Out and about: Local Landmarks

Thank you for taking part in Solihull's very first fitness session during Covid-19! This week I set the challenge of taking a picture of a local landmark whilst out and about on your runs, walks or bike rides.

Chris shared two pictures with us - one a bin he uses everyday whilst out walking his dog for you know what… (thanks for sharing that Chris!) and the other picture is our favourite incline for when we’re doing hill training during our normal Group runs. Are you missing us that much Chris?!

Andy shared Solihull’s own wood-carved owl sculpture in honour of “eco-warrior” Edith Holden, a famous former resident – it wasn’t so long ago that we were all enjoying this landmark on one of our own Group runs!

Rachel’s first picture is not really a landmark but of her cat helping (or hindering) her yoga session! The others are from a run she did around Solihull while training for a half marathon. It’s great to hear that Rachel has finally gotten tempted by the idea of a half marathon, and what a good way to stay motivated at the moment!

Our challenge also spread beyond Solihull and it was lovely to see some landmarks from further afield! Thanks to Gwyn, Tracey, and Pauline for getting involved!

Tracey who lives on the outskirts of Derby, cycled to the border between Derbyshire and Leicestershire, Cavendish Bridge (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavendish_Bridge), so she could take a picture of an unusual local landmark that many people will drive by without seeing, as it's set back from the road.

It's a listing of the old tolls for crossing the river. Unfortunately, they didn't take contactless payment, so she had to turn around and go home! It was a round trip of just over 11k on her folding bike; his name is Little Blue (after this cartoon elephant (http://www.toonhound.com/littleblue.htm).

Gwyn is also one of the Derby runners, but actually lives in North Wales. Her local landmark is Dolbadarn Castle in Llanberis.

Gwyn used to work in the village, and her mother was from there. All Gwyn's family lived in Caernarfon with its famous castle, but her mother always said that Dolbadarn Castle was better because it was a proper Welsh Castle. It's at an impressive location at the bottom of Llanberis pass and was built around the turn of the 12th/13th centuries.

Pauline’s chosen local landmark is the original Runcorn Bridge, first opened in 1961. The bridge is Pauline's gateway to visiting her extended family, in Liverpool, and the way she gets to GoodGym Group Runs, Coach visits and Missions! Pauline loves to walk across the bridge, stopping to enjoy the view and take photographs across the River Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal, but mostly, she cycles over to Widnes, and from there, cycle to Liverpool and beyond.

Thanks again for taking part! For this week’s challenge, it’s time to channel your inner David Attenborough and share pictures of any wildlife (or pets) you see whilst out doing your daily exercise!