Canal walking in May; Walk 1 - Wombourne

On a lovely May day, I parked at the leafy car park by Bratch locks in Wombourne.

Walking away from the canal, I passed Bratch Pumping station with its extraordinary architecture. Much of this area gets its water from sources deep underground.

I turned towards the Railway Cafe: what a blow - it doesn't open on a Monday! (Note to self -plan ahead better)

It is situated on the South Staffs Railway Walk.

Here's the cafe, looking very shut.

The path stretched out ahead - easy to follow.

Hawthorn blossom swaying in the strong wind.

Wide, open views from this section

...and, of course, the obligatory bluebells, ...

...and apple blossom.

Patterns in the sky

When I reached this bridge,...

...I turned down this narrow path

...along a quiet country lane with flowery verges.

I quickly reached this bridge over the Staffs and Worcs Canal.

It's Awbridge Bridge. Unusual because of the holes in the brickwork. And because its name has an echo (Awbridge Bridge - could have been Aw Bridge?)

The canal was peaceful as ever. 

This is part of a giant field of oilseed rape, which seemed to stretch on forever.

The cricket field is in lovely condition: there was someone working on it as I passed

 Soon I reached the next locks

Bratch Locks are famous all over the country. We'll look at them tomorrow

Today's walk: Park at Bratch car park, and turn away from the canal towards the Station Cafe (300 metres away). Then along the disused railway for just over a mile. from the bridge, descend to the lane and turn left. Follow it to the canal. Turn left onto the canal, and follow it to I follow as far as the Round Oak pub. from here, turn left along the road, passing Ounsdale School, then Westfield School. from there, find a path down to the railway walk, turn left and follow it back to the Cafe, and on to Bratch car park. Just over 4 easy miles.