I set of about 07:45am. The morning was warm at 24degC with a hazy sun. The lane into Claverley was very interesting as it had retaining walls both sides but no footpath. It would be difficult for walkers when large vehicles use it. The village was very picturesque. The centre of the village is called the Bull Ring and to the right is the Post Office building with it’s ‘Telegraph Office’ sign still on the wall.

Claverley Bull Ring

Telegraph Office

The sunken lanes were quit narrow and with the morning commuter traffic the passing places were needed several times. After the short steep climb of Abbot’s Castle Hill I reached the Staffordshire boundary sign. Shortly after the village of Seisdon I reached the bridge over the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal. It was incredibly busy with a lot of large lorries, mostly heading towards Wolverhampton. I was still on the open road but within a mile had reached the suburbs of Wolverhampton and queues of commuter traffic.

Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal

It was mostly stop go until I reached Goldthorn Hill and the left turn along the A449. At the inner ring road I headed into the city centre to investigate. I was well head of schedule so could take my time. In the gardens around St Peter’s Church a sign said ‘This is the oldest place in Wolverhampton.’ It also referred to Lady Wulfruna c. 935-1005. Wolverhampton’s name is derived from her’s and she also founded the city. Straight on I picked up the Railway Station sign and soon reached it to end the ride. I had a reservation on the 11:15am train but it was only 09:15 when I arrived. It turned out I didn’t need a reservation so was able to catch the next train to Manchester which was in 30mins. In Manchester I changed for the Chorley train and was surprised how much cooler the weather felt when I arrive.

St Peter’s Church Wolverhampton