Parrots, Darth Wader and Tea on the Lawn

Day 1
National Memorial Arboretum to Rangemore
12 1/2 miles
Weather - Hot

Lots of water and lashings of sun protection today as it was a scorcher.  A great day's walking.

The National Forest Way is a new long distance path which was launched in May 2014.  It begins at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire and wends its way to finish at Beacon Hill, Leicestershire; a distance of 75 miles.

The first day's walk began with obligatory photos at the Arboretum and then we were off, that is, me and my walking buddy for the day - Jean. It was a  difficult start as the A513 is a busy road with quarry lorries and tankers whizzing by, two fast slip roads to negotiate and an overgrown, grass verge which was a poor substitute for a pavement.  I would suggest missing out this short section and start the walk in the first village of the day - Alrewas.  Still, it was exciting to see the first way markers for the trail guiding us over the roundabouts.

Alrewas was a peaceful haven after the noise and hustle and bustle of the A513 and A38.  We crossed a bridge and joined the tow path by the Trent and Mersey Canal. It was very peaceful here and there were some interesting narrow boats.  The Darth Wader is a great pun and a very smart boat...

We also liked the grey parrot on the next boat who chatted away to us as we tottered by.  A narrow boat negotiated a canal lock and completed the scene. We left the canal and crossed the River Trent which looked pastoral and benign in the summer sunshine. A gaggle of geese splashed into the river as we passed.

Potters Meadow was a delight; a rural idyll with lush sweet grass being enjoyed by the cows.  I'm glad to say the cows were down the other end of the meadow.

We were soon entering the grounds of Wychnor Park Country Club from where we could here loud music.  We rounded a bend and saw an unusual sight - a troop of young ladies practising disco dancing moves  on the lawn in front of a beautiful house.

Jean had a splendid idea and suggested a cup of tea at the hall.  We sauntered in with rucksacks and hiking boots still in place.  Tea was ordered and we were soon settled comfortably on the lawn with a lovely cup of tea and a marvellous view over the countryside with the spires of Lichfield cathedral in the distance.

As I always say, never miss an opportunity for a refreshing cup of tea because, especially on a long walk,you never know when the next opportunity will present itself.

Yoxall was our next destination and a good spot to stop for lunch.  With two fine looking pubs (both closed today), shops and a post office it's got everything a long distance walker could need.

5 miles down and another 7 1/2 to go and it was very, very warm.
Section 1 of the walk finishes in Yoxall but we were soldiering on to Rangemore today.  We were now heading for Hoar Cross and followed a quiet road for 1800metres (precisely as stated in the guide available on the website).  A right turn by a farm where we met a chatty farmer who was keen to let us know he was sixty years old and asked us if we were lost...!  Then we crossed a small river by a ford where we met a family paddling in the cool inviting water.  We left the family enjoying their day out and we plunged into the cool greenness of a mature woodland surrounded by butterflies and dragonflies.  Soon we were on the last lap - past Newchurch, the airfield and St George's Park National Football Centre.  Rangemore was soon upon us and we found a suitable shady spot to await our transport home.