LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

Parked van outside St Peter's Church in Drayton Bassett Village (with approval from the local resident) at 11:45am and cycled to the car park of Horse and Jockey Public House on Tamworth Road at 12:49pm. Locked bicycle and crossed over the main A51 Tamworth Road with care to the narrow footpath entrance to Packington Moor. The Way soon widened to a broad rough, but well used, track across the moor. Fine views in the sunshine across the wheat fields to Lichfield and Whittington, with the occasional farmhouse in the distance. I was only a couple of fields away from the noise of the busy A51 road, but the atmosphere on the moor was the complete opposite, quiet, peaceful and relaxing. Packington Moor Farm and Horsley Brook Farm were soon passed on the gentle climb up the track to the top of the moor. As I passed Horsley Brook Farm, I was looking at Whittington Barracks Buildings in the distance, when to my surprise a race-horse walked towards me. The jockey said that the horse had won two races recently, but unfortunately the horse's handicap had now changed accordingly. I continued to Jerry's Lane where I found and tucked into some ripe blackberries. First of the season for me. The communications tower on Packington Moor was now looming large as I approached Knox's Grave Lane. The Way signs were not as visible as normal, so I tentatively passed through a gate towards Buck's Head Cottages. The fork before the cottages was well signed so I was relieved to know I was still on course. Just before Buck's Head Farm I crossed the brand new A5 Trunk Road By-Pass and passed an irrigation vehicle. This was surprising so soon after the recent record breaking heavy rains and floods in the Midlands. From the farm I crossed the old A5 to Bourne House Lane. Yet another surprise, the old A5 road was completely empty of vehicles. The old straight Roman Road has always been very busy. Now the complete opposite. The way was transformed after the A5 to an undulating walk, with good views of the surrounding countryside and the beautiful cottages. Plenty of horses to stroke in the surrounding fields for and passing animal lovers. Steady climb up, past Job's Hill, Rough Leasow, Gorsley Hill and Crow's Castle to Rookery Farm. My presence scattered the local crows and rabbits. Sharp turn right at Rookery Farm along the very quiet and pleasant Brookhurst Lane to the corn fields around Hints Farm. Here I diverted from the official route, avoiding the Drayton Lane into Drayton Bassett. Instead I continued across the fields of crops to Sutton Road (A453) and Hill Farm. As I passed the farm I noticed a large metal 'stool' on the trackside. On inspection I realised that it was a tethering post used on the dockside to restrain boats. Most unusual in the Midlands. Couldn't be further from the sea. Meriden Village, just down the road, is agreed as the Centre of England. Passing Heathley Farm the huge ditch alongside the track was full of muddy water, flooding the track in places. Arrived back to the parked van (K P Equipe) in Drayton Bassett Village, as planned. For piece and quiet, this section is recommended.

- www.streetmap.co.uk, - Start: from Horse & Jockey Public House 413625/308215, - Finish: at Drayton Bassett Village 419305/300165, - via: A5 Trunk Road at Buck's Head Farm near Hints Village 414860/303825. (Click on location and use Zoom and BACK Button).

Take care crossing the main roads. Take the diversion from Hints Farm, through Hill Farm, to avoid the dangerous and boring walk along Drayton Lane.