Berwyn Mountains

IMG_0105
Originally uploaded by John Williams ("john the franchise").

It's been a whilst since I made an entry to this Blog. So here goes...

Last August we had a brilliant walk in Wales, and when I get round to it I will update this site and www.jlwilliams.co.uk with the walk details.

Dragonfly Kite

dragonfly
Originally uploaded by john the franchise.

This kite was first flown on 1st April 2005 in Sutton park. It was loaned (given?) by a colleague at work who had brought it back from China some years ago as a decoration. I suggested it ought to be flown instead, so here it is!

About this Blog

My main hobby is kiting in all its forms, but especially competitive sport kiting.

I have flown kites for as long as I can remember, and somewhere in the family albums are pictures of me aged around 8 flying my pirate kite on Woolacombe beach.Interest took another step forward in the mid 1970's when I purchased a "Peter Powell" stunt kite. This kept me busy for many hours, including my days at Birmingham University studying Chemistry. With aluminium spars in, I discovered the art of two line kite fighting to destruction!

Years rolled on and the flying stopped, but a year or so after the birth of my first son, My wife brought me a two line stunt kite for my birthday (1989?). It only lasted a few months, so the following Christmas she gave me an "Aircrafts Zonda Whispa". This made the habit become an addiction. A flexifoil 6 followed for the next Christmas, and there was no stopping me.

In the mid 1990s I discovered the internet, and found that other people also flew kites! This led to me joining the Midlands Kite Fliers (MKF). And I started going to a few festivals and fly ins.

In 1999 I received an e-mail circular from MKF mentioning the STACK BOOT CAMP. I wanted a short break, and this seemed ideal. The weekend was cold, wet and very tiring, but incredible fun, and I made a lot of new friends. I also learnt a lot about kites!

The outcome from this was threefold:

• I ended up buying more kites
• I started taking part in Winter Leagues during 1999/2000.
• I started flying in pairs with my eldest son.

2000 saw my first season in STACK National competition, where I won the Novice class.

I still fly various Shuriken Omegas in pairs, but these are now not really competitive, so are generally avoided.

In 2003 I purchased a set of used Airdynamics T2s. This took my flying to a completely different standard. Then during the middle of the 2004 season I switched to a Carl Robertshaw Fury (skyshark frame) and this moved my whole flying on more still. I still fly the T2 ultralight when the wind is very low. I am still finding out more and more about the Fury, especially when it is "stuffed". It is a very physical kite that deserves its name!

I also make kites. I have a few of my own sport kites which are good fun, and lots of single liners.

Walks Around Sutton Coldfield and North Birmingham

Some Good Walks Around Sutton Coldfield and North Birmingham

In September 2004 and January 2005 we found two super short walks around Sutton Coldfield that are worth sharing.

Use OS map Explorer 220.

Around Middleton Hall and Kingsbury Water Park

Park near the Dog and Doublet pub at 198961.

Map for Middleton Walk

Walk west along the road towards Aston Villa training ground, but beforenyou get there cut north along the foot paths to Middelton hall via the quarries and Coneybury farm.

At Middelton Hall turn right towards Newhouse Farm and head towards the canal.

Cross the canal and return to the start, or extend the walk through Kingsbury Water Park.

This is a excellent and varied walk, with lots of points of interest and a pub at the end.

Allow 2-3 hours.

Around Canwell Estate and Hints

Park near Canwell Caravans at 140003.


Map for Canwell Walk


Follow the private road past the Church and through the estate ( Brick Kiln Lane,Brockhurst Lane, and Rookery Lane). This is a quiet metalled road all the way to Hints.


As you approach Hints. look out for a path on the right after the ford, going up hill to Hints Church. Go through the Churchyard a turn right, following the road to Botley House. Cross the bridge. and go through the field and up towards the woods (Roundhill wood).

All the walk is now on open fields and is muddy in winter.

Navigate to Hints Farm, where you pick up the heart of England way going west. Cross the fields at Stockfields, through the woods to the A38 and back to the start.

Allow 2-3 hours.

©2005 JLWilliams