Skip to main content

Day 27 Spoonley Gate to Penkridge (Cowgate)

 

Sarah joined us again for her third stint walking with us (glutton for punishment!)



Today was the longest day Garry had walked, started on tracks, included some fields, lanes and a canal towpath. Garry set off form the AirBnB in Spoonley Gate whilst me and Sarah did the car drop off. He went through Oaken and Perton.



We met together at Codsall (after me and Sarah had a cuppa and a scone!)

St Chads church in Codsall.


All was going well as walked on tracks through fields . Then we came across a field full of mother cows and their calves blocking the gateway we needed to exit the field so we chose a small diversion along some lanes.

On the diverted route we found ourselves in a field with some lively young cows. There were no diversion available so we summoned up all knowledge of cow taming and headed through. I was the most 'nervous'! I did find my teacher voice and a half hearted arms out. Sarah and Garry were much braver and Garry walked slowly towards them and they did run away. This happened a few times. 

We didn't quite make the gate but made our escape over a low barbed wire fence.

We (I) rushed through the next field to find the gate tied up and a overgrown path (part of the Staffordshire Way or Cross Britain Way). We managed to clamber over, and Alfie crawled under. 
After a short while we found an open lane and we could relax a little! Even walking over the M54 was more pleasurable than what we had experienced!
After the adventures of the morning, we found Avenue bridge over the Shropshire canal to have our lunch.

We continued through woodland and lanes until we joined the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal, plenty of barges, locks, swans and ducklings.
        

       

      


As we headed towards Penkridge with rather weary feet and legs, we called in at the Roundhouse by Roundhouse bridge and lock to rest our legs and to have ice creams.
      

     


The final stint took us along the canal to the CrossKeys bridge where we had a drink and then walked the final section back to the car. 



A long day for us all with 19.3 miles walked for Garry and 12.5 miles for me and Sarah.

Over 40,000 steps for Garry and over 30,000 for me and Sarah.

Onto our next Airbnb in Hednesford for a good night's sleep!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Getting ready.....

We have a complete route planned now! We aim  to set off from Land's End on 3rd May 2025. We have decided to take on the challenge of walking from Land's End to John o'Groats, starting in early May 2025. It is likely to take 3 months and cover 1200 miles so definitely a big undertaking. Whilst walking, we are taking the opportunity to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK. Many of us have either had cancer ourselves or have a family member who has been affected. Garry was diagnosed with prostate cancer in August 2023 and following a successful treatment is cancer free. Marie's brother Liam, sadly died in April 2024 following a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer. We have both had family members and friends who have not survived and others who have made successful recoveries with the amazing support of the NHS. If you are able to donate it may be your donation that funds the research that finds a cure. Whatever you are able to give, we truly appreciate it. Marie, Garry an...

Day 1 Lands End to Penzance

  The plan is to make it to John o'Groats by mid-August.  Today's planned route. 11.5 miles  Lovely weather for our first day of walking.    Once we got to Sennen Cove, I found my first 'End to End' coffee and travelled back to Land's End on the bus so I could meet Garry later on.  Garry walked through paths in Trewidden and passed a church at Sancreed. Looking back towards Sennen Cove. We found each other for lunch after a little traipse through some fields. Time for a cuppa and feet up before tomorrow's trip from Penzance to Porthleven (13 miles). 

Day 5 Truro to Indian Queens (plus a beach trip)

  Going back to last night before today's blog.....last night I visited Truro Rock Choir, led by Marcus Alleyne. There were only 4 other basses there which was definitely different to a usual Rock Choir night at Cheltenham with over 20 basses. It was still good fun and we finished 'Call Me' by Blondie. Marcus Alleyne, Cornwall Rock choir leader and Jenny, Annette and Joy from Truro bass Rock Choir.  Onto today's planned route. Garry was walking on his own today as Alfie was still exhausted from yesterday's trek so I took him on a beach visit. Garry walked on mainly small quiet roads and a forest track today. He crossed over the A30 a number times. Meanwhile, me and Alfie took a trip to Mawgan Porth which has a lovely beach where Garry's family spent many family holidays.    On the beach, I met Nicki and her husband and we had a lovely chat. Her husband will be cycling Land's end to John o'Groats in July, whilst she is in he back up campervan. Good Luck t...