Fresh air and weather

Abbey wood to Canary Wharf

Windsor winter

Over the hills and far away

Machair Mallett

The idea is to vaguely follow the River Trent through the secret county of Staffordshire. This is a part of England that is often overlooked and we want to change that.  Simon and Richard grew up in Staffs and they are keen to show it off. 

It started well at Stafford station with the lifts out of order but train despatcher Wayne kindly carried our bikes up from the platform to the over bridge. Thanks Wayne. 
Right outside the station is the beautiful Victoria park decked in summer finery by the river Sow.
We cycled the old railway line known as the Isabel way through the town .  It's a gorgeous green lung through verges of ragged Robin and brought us to our first stop - Stafford Rangers football club.  Recently relegated it's one of the best grounds in the lower leagues.  It dates from 1876 and there's a mural showing it's historic runs to Wembley and the shed end is decked in great flags. Good luck boro! 

We came across the finest pie shop in Stafford - well named Timmys! - that sadly doesn't open till late afternoon.  So we had a spot of lunch in the high Street opposite the impressive half timbered medieval hall instead. 

Getting out of Stafford is not easy ( we got stuck on the ring road) till we found the old road to Tixall. This is a village with history to explore - the old monument and the gatehouse to the hall. We found a route across the staffs & Worcester canal and made our way across the narrow medieval footbridge over the Trent that leads to Shugborough hall.  Here we splashed in the river,  had a cuppa and decided to save Cannock chase for another day. 
We pedalled the canal alongside the west coast main line railway and into the town of Rugeley.  Back on the canal towpath which is beautifully graded and alongside attractive narrow boats we cycled to Brereton and met chris at the football ground celebrating it's 125th anniversary. Congratulations and good luck in the staffs league! 

The ride into Lichfield is a joy.  Almost entirely traffic free through Longdon, wheat fields, and high hedged lanes. 
And awaiting us in the town is the stujnning sandstone cathedral. What a welcome.  Staffordshire is stunning!

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Timmy Mallett

Stunning Staffordshire

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Fresh air and weather

Abbey wood to Canary Wharf

Windsor winter

Over the hills and far away

Machair Mallett

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