This was the perfect little trip for a sunny January afternoon. Introducing a couple of friends to the A-to-Zedding mentality we set out to The Peacock, a country pub on p160 of the Birmingham A-to-Z, via p159 and some very muddy fields. We were almost derailed at the beginning on discovery that C had a GPS phone (certainly not usual zedding equipment) but he graciously turned it off and trusted the A-to-Z to guide our footsteps.How to get there? We took the no 45 bus from Stirchley and got off at the Man on the Moon pub near Redhill road (random fact: the pub used to be called the Man in the Moon but changed its name after the first manned moon landing). You could however approach The Peacock from the other direction and get a bus to Wythall. Either way you'll find some nice footpaths to explore.
The walk We found a footpath which runs along the side of the playing fields in West Heath and then takes you across some fields. We crossed, unknowingly, over Wasthill tunnel (the longest on the Worcester and Birmingham canal) - strange to think that narrowboats could be passing beneath our feet in the dark.Through the fields, and around stiles, there was a lot of mud and water, and a small amount of falling over.
The destination mmm... log fire, good wine, friends and amazing food. Cannot recommend the Peacock highly enough. Ok, it's a little bit pretentious but 3 courses for £12 is good value! I had goats cheese and beetroot fondue, followed by tagliatelle,followed by bread and butter pudding made from toasted teacakes. I would have walked across many more muddy fields just for that pudding.
We walked back to West Heath via Icknield Street, which follows the way of Ryknild Street, a Roman Road, the remnants of which you can see in Sutton Park. A slight detour took us along the wonderfully named Grimpits Lane and the water-logged Goodrest Lane. Warning: do not offer to give people piggy-backs through deep muddy puddles. It will end in tears.
All in all, a happy A-to-Zedding afternoon. It's pretty much the closest bit of green countryside to our bit of Birmingham. There's an interesting view of Hawkesley's tower blocks, the new QE hospital, suburban lights and the BT tower, as you drop down into the city again via Primrose Hill.
