As you are aware I’ve spent most Sundays since March recording The Long & Shot Of It podcast with Sean and Sammy either in Walsall or Tamworth, alternating between the two for each episode. Tamworth involves the not exactly punctual 11.07 am train from Walsall with a very brief window to negotiate that bridge at Rugeley Trent Valley before catching the the train to Tamworth.

We recently finished series one so how did I spend my first Sunday off? Of course I was on the 11.07 train from Walsall, back on the Chase Line but this time only as far as Cannock. It was a late decision to go to Canock, my previous plans collapsed and when I saw that Tony, landlord of Newhall Arms had a cloudy sour lemonade IPA on I thought I need to try that. I summonsed my great mate “Comedy” Dave who lives that way and it was game on.

I went to Linford Arms first, the local Wetherspoons. Service was quick and friendly with plenty of seats available so all good so far. Comedy arrived and we had a really great chat, mostly about me which is one of my favourite topics for discussion.

We moved onto Newhall Arms. The music was good, ale excellent and barmaid friendly. More discussions, and I’m not sure how we got onto it but Dave asked if I’ve had passion fruit. I replied yes but apparently it doesn’t count when it is in cider form. The last pint here was the lemonade IPA which was really good. It was worth the trip over to sample it. After a very decent hour and half or so, a large amount of which it took me to eat a packet of crisps much to Comedy’s disgust we departed. Dave headed off and I went for a pre train pint in The Arcade.

Again there was a friendly welcome from the barman although he went down in my estimation a bit when asked who performed Common People which was playing and he didn’t know. There was no option for me to offer the answer like on Bullseye which was disappointing. There is a good range of beer in here but also Scotch Eggs, including a balti variety which I’ve never seen before. I wanted to try one but I was far too excited.

I took a seat, and Enola Gay by OMD came on. I pondered going back to the bar to see if the pop quiz was still on but I couldn’t be arsed. There is now a retro gaming machine in there and once vacant I started to check out the games on it. This was to prove a bit too distracting as the next time I checked my phone my train was in 6 minutes.

6 minutes? I can make that. I necked my drink and departed. Of course I hadn’t factored in that the train to Walsall is the other side of the bridge, plus there is that very long upward ramp to get to the platform. The train was pulling in. I had no choice. Run. I don’t run very often. The last time I think was about 3 years ago when I was chasing my then work colleague Giggsy round the office with a breakfast sandwich while singing “Gavin would you like some sausage?”. You will have needed to see the epic but somewhat bizarre comedy film Freddy Got Fingered to get that reference.

Anyway it felt like running up the travelator at the end of the assault course on 90’s tv show Gladiators. As I neared the top of the ramp a passing lady said “go on, you can do it”. I know not if she was offering genuine encouragement or taking the piss but if it was the latter I would have been disappointed that she didn’t go the whole hog and start humming the Chariots Of Fire theme. With all the people about it could have turned into a right rendition. Everyone loves a impromptu flash mob song.

Anyway I thanked her, took it as encouragement and made the train. Unlike at the top of the travelator there wasn’t a rope for me to swing onto the train. Shame as that would have looked cool. I’m so unfit and spent until the next station Landywood gasping for air. I had to alight here as the next port of call Andys’ Ale House in Great Wyrley was to be visited. I was here for its opening night but sad to say I’ve only been back once which is poor on my behalf. I struggled to find it initially which in a way was good as I’d got my breath back when I finally walked in.

Great micro pub is this, run I believe by two fellow Walsall FC fans both called Andy. Every Sunday they do a cheeseboard which I’ve really wanted to do and what timing as I got to sample Double Gloucester and something called Charcoal Cheddar for the first time. Both superb as was the beer.

I caught the next train and when back in Walsall I visited The Watering Trough and Walsall Arms to break up the arduous walk home.

Another cracking day.