LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

Parked new car in the car park of The Orange Tree Public House, Chadwick End at 11:20am and cycled to Meriden. Locked bicycle against 'Eaves Green Lane' sign, by The Queens Head Public House (with the horse drawn ploughs on the roof) in Meriden Village. Climbed the steep steps from the Old Road by the Queens Head, to the main road (B4102). Continued the climb to St Lawrence Church and the wonderful views to the centre of Birmingham City. Entrance to church locked unfortunately, signs of the times I'm afraid. 'Horse Mount' in good condition just outside the churchyard gates. Continued across the fields towards Back Lane. This section of 'The Way' is common with the 'Coventry Way'. Good to see the three spires of Coventry on the way signs. Pleasant memories of my 'West Midlands Way' walks many years ago. See Walk 547 for more information. As I crossed a field to the house called 'The Byre' a sheep stood in my way and it was reluctant to move. I did the honourable thing and detoured to the stile. Was I a coward? Fine specimen of a sheep. To my untrained eye it was an Australian Bond Sheep. I soon reached the lane at Blind Hall Farm and was surprised to see a class of school children enjoying the sunshine and the countryside. Crossing the main road I entered a small wood to Berkswell Hall grounds. Another surprise, the adjacent field had been recently mowed into strips. This is expected on a football or cricket pitch, but not a field. From the field I entered Berkswell Village, with its Village Stores, Stocks, Hand Water Pump, Holy Well, unusual War Memorial, grand Information Board, Malthouse, Bear Inn, Beehive Cottage, etc., and the attractive Norman St John's Church, with its fine sun dial and half timbered vestry. Very nice views after Berkswell Village over the Hall Grounds and towards Coventry. Passed the main Birmingham to London Railway Line at Wootton Green and on to Balsall Street, passing the attractive Magpie Cottage. Here the low sun highlighted a spider web stretched between two bushes about two metres apart. I was impressed with the spiders skills and abilities. I wonder what the record span could be. Possibly the Grand Canyon. Now we are dreaming. The wide open spaces, the sunshine and loneliness of the long distance walker does wonders for the sole. Onwards towards the car at Chadwick End with the holiday jets passing overhead from Birmingham Airport. As I left Oldwich Lane East I crossed an unharvested corn field. With the late summer sunshine I would have expected the local farmer to be busy. Must be a problem. Another reminder of my fortunate position enjoying the beauties of the countryside. Through Priests Park Wood, where I found a very old style bottle, then continued into Chadwick End Village and the car at the Orange Tree Public House.

- www.streetmap.co.uk, - Start: from Meriden Village 420705/282010, - Finish: at Chadwick End Village 425200/272965, - via: Balsall Street 422225/277175. (Click on location and use Zoom and BACK Buttons).

Can be very boggy after Oldwich Lane East around the many streams. Footpaths signs poor before Chadwick End. New kissing gates installed without the way markers. Head for Priests Park Wood.