High Onn

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Arriving at High Onn after a 3.5 hour event free journey from Devon, it felt like we had travelled back in time. High Onn is only maybe a 30 minute journey from the hussle and bussle of Birmingham and the M5 / M6 interchange, yet High Onn and its campsite could be a 1000 miles away.

High Onn Caravan Club Site

There is not a single sound of traffic, save for the occasional caravan rolling in and it’s a fantastic day weather wise. Hot and sunny with temperatures in the mid 20s.

This Caravan Club site consists of 65 pitches but no toilet blocks – this going some way perhaps to explain why the site isn’t fully booked and why we were able to secure a last minute change of dates.

Our pitch at High Onn:

Pitch 2, High Onn June 2021

The wardens were helpful pointing out a variety of local pubs, all of which were either allegedly closed or not serving food. A couple of phone calls revealed that the Hartley Arms in Wheaton Aston was indeed open and serving food (must update the wardens) so it is time to don our walking shoes and head off on a 3.5 mile walk, much of which is alongside the Shropshire Union canal. The Hartley Arms will be beside bridge 19.

A quick Google search revealed the “bio” of the owners of the Hartley Arms: “Having studied at Birmingham College of Food Phil has worked in a variety of restaurants from a beach side bistro in Fuerteventura to a 2 rosette restaurant in South Wales and Le Caprice in London’s West End. He is excited to bring his knowledge and passion back to the pub where it all began, his first real job was behind the bar at the Hartley.”

The walk from our campsite passed the old RAF Chapel and Cinema and a little further on we passed 2 old green wartime storage buildings.

Wartime storage buildings

The entrance to the old RAF Wheaton Aston airfield was shortly after on the right. Further one we would pass a beautiful black and white building which was originally the South Lodge of Little Onn Hall.

Former Lodge at Little Onn Hall
Little Onn Hall

We would then join the Shropshire Union canal at bridge 23. Just four bridges until number 19, the site of the Hartley Arms.

Nice way to enjoy retirement
Walk along the Shropshire Union Canal
Ducks on the Shropshire Union canal

And finally, bridge 19!

The Hartley Arms, Wheaton Aston

We sat at a table overlooking the canal and ordered Salmon Fishcakes – Moe and mixed Kebabs – Joe.

The food, despite being reasonably priced was just excellent. The Kebabs cooked and flavoured to perfection. The fishcakes full of flaky salmon chunks.

Hartley Arms food

We returned to the campsite via country lanes, which shortened the journey a little as opposed to the canal route. Nevertheless, a decent 7 mile walk for a couple of pints and some very nice food.

Circular walk to Wheaton Aston