Tampol one

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Walked from Polesworth to Tamworth on a fine spring day. A straighforward and fairly direct route, mostly by the canal. I had no problems with the Polesworth end - the path down to the abbey was clear, but I did opt to use the path over the river rather than returning to the road which I had just walked up as part of POLATH 2. There are no facilities in the middle third (other than the pub at Alvecote Marina which requires a detour to cross the canal) but there are plenty in Polesworth and Tamworth.

From the meeting point at Polesworth we go south through the gatehouse towards the Abbey. Ignoring the diagonal path, we turn right along a lane that takes us to Bridge Street where we turn left (or alternatively take the prettier surfaced path left over the footbridges). At Tamworth Road we turn right, staying on the north side. We go up a short hill to reach the canal, where we turn right.

From here we stay on the towpath on the north side of the canal all the way into the suburbs of Tamworth. It is not surfaced all the way, so there are places that can be muddy. Eventually we reach Amington Road, which crosses the canal slightly diagonally - we bear right just before the bridge and follow the path out to the pavement, then follow the road straight on (at the railway viaduct the pavement goes one arch further right than the road). At the roundabout we go left, then follow the pavement past Lidl, then cross Saxon Drive and go straight onto Saxon Mill Lane, then up Mill Lane and left onto George Street (plenty of bus stops here) to the Tamworth meeting point at the next junction.

We walked Polesworth to Tamworth on a dry cloudy December day. Very easy level walking with no gates or stiles to impede progress the surface is compaced stone along the canal and pavements alongside roads. I could tweak the route at both ends using Abbey Park and the footbridge at Polesworth and underpasses and the Castle Park at Tamworth. The basics are here so you decide on minor alternatives. The road into Tamworth was quite busy mid afternoon. I did explore a detour along a footpath passing the 16th century Pooley Hall but sadly the hall is hidden, only a war memorial adds any interest. I also had a break from the towpath through Pooley Fields Nature Reserve, fields is misleading as the area is woodland, so recommend neither. To explore the Priory marked on OS maps cross the canal bridge but Wikipedia says of the remains “both the ruined priory and dovecot are on the Heritage at Risk Register due to vandalism and water damage”.

A really nice walk starting in Tamworth. The first section is quite noisy but you are kept away from traffic before turning left into leafy lanes under the railway viaduct. The next section is along relatively quiet side streets past many shops and pubs before reaching the Coventry Canal. The canal takes you all the way to Polesworth. The section in Tamworth is well used and very friendly. Well tended gardens back onto the side opposite the towpath. As you leave the urban section you head into the countryside of Hodge Lane Nature Reserve. Heading into Warwickshire from Staffordshire (the border appears to be a stream which passes under the canal). With birdsong for company, the atmosphere is relaxed. Shortly into Warwickshire you pass Alvecote Marina which has a pub if you need refreshments. After more woodland and having passed under the M42 you soon find yourself in Polesworth. The village is pretty with a crossing of the River Anker and is well served for eateries and shops. The only problem I had with Tampol One was the route from the High Street to the meeting place which cuts down a side alley and follows a narrow dark overgrown footpath rather than the clearer footpath across the Green or even better stay on the High Street before turning right (as Tampol Two does). Overall one of the best Slow Ways I've walked.

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