Ansley, Arley and Astley

Thanks to Chris T who stepped in with this walk after a change of schedule, in this less visited part of Warwickshire.  The district was previously a mining area with former Ansley Hall Colliery nearby.  A group of eleven joined at the Wagon Load of Lime pub in Old Arley, including two new members and a good contingent from Birmingham who joked we had brought our passports to venture beyond Meriden!

The walk itself took in varied scenery including farmland, coppice and a golf course.  In places it was rather boggy underfoot, although most of us managed to stay on the dry parts, one enjoyed a roll in the mud.  We also passed a farmyard which seemed to contain more 20th century vehicles than Coventry Transport Museum.  Not long into the walk, someone experienced a wardrobe malfunction when the sole came off his boot.  However, a regular member was surprisingly able to step in with a roll of duct tape from his rucksack and effect a temporary repair that lasted throughout the walk!

Morning tea stop was taken at St Laurence’s churchyard Ansley, the chancel of the church dating from the 12th century.  Fortunately, the considerate clergy had left open a convenience for anyone wanting to spend a penny.  Lunch was at a pleasant park in Ansley village, where some of the young at heart had a go on the swings.

Our walk continued through mid-afternoon, where a tea stop was held at Astley Castle.  Dating back to the 13th century the site has been owned by three Queens (of England), and in recent years has undergone sensitive restoration combining the modern architecture with the ancient moated place to create a holiday home.  The nine-mile circular finished up in Old Arley after passing the local football match, with option for pub stop for those in need of refreshment.

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