12/08/26 - Rail Trail - The Hawthorns to The Jewellery Quarter

The Winston Green IslandA simple walk from my "Home of Football" and into the City outskirts at the Jewellery Quarter.The Birmingham Canal providing a green-ish corridor through an urban landscape. Graffiti, some of it excellent, rubbish and the most unusual hobo. Living in a tent at a bridge, with a pontoon harbour made of milk bottles to protect his canoe. He is friends to the geese.Today's WalkingTed Lasso Vibes with the Graffiti VibesThere is a detour from the straight line of the Birmingham Canal at Asylum Bridge. The Soho Loop is the original stretch of canal from 1769. This was straightened in 1829, effectively making the Winson Green Island. And what did the Victorians put on this island? You will have guessed the prison - a mock castle building - but there was also the lunatic asylum and workhouse.I was thereAsylum grantedIcknield Street marks the entry into the Jewellery Quarter - as well as a bit of Tom*, you will find some of the city's finest restaurants and bars/pubs.…