Photos From My Travels . . . .

[stevieboy378]

Along with cycling ( and music ), photography is a big hobby of mine. However, carting all my heavy & delicate ( and expensive ) cameras and lenses along with me on my cycle rides always worried me - especially as I tend to cycle on rough country lanes and canal towpaths. Consequently most of the pictures from my rides are poor quality iPhone snaps - not very satisfying for a semi serious snapper . . .
A few weeks ago I treated myself to a Canon G12 compact, which has most of the features of my dSLRs, and is small and rugged. So I decided I'd start a thread to share the photos I capture when I'm out and about on The Genesis - hope you all enjoy looking ! !

**click on a thumbnail to view in Photobucket. Click on the Photobucket images to view full size, but beware - some of the images are quite large **

 

[stevieboy378]

Wyrley Branch Canal Nature Reserve, Bloxwich. Amazingly, this oasis of tranquility is a stones throw from the urban sprawl of Walsall and the Black Country . . . .

 

[stevieboy378]

The Genesis - only had this bike a month, and I've already clocked up over 1000 miles - she's a beaut ! !

 

[stevieboy378]

Garmin Edge 800 - I never leave home without it . . . .

 

[stevieboy378]

Rodbaston Lock, Staffs & Worcester Canal - although peaceful looking this lock sits right alongside a busy, and very noisy, M6 - further north and south however the canal is a haven of tranquility . . .

 

[stevieboy378]

Staffs & Worcester Canal, Penkridge. As with the photo of the lock a very busy M6 sits alongside this section of canal . . . .

 

[stevieboy378]

A section of the Staffs & Worcester Canal as it meanders towards Gailey, where it crosses the A5 - this section of the canal is a delight to cycle along.

 

[stevieboy378]

The Way For The Millennium. I've only recently discovered this gem - it is a bridleway, on a disused railway bed, that runs between Stafford and Newport, in Shropshire. I cycled the length of it midweek, and saw only 6 other people along the way - bliss ! !

 

[stevieboy378]

The Shropshire Union canal. This "cut" dances along the Staffordshire / Shropshire border, passing through some stunning countryside scenery. I often cycle the towpath along the stretch from Brewood (where this photo was taken) to Norbury Wharf.

 

[stevieboy378]

Lower Avenue Bridge, Shrops Union canal, Brewood.
Lower avenue was originally part of the approach lane to Chillington Hall near Brewood, and the lane crossed the canal by way of a very ornate bridge. Nowadays the avenue is overgrown, and its always a surprise to discover such a grand bridge sitting alone in the middle of woodland . . .

 

[stevieboy378]

The stretch of the Shrops Union from Wheaton Aston ( where there is a great PUB beside the towpath ) to Gnosall passes through some wonderful countryside. The towpath is a little rough in places . .


As the canal reaches Gnosall it passes through The Cowley Tunnel. The high banks and trees here make this an ideal spot to escape the sun on a hot summers day . . .

 

[stevieboy378]

Norbury Wharf, Shropshire Union Canal. This is usually my destination on a ride along this "cut", and its the perfect place to sit and enjoy an ice cream, or a pint of ale at the canalside pub, The Junction Inn

 

[stevieboy378]

Took a ride to Ironbridge and Bridgnorth yesterday ( Ride Stats Here ) and managed to bag a few shots before the torrential rain arrived, forcing me to stow the camera away in its dry bag. At least my new Altura jacket got a good road test, and passed with flying colours.


Coalbrookdale bridge - a modern companion to its older, much more famous neighbour at Ironbridge.




The Bedlam Furnaces. Its likely that the ironwork of the Ironbridge was cast here . . .




The world famous Ironbridge. I've seen it hundreds of times, but it still doesn't fail to impress me - its a work of art . . .




A list of toll charges on the wall of the tollhouse at the south side of the bridge.




The Mercian Way passes between Ironbridge and Bridgnorth, and is the ideal way for a cyclist to see the Severn Valley. These quaint markers are located along the path . .




The section of the Mercian way from Ironbridge to Bridgnorth utilises an old railway line, traces of which remain. This old station building and platform are at Apley.

 

[stevieboy378]

I managed to reach Bridgnorth just before the rainstorm, and took a few more shots before rain stopped play . . .





The town of Bridgnorth is divided into two sections - Low town, down on the banks of the river Severn, and High Town, on top of the hillside beside the river. The Cliff Railway was built by the Victorians as a link between the two . . .

 

[Fran143]

Fantastic pics and looks like you had great weather.