon reach the mobile homes of Shutt Green and branch off towards Belvide Reservoir noting the West Midlands Bird Club car park. There is momentary debate about the relative definitions of houses and cottages as we negotiate woodland and wheat paddocks, emerging onto a farm drive with views of the reservoir. Belvide was originally constructed in the 1830s to service what was then the Birmingham & Liverpool Junction Canal, and these days serves as a nature reserve noted for rare species of bird; access is via permit or club membership only.

- Bridge 18, Shropshire Union Canal -

Crossing the busy A5, we make our way through a working farmyard with inquisitive cows watching our every move. A sequence of bridle gates then bring us to the Monks Walk, an ancient path that prompts Nick to imagine himself as part of a historic monastic order. The track is said to have been part of a route that connected the priory at Lapley with White Ladies at Bishops Wood; today it links us to Bridge 17 of the Shropshire Union for our final approach into Wheaton Aston.

- Look at what you could have won! -

Bridge 17 is swiftly followed by numbers 18 and 19 as we reach Long Street where the Hartley Arms stands opposite the atmospheric village garage, a place that continues to provide diesel supplies for passing narrowboats. A farm, a chicken coop and the local pharmacy all feature as we head further into the village, pausing at the Coach & Horses for a refreshing half of Banks's Bitter and a chance meeting with 'Bully' from  Bullseye. Nick was admittedly somewhat bemused by this experience but I always say "you can't beat a bit of Bully" and at least we didn't end up winning a speedboat!

- A Stop at Stretton -

It would have been remiss to do one pub and not the other so we had a half in the Hartley Arms as well, Towpath Turpin eagerly grappling with a Cocky Blonde as we sat outside munching scratchings and peanuts while looking out over the moored boats below. We were now suitably refreshed for the stroll back to Brewood, this time going directly along the canal with Stretton Aqueduct proving a particularly notable feature. The structure was designed by Thomas Telford to carry the cut above Watling Street.

- Supping in The Swan -

It is definitely a day for doing things at a leisurely pace as by and by we arrive back in Brewood. The Bridge pub is positioned next to Bridge 14 as we account for respective halves of New World IPA and Jennings Dark Mild. We then decamp to the Swan Hotel, an atmospheric old coaching inn where I have to mind not to bash my head on the low beams. Theakstons Black Bull Bitter trades with Three Tuns XXX to set us up nicely for the return ride on the 76 as we ponder puzzling text messages about an unknown 'Judy'.

- Anyone for Ale? -

Our evening appointment is at the Wulfrun Hall as it plays host to the 40th Wolverhampton Beer Festival. Ken joins us there as we sample the wares including Holden's Park Ale (a recipe resurrected as part of the brewery's centenary celebrations), Kinver's Bob (brewed in tribute to the sadly-departed Bob Jones) and Morton's Life Begins (brewed especially for the festival as part of the 40th anniversary theme). Ken in turn rides Kinver's Light Railway and uncovers some Shropshire Gold, whereas Nick succumbs to a Blonde Obsession - need I say more? A cracking day out with an excellent event to finish!

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.

Bears on Tour: Lords

As a cricket enthusiast there's one ground above all others that I've been particularly keen to visit - Lords. Recognised the world over as the home of cricket, the timeless base of Marylebone Cricket Club was set to host the County Championship fixture between Middlesex and Warwickshire so Stephen and I made our way to St John's Wood for a couple of days...

- Aylesbury Vale Parkway -

Travelling down to London on Sunday 31st May proved to be an adventure. Engineering works were affecting Chiltern services on the line between Birmingham Moor Street and Marylebone, hence we had a virtually empty replacement bus service instead from Dorridge to Aylesbury Vale Parkway (a station I must admit I'd never heard of before). A connecting train here completes the job, meaning we arrived at Marylebone just before quarter to midday. 

- Cricket Corner -

We hadn't missed any cricket though, a damp morning in the capital bringing about a delayed start so we could take our time getting to the ground. Lisson Grove leads us almost directly to the Grace Gates, erected in honour of the legendary W.G., then we continued along St John's Wood Road and Wellington Road towards the North Gate, pausing for an ideal photo opportunity.

- St John's Wood Underground -

With play still not imminent, a general look at the surrounding St John's Wood area sounded appropriate. The church gardens are a nice feature, flanked by a curious green hut on Wellington Place that I later discovered was a preserved cabbies shelter. St John's Wood High Street was a rather fashionable location with a selection of boutique stores plus the Duke of York perched on a far corner, while the local library, Barclays Bank and the underground station all caught my eye for bonus pictures.

- First glimpse of the Pavilion -

The weather had been drying up quite nicely up until this point, but another prolonged shower combined with gusting winds soon set in. A fellow Bear in need of directions joins us as we scamper back to the ground, then its £17 entry and a seat in the Edrich Stand with fingers firmly crossed that the rain relents. Even in the miserable drizzle the iconic Lords Pavilion is a sight to behold (even if the pitch covers were less of a thrill).

- The Media Centre -

Our wish is granted as conditions do gradually improve, and I was truly impressed by the drainage systems in place here that meant large puddles on the outfield literally disappeared before our eyes. While the groundsmen set to work, we have a stroll around the stands and I get a glimpse of the modern face of Lords; I'm not entirely convinced about the architectural merits of the Media Centre but I can't deny it is a striking feature at the Nursery end of the ground.

- Play underway -

3 pm and we have cricket! Middlesex won the toss and asked Warwickshire to bat, the home team presumably keen to try and make the most of some favourable bowling conditions. Progress is of the steady but unspectacular variety - Chopra, Javid and Webb all departed relatively cheaply but Jonathan Trott and Laurie Evans saw the Bears to the close on 148 for 3 with 50 overs completed. For me an ambition has been achieved - I can now say I've watched live cricket at Lords!

- Chiswick Bitter in Paddington -

The sun has typically come out just in time for the cricket to finish, but at least it shines down as we brave the busy Edgware Road (no relaxing Sunday evening walk here, it was more like the Monday morning West Midlands rush hour). We locate our digs in Paddington, grab a bite to eat and then round off the day with a couple of pubs. The Monkey Puzzle was handily located on Sussex Gardens near our hotel but my favourite was undoubtedly the Victoria on Strathearn Place, a Fullers establishment where some Chiswick Bitter is accompanied by opulent detail and a wonderful friendly sense of community.

- Regents Canal at Lisson Grove -

Monday 1st June and it's encouragingly dry as we head to Lords in anticipation of the second day's play. On the way we briefly investigate a short stretch of the Regents Canal where it passes beneath Lisson Grove via Eyre's Tunnel. The canal in full links the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union with the River Thames at Limehouse, passing through Regents Park (with views of London Zoo), Camden Lock and Kings Cross.

- Bears on duty -

We settle in on the upper tier of the Edrich stand as Warwickshire continue their innings, eventually battling their way to a useful 342 all out on a testing surface. Laurie Evans made 98, narrowly missing out on what would have been a memorable century, and there were entertaining contributions from Barker and Patel who both made 37 with a smattering of sixes. We keep up to date with events in the test match at Headingley, where New Zealand seem increasingly in the ascendancy, and catch up with Nick and Ken who are here for the day. Nick is eager to enjoy his first Lords experience and has come dressed very smartly with a dapper jacket and tie combination ready to grace the inner recesses of the Pavilion.

- A damp end -

The Middlesex innings began straight after tea but only 12 or so overs are possible before rain once more intervenes. Chris Wright did at least manage a Bears breakthrough, claiming the wicket of Burns lbw for 4 as the close of play score proved to be 39 for 1. One last lingering look at the famous Pavilion and then it was time to head home, the 19:15 departure from Marylebone doing the honours. Despite the weather's best efforts, the magic of Lords still shone through and I can understand why cricketers across the planet aspire to play here. It truly is a special place steeped in sporting history and tradition, and I hope these last two days will just be the start of many visits to come.