14/07/26 - Rail Trail - Smethwick Galton Bridge to The Hawthorns

Triple Inspiration to Find "Sand Well"A lot going on for a simple walk between two West Midlands Railway Stations.History West Midlands PodcastsMy monthly listen is the opening podcast about the Black Country, focusing on the post WWII glory years. Full employment, workers rights, massive house building. Setting the boomers up for a life of good luck unavailable to the future generations. There is nothing specifically mentioned in terms of people or places to base a walk on. The Bentley Estate in Darlaston a possibility but I doubt it offers much in the way of walking or pubs. The GKN factory in Heath Street long gone. Inspiration was found from the former mining works in Sandwell Country Park. A walk - the Miner's Trail - was found and adapted into the walk.Sandwell Country Park - a pond hiding former mine worksThe real interest here is from a much older age. Three information boards tell all you need to know about the spring that gave the area its name, a priory and a later hall.…