Having walked the couple of extra miles to Gailey Tower last time, we planned to walk to the further side of Albrighton to shorten the last leg into Ironbridge. Again, searching for good parking close to our route, we went to David Austin's Rose Nursery, and they very kindly allowed us to use their car park. They also have a tea room so our incentive for the day was to be back there in time for tea (and cake!)
Another glorious day, cold but bright, we set off from Gailey, down a lane and then across fields running parallel to the A5. After a short section on the footpath of another main road, we followed lanes and footpaths into Brewood. I've never been to Brewood before but it seems a busy little village with several shops and lots of people out and about. We found Speedwell Castle - more of a grand house than a castle.
It also has a large church, but we decided to crack on and come back another day. Brewood would make a good centre for a circular walk and warrants a return visit.
You leave the village through an alleyway which takes you across fields to the Shropshire Union Canal.
This time you cross the canal and follow The Staffordshire Way towards Chillington Hall. Having never heard of Chillington Hall, it was amazing to emerge out into a grand avenue of trees with the hall nested at the top. The route runs parallel to the avenue and eventually turns in front of the hall to give a close up view.
Apparently, the hall is part of the estate owned by the Giffard family since 1150, and is open to the public on certain dates in the year. Somewhere else to come back to!
The route winds through the estate and follows the walls of the parkland before returning to lanes.
Lunch was taken sitting on a grass verge, lane-side and white vans don't slow down for anything, not even ageing picnickers!
As the lane wound on, we suddenly got view of The Wrekin - our hill! And was that the power station chimney ?
The lane crosses the M54 and takes you into Albrighton past the railway station and into the village. This is another village I don't know well, despite being close to home, but seems to have a good range of shops and pubs!
We walked through the village and up past the old windmill, now converted into a house - WOW! Very grand designs ! Then back down to the rose nursery and yes, in time for tea !
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