Objective: take the train from Cromford to Langley Mill. Cycle back along the Cromford Canal (much of which is disused) to Cromford Wharf. Trip Type: solo cycle Distance: 19.5 miles Time to complete: 3 hrs, 7.1 mph Nicholson Guide: Guide 3, pp 65, 70,71, 76, 77. Costs: parking at Cromford Station (£2.90 for the day). Train from Cromford to Langley… Read More Cromford Canal
Description: A longish walk to the Low House at Laxfield for lunch, then back a shorter way. There is quite a lot of (quiet) road walking, due to many footpaths being unmaintained, and signposts missing. Distance: 7.5 miles Elevation Gain: 300 feet Time to complete: 3 hours, plus lunch stop Refreshments: The Low House (aka Kings Head) at… Read More Cratfield to Laxfield Walk
Objective: take the train from Burton to Tamworth. Cycle back along the Birmingham & Fazeley and Coventry Canals, then the Trent & Mersey Canal to Burton. Finish with a pint at the unspoilt Coopers Tavern in Burton. Trip Type: solo cycle Distance: 22.5 miles Time to complete: 3 hrs, 7.9 mph Nicholson Guide: Guide 3, pp 58, 61, 180-185… Read More Fazeley Junction to Burton
Objective: park at Walsall, cycle the length of the Rushall Canal from the Tame Valley Canal to the junction with the Wyrley & Essington. Complete various branches before heading west to the Walsall Canal, taking this down to the Walsall Town Arm, and returning to your car. Note: you could easily do this ride arriving… Read More Rushall Canal and Walsall
Description: A ride north to the beautiful River Waveney at Homersfield, taking in some Suffolk hamlets. There are a couple of short steep hills near the river. Distance: 23 miles Elevation Gain: 730 feet Time to complete: 2.5-3 hours Refreshments: The Black Swan at Homersfield is recommended for lunch and a pint 1. Cratfield to Silverley’s Green At… Read More Cratfield to Homersfield Ride
Description: A pleasant, scenic, slightly undulating cycle ride along back roads and bridleways to the coast, and back along a slightly different route. Very quiet, with only the busy A12 to cross. Distance: 30 miles (32 miles to Southwold) Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet Time to complete: 3-4 hours Refreshments: plenty of pubs, cafés and shops in Southwold, pubs… Read More Cratfield to Southwold & Walberswick Ride
Description: A walk along the course of the ancient Roman road (Margary number 35) which runs close to Cratfield. It is flat, and fairly easy going. There are 2 options, 4 or 6 miles. Distance: 4 miles (short), 6 miles (long) Elevation Gain: 191 feet (long walk) Time to complete: 1.5 hours (short), 2 hours (long) Refreshments: no… Read More Roman Road Walk
Description: An undemanding 5 mile walk around the village of Cratfield, taking in local farms and lanes. Muddy in places, especially the yard at Lower Hall Farm. Note that many footpaths marked on the OS map of the area do not actually exist, and/or are unsigned. Distance: 5 miles Elevation Gain: 150 feet Time to complete: 1.5 hours… Read More Cratfield Village Walk
Objective: park in between Solihull and Shirley. Cycle the Grand Union Canal from Solihull into Birmingham and up to Salford Junction. Cycle the Birmingham & Fazeley back into the centre of Birmingham, taking in the Digbeth Branch. Cycle the Worcester & Birmingham through Gas Street Basin as far as Kings Norton Junction, and then take… Read More Solihull to Shirley
Objective: cycle the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal from Fazeley Junction to Salford Junction, the Tame Valley Canal, the Walsall Canal, and the Birmingham Level Mainline to Gas Street Basin in the centre of Birmingham. Take the train back to your start point. Trip Type: solo cycle Distance: 31 miles Time to complete: 3.5 hrs, 8.6… Read More Fazeley Junction to Gas Street Basin