I go to Hints whenever I feel like getting away from it all - most of my favourite cycle rides pass through the village on the outbound stretch. I regard this sleepy hamlet as being my gateway to eastern Staffordshire. Below is a map, showing the location of Hints, and my favourite route to it (highlighted in red) - from Canwell in the south west, down Brick Kiln Lane, through the ford where Rookery Lane and the Bourne Brook cross. A larger, more comprehensive map can be viewed by clicking on the smaller excerpt shown. I scanned this from a 1:25000 OS map, so if the HMSO want to sue me, so be it....
The journey from Canwell takes the traveller by surprise... starting out at the fringes of Sutton Coldfield, from the stomach-churning traffic of Bassets Pole and the A38, one soon finds oneself in a sleepy rural backwater, passing the sleepy, solidly geometric Canwell church, the wooded shade of Brick Kiln plantation and gradually descending into the valley between Brockhurst and Gorsey Hills. There is very little traffic here; the only vehicles being passing farm plant and the occasional householder (this is a private road covered as a right of way by various footpaths and the Heart of England Way), very little noise and truly spectacular views towards Tamworth to the west, and Hopwas to the north. Passing farmyards and cottages, the eerie sight of Crow's Castle, a small but prominent hill crowned with a small copse, is the last landmark before the short climb to the woodland known as The Rookery... thereafter a rapid, challenging descent into the Bourne Brook valley ensues, culminating in the ford, a tranquil, shady and quite picturesque area. From here, one can climb the hill towards the village, or take the path westwards through the copse and up to the churchyard.
I usually spend a little time in the churchyard, sitting on the bench and enjoying the outlook back towards Canwell. I can honestly say it's one of my favourite places in the world. The church itself is a weathered, handsome monument and can be seen easily from the A5. Here's what Henry Thorold had to say about Hints in his excellent book, 'Staffordshire, A Shell Guide' (Faber And Faber, 1978 ISBN 0-571-10516-5) below...
'Hints
The curious name apparently derives from the Welsh word 'hynt' meaning a road, and the village is just off Watling Street. A lane dives off the A5, and descends into an abrupt and pretty valley, past a large brick farm house, to the church. The churchyard descends still further into the valley, where flows the Bourne Brook. The church with its bellcote is not large, but it is an accomplished design by Oldrid Scott fl882): 18 and 19c monuments to the Lawleys of Canwell Hall (q.v.), and to the Floyers of Hints. Hints Hall was pulled down after the Second World War - a two-storey brick Georgian house, each bay divided by giant Corinthian pilasters, with low central pediment, and parapet adorned with urns. It was a handsome house.'
Find out more about Hints and its' history at www.hints-village.com.
