The National Memorial Arboretum

It being a fine autumnal day, just not ridiculously hot like recent days, we visited the National Memorial Arboretum, the second time we've done so. Last time, when we drove there with Graham and Cathy, it was very cold and windy and we just went round the areas nearest the car park, including the Armed Forces Memorial, which had not long been opened.

The name of one of Graham's colleagues and fellow trainees from his trade training is recorded there, so it was a moving moment.

Today was rather different; we were more interested in the place as an arboretum and opportunity for exercise, though of course we did pay attention to some of the many memorials there. We went on foot, using the directions displayed on one of the public notice boards in Alrewas:

These worked, though when it says "footpath on the far side of the A38", it means just that. You end up walking alongside the off slip road, then the main carriageway for a very unpleasant few hundred yards/metres. One day, they'll put a footbridge across the A38 from the end of the main road in Alrewas, but not anytime soon, I guess.

It was coffee time when we arrived after about 1½ miles walking, so our first port of call was the excellent cafe. Then we went the length of the Millennium Way, and on onto the riverside walk. This took us to the confluence of the Tame and the Trent. Coming round a bit of a loop sent us back the way we'd come. We took a slightly different route back, but could have gone much further round if we'd chosen or had any energy left; as it was, we'd walked about 2½ miles.

Instead, we got a very good lunch in the cafe, checked out the gift shop and walked home.

The NMA is a remarkable concept. As an arboretum, it needs around another twenty years to achieve its full potential, but it's already both a focus for remembrance and a haven for the flora and fauna of the UK. It's well worth several visits; although you pay to park, entrance to the site itself is free.