Buckpool Nature Reserve

Today's Canals - Staffs & Worcs, Stourbridge, Fens Branch, Stourbridge Extension

We needed to be sure that we could make a prompt start this morning as we had moored overnight on the lock landing at Wolverley - when we arrived it was the only space near the lock. However, a misread of an alarm clock meant that we were getting up an hour earlier than we needed! The chain was due to be removed from the lock at 9 am but about twenty minutes before then Andrew spotted that CaRT had crept in and already opened up without us seeing.

As a result we quickly cast off before anyone else arrived needing the landing. As we passed under the bridge immediately below the lock we saw what happens if a tv aerial is not taken down at the right time . . . Or perhaps a joker left here rather than drop it off at a tip.

Part way along the next pound we came to the collapsed bank - if anything it seemed that a little more had come away since we were here three weeks earlier. It will be a major repair project and will take some time. We understand that responsibility lies between Severn Trent Water and the Highways Authority. Looking more closely this time we could see the end of a broken pipe which may have leaked and helped with the bank collapse. At least the canal is passable for the moment but the engineering project  may well see some more closures.

The morning was very pleasant, occasional sunshine and reasonably warm. As with yesterday, lunch time saw a swift change in our fortunes, but we are getting ahead of ourselves.

Debdale Lock (the one with the rock cave alongside) marks the end of the restricted section but we had a little wait as a boat was just starting to descend.

Then, as we were almost up to the top a voice called out - it turned out that nb Ellis had altered its route and was coming down the Staffs and Worcs with two of their guests - their canal hotel holiday business is gathering momentum.We saw them - well, Mark - at Stanley Ferry two years ago when the boat was nearing the completion of its fit out. We both published blogs at much the same time detailing the saga of building a boat (or in our case, having a boat built for us) and there were several exchanges of comments over shared experiences! As is always the case, a chance meeting at a lock only allows for the briefest of conversations but it was good to meet in person again - best of luck chaps with the business.

Living in those houses on the top of Cookley Tunnel must feel strange - what is happening to our basement?

This photo is just to show how bright the morning was at times.

We think that this is the first heron we have encountered this year but this one looked very suspiciously at us, flexed its wings a few times as if to take off but waited until we were well past before making a move.

Last trip we had noticed this large modern building on the hill above Clay House Bridge but not looked up what it is. According to Google, it is a large care complex with apartments and nursing facilities on the same site.

A large carpet of woodland bluebells.

At Kinver, Christine walked into the village for a little shopping, including the bakery she visited last time. The others brought the boat up the lock but Andrew then joined Christine in the village. Meanwhile Mike continued on to the service block and began a full range of disposals and top ups! The water tap which was broken three weeks ago has been repaired even if it bypasses the security!

As we came up Hyde Lock an electricity company helicopter made several passes over Kinver but we could not see what it was looking at as there are no major pylons in the area.

We continued onwards to Stourton Junction pausing for lunch before we turned right off the Staffs and Worcs onto the Stourbridge Canal. From the first lock we spotted this stark dead tree in a field, looking through the green shoots of the hedge and with the first of very dark clouds gathering. It was not long after this that heavy rain started to fall. This happened several times during the afternoon but each lasted only a short time.

In the flight we spotted Duck House Hotel.

Shortly after leaving the four locks at Stourton, heading for Stourbridge itself, we had a change of plan and instead opted to work straight up the Stourbridge Sixteen this afternoon and to moor at Leys Junction just after the top.

Approaching Wordsley Junction was could see a boat just about to leave the bottom lock - which meant that we had a clear run almost all the way up the flight.

About three locks up the flight we passed a new housing estate which was only just under construction when we came this way in 2015. At the next lock there was then just a site being cleared of an industrial building but is now replaced by this imitation warehouse as if it had been converted into apartments!

This is the 'real' thing!

Red House Glass Works.

Dadford's Boat Shed - see how quickly the weather changed.

Where old lock gates come to die.

One lock has a new ladder.

Just two hours after starting at the bottom of the flight, we emerged from the top of the Sixteen. Much to our surprise, just as we were ready to leave we saw another boat come in the opposite direction and head up the arm we planned to use. It is hardly a well-known tourist spot, even though, after passing ghrough some industrial works we moored in a quiet spot, part of a nature reserve.

Even more coincidence: when Christine walked up the towpath to explore the end of the arm, she discovered that the other boat moors in the same marina as we have been, although on the far side. They had come the other way around via Birmingham.

10 Miles - 26 Locks