A Day out around Alrewas

Yesterday was such a beautiful day that we decided to visit a place we had been planning to go for ages and never got round to, due to one thing or another. We set off through Stone and headed out to Rugeley, getting a little confused because the new bypass was open - interesting in itself because it took us right by the power station which had always appeared in the distance on the other side of the town on the original route. We detoured a little in our search for the village of Alrewas passing through the lovely village of Armitage before we eventually found Kings Bromley and the turn we needed. We passed through Alrewas intending to stop and walk on our return and headed out towards our goal - the National Memorial Arboretum. We spent a couple of hours walking around this wonderful, peaceful place which was suffering so much in the wet weather. The River Tame which runs at the back of the arboretum had burst its banks in places and many of the tree lined routes and in particular the Road Peace garden, were squelching underfoot and standing in pools of water. Apparently 10,000 pounds worth of trees have been lost this last year because of the wet weather. Of course everyone wanted to view the latest fixture the amazing Armed Forces Memorial and as you can see it is stunning in proportion.

We then returned to the village of Alrewas, parked and walked by the Trent and Mersey canal. The sun was so bright that I could hardly see to walk along the towpath let alone take photographs.

Along the towpath we passed the church of All Saints and then wandered through the old village around the church and back to where we had parked the car near the bridge over the canal.

Below is one of the pretty houses in the centre of the village - I love the chimneys on this one.

Then it was on to Fradley Junction where we ate our picnic. Afterwards we walked along the towpaths either side of the canal. In the photo below you can see where the Trent and Mersey Canal joins with the Coventry Canal.