Lady Muriel's Belt

Wood, Forest in Staffordshire Lichfield

England

Lady Muriel's Belt

Old Milestone, A461 Modern placement is on the SE side of the road on the grass verge. Installed between 1947 and 1956 according to maps.

Inscription: Lichfield / Parish // Walsall 8 // Lichfield 1½

Milestone Society ID: ST_WLLF08 — Old Milestone, A461 Credit: Ivan Clare

Lady Muriel's Belt is a picturesque woodland area located in Staffordshire, England. Covering an expanse of approximately 200 acres, this enchanting forest is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The name "Lady Muriel's Belt" is believed to have originated from the historical association with Lady Muriel, a noblewoman who was said to have used the area as her private retreat.

The woodland is predominantly composed of mature oak and beech trees, with their sprawling branches creating a dense canopy overhead. This lush greenery provides a haven for a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers alike. Visitors can expect to encounter vibrant wildflowers, moss-covered rocks, and the occasional sighting of deer, foxes, and various bird species.

The forest offers several well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural wonders at their own pace. These trails wind through the woodland, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and providing opportunities for peaceful contemplation. Additionally, Lady Muriel's Belt is home to a small stream that meanders through the forest, further adding to its charm and serenity.

Access to Lady Muriel's Belt is free of charge, and ample parking facilities are available nearby. The woodland is open to the public throughout the year, offering a different experience with each season. Whether one seeks solace in its peaceful ambiance or wishes to indulge in the beauty of nature, Lady Muriel's Belt is a destination that promises to captivate and inspire all who venture into its enchanting embrace.

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Lady Muriel's Belt Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.68624/-1.8518904 or Grid Reference SK1009. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old Milestone, A461

Modern placement is on the SE side of the road on the grass verge. Installed between 1947 and 1956 according to maps. Inscription: Lichfield / Parish // Walsall 8 // Lichfield 1½ Milestone Society ID: ST_WLLF08

Ivan Clare

Track towards Peolsford House

Part of a bridleway/footpath route from Pipehill to Pipe Hall - the route changes designation at an administrative boundary between the two.

Richard Law

Significant work to be done

Some rebuilding work underway on a cottage beside the A461 at Pipe Marsh

Richard Law

Abnalls Lane

The Heart of England Way uses this lane but it is not ideal. The lane is narrow with no provision for pedestrians. A break in the hedgerows would be nice too. To add to the users, it is also part of cycle route 54.

Bill Boaden

Green field near The Abnalls

Bill Boaden

The Heart of England Way near Pipe Hall

The path crosses the field but in its current ploughed and planted state, it is not very easy. Ar present it seems that people are following the field edge to the left.

Bill Boaden

Field edge near Pipe Hall

Looking north from Abnalls Lane.

Bill Boaden

Western edge of Sloppy Wood

Giant Hornbeam trees at the edge of Sloppy Wood, Leomansley

John Sawbridge

East Entrance to Pipe Hall

Mick Malpass

A Field Of Wheat, Walsall Rd, Pipehill

There is a load of lime ready to be put on the ground, when the wheat has been harvested.

Mick Malpass

Field of Sweetcorn, Walsall Road

St Mary's Church spire in the market place Lichfield, can be seen to the left of the old barn.

Mick Malpass

Disused Road from Burntwood to Pipehill Crossroads

Adrian Rothery's photo "Pipehill Crossroads" shows this road before it was bypassed. The road has been diverted towards Lichfield to a new roundabout on the Walsall road.

Mick Malpass

Fossway Crossing, Lichfield.

A rather surprising survivor is the little signal box at Fossway Crossing just outside Lichfield. The box is situated on the former South Staffordshire line from Wichnor Junction (M.R. spelling) to Walsall and was brought into use in 1875 containing a 10 lever LNWR tumbler frame. After an uneventful existence closure came 98 years later on 16th December 1973 when the crossing was automated with AHB's supervised by Lichfield City No1. The box remained however as the crossing attendant's accommodation for times when the barriers were on 'local control'. Eleven years later on 19th March 1984 the through route closed but the double line remained from Lichfield to Anglesea Sidings at Brownhills for deliveries of heating oil to Charringtons depot. Bizarrely the double line was worked as a one-train single line with a train staff, trains going as before on the up and returning on the down merely because of the automatic crossing here. This situation remained until the cross-city line was electrified and with the closure of Lichfield City box on 10th October 1992 control of the signalling passed to Aston and - the opportunity was taken to single the branch line and renew the half barriers here. The final delivery of heating oil took place in 2001 and the branch was mothballed, there are still long term plans to reinstate the through route to Walsall so trains may once again pass this way... In the meantime someone should surely look at preserving this diminutive little LNWR type 3 for posterity.

Nick Allsop