Hockley Heath

Today's Canals - Digbeth, BCN, Worcester and Birmingham, Stratford

As forecast , today remained dry and and at times it was quite sunny and warm although by late afternoon it was definitely autumnal chilly.

We were off in good time leaving our overnight stop outside the National School for High Speed Rail behind us.

We retraced our route to the junction where we turned left onto the BCN, heading for the 13 Farmers Bridge Locks. Just before Barkers Bridge we saw this unusual building. Looking at maps it seems that it is or was a textile factory.

The start of the flight is almost invisible - almost all of the lower two thirds of the flight are buried under buildings.

In some ways it looks as if the canal was threaded carefully through all the buildings - except that, of course, the canal came first!

Developers have become increasingly tempted into dense rep-use of former industrial land to create more and more apartments. Workers on this site told us that each will be sold for over £400,000 with an annual service charge of £10,000. Not 'affordable' housing, then.

This printing works remains somewhat incongruous amongst the surrounding apartment blocks.

The last few locks are rather more open - even a few trees insist on intruding into the landscape.

The pounds between the locks are very short and when another boat comes from the opposite direction it takes some skilled steering to dance round each other.

Just an hour and a quarter after arriving at the bottom lock we were out of the top at Cambrian Wharf and moored at the service block.

Just above the locks is the former toll house - an information board tells that at the busiest 5000 boast a month passed through here and gas lights were installed so that 24 hour operation was possible.

Whilst Andrew completed the usual servicing, Mike and Christine walked up to the nearby bridge and around to Austin Court, a conference and wedding venue owned by the IET, which is the organisation that Joanna now works for.

Back at the boat, Christine walked a short way along the towpath (passing the back of Austin Court) to where a group of volunteers ere working on a small herb garden. One of the group explained to here that it was created last year on a patch that was just rough ground. He readily gave here a bunch of herbs for our culinary use.

At Old Turn Junction we turned left towards the Worcester and Birmingham Canal.

At Gas Street Basin we left the BCN behind and headed out of the city along a route which the later railway followed very closely.

We passed though the short Edgbaston Tunnel where the towpath has recently been widened to cope with the pedestrian and cyclist traffic which is much greater than the boat traffic! Although this means that it is now one-way working rather than two-way, it is unlikely that many boats will be inconvenienced.

Alongside the huge Birmingham University site, a micro business (ie one man) is trying to develop a business that he calls pod boats which are very small and correspondingly  cheap. They can either be towed behind a standard boat as an extension (or store room) or perhaps used in some places as very compact living accommodation. He was inspired by reading about the effects of a disaster in Haiti.

As we neared Selly Oak we saw the spot where the Lapal Canal originally joined the Worcester and Birmingham. We were a little puzzled as we knew that a new Sainsbury store development is also helping to restore the first part of this disused canal. However, the old junction heads straight into one of the new buildings on this site. The puzzle was solved later when we discovered that the canal is being diverted a short distance to come out alongside the next road bridge.

Shortly after we pulled onto the visitor moorings close to the Battery Retail Park so that we could do some shopping at the nearby Sainsbury. As we had an unfortunate experience ten years ago when shopping from here only two of us went, leaving one on guard!

When the shoppers returned we had our lunch but set off so that most of us had our food 'on the run'. It was a short run to Kings Norton Junction where we turned right onto the northern part of the Stratford Canal. Just after the junction we passed through the former guillotine stop lock, used to control the flow of water from one canal to the other.

This photo is just because it looks interesting!

The next section is largely tree-lined and, as autumnal colours develop, rather pretty.

Before long we arrived at Shirley Drawbridge which, as it is a busy crossing, is fortunately mechanised. Quiet a good haul of waiting cars - at least 17! It did give Mike a brief concern as nothing happened when he first pressed Close. Eventually it decided to respond but the button did feel a little precarious.

We continued perhaps a little further than we might otherwise have done so that we could reach a mooring that was sufficiently open for a tv signal. Earlswood Motor Yacht Club is based at Lady Lane Wharf and their moorings extend some distance along the feeder arm from the Earlswood Reservoir, built in the 1820's to feed the Stratford Canal.

After passing under the M42 (yet again!) we found the spot we were seeking, just before Hockley Heath and moored. This leaves us only a short distance before the top of the Lapworth Locks and an even longer almost continuous set of locks down to the River Avon.

16.3 Miles - 13 Locks

Aston University

Today's Canals - Birmingham and Fazeley, Digbeth

Although it had rained quite substantially overnight, it was dry when we awoke and stayed so all day and, despite being permanently grey, it was remarkably warm for mid October.

After setting off in good time we immediately passed under Double Bridge before tackling the rest of the Curdworth flight - we came up the first three last night.

These locks are very easy to operate and we made good progress. The first couple of pounds were longer but as we neared the top lock they became ever closer together.

Most of the locks in the flight have their own numbers, substantial and different from any other flight. Most have flowers planted around or near them although they are now well past their best.

Lock 4 is not yet at the top of the flight but does have what was once a substantial maintenance base - we saw a team of three volunteers a little earlier as they made their way with their equipment to do some cutting back on vegetation.

Just after the lock there is a good view of the M42 - it has been close to the canal for some distance but is rarely to be seen clearly. Although we drove up the M42, this bit is just after where we turned off for Fazeley.

The top lock is quite new as it had to be moved when the M6 Toll was constructed. The various intersections close to here are quite complicated and so it must have been worth the cost of a new lock to be able to follow the alignment that it does. Looking at older OS maps, it looks as if the original lock was right under where that bridge is today.

Just after we had passed through the very short Curdworth Tunnel we were flagged down by the chap on a moored boat who asked for help. Not wanting to leave him stranded we pulled alongside and it turned out that what he wanted was a jump start as his battery was flat. We gave it a good try but his leads were really not substantial enough and although his engine turned over (just) it was not enough to get it going. In the end we had to leave him with his engine still not started as there was not much more that we could do. He really needed someone with the right equipment but we're not sure whether he will be able to afford that.

It looks as if repairs to the next bridge are almost complete. At a guess this was yet another case of a vehicle taking the bridge took quickly and demonising a large chunk of the walls. From the number of reports that we hear of similar cases, quite a bit of CaRT's maintenance budget seems to have to go on such works. If only the driver would report the accident then their insurance would have to cover it - if only!

And so to the bottom of the three Minworth Locks - which are all quite spaced apart.

This row of houses beside the second pound were only just being started when we came this way in April last year. This was once the large Cincinatti factory site. One home lowner has a.lready done a lot of work on enhancing the canal side bank.

Just below the top lock there was once a comprehensive service block as well as a rubbish disposal point by the lock cottage. Alas, over time all but the water point have been closed. However, Mike had flagged down Christine, who was steering at this point, to moor before he realised that the Elsan station was abandoned as well (despite having a clear sign)

Having moored up, Christine felt that this would be a good place to have lunch! (Despite the last lock being ready for us) Her red pepper soup from yesterday evolved with the addition of some chorizo sausage that Andrew had found on his market foray.

The busy Tyburn Road that follows the canal for some while seems to becoming a centre for car dealerships. There were several large ones and yet another under construction. One even had a multi storey car park to keep its vehicle stock!

The Birmingham, and Fazeley then runs alongside an elevated motorway.

And then we reached Salford Junction - the first bridge is the start of the Grand Union Canal whilst the middle bridge is the remaining section of the B&F whilst the right hand goes up the Tame Valley, currently closed for maintenance to some of the locks.

That's our one - with a short aqueduct over the River Tame to follow - almost buried under the network of roads and bridges at various levels.

We paused very briefly at Cuckoo Wharf for Elsan and Rubbish before continuing to the bottom of the Aston Flight of eleven locks.

This section has a significant number of towpath bridges that once gave access to wharves and arms that served the numerous industrial works that grew up alongside the canal.

Whilst there is still plenty of industry in this part of Birmingham (elsewhere it seems to have all but disappeared\) there are some re-developments. The architect here must have had fanciful ideas of building a new canal arm to encourage deliveries by water!

Again, the upper part of the flight gets ever closer and the top few pounds had to be built with extensions to hold enough water otherwise when a boat passed through there would be insufficient water for another boat to follow.

Arriving at the top lock we had to make a decision about our overnight mooring. It was, by now, just after 4 o'clock but we had been progressing at almost 10 locks an hour, Turning right would take us to the 13 locks of Farmers Bridge and a rather late arrival into the centre of Birmingham. Left would enable us to moor at some renovated 48hr visitor moorings outside Aston University and its department training a new generation of railway engineers needed for the construction of the HS2 project. There is a winding hole opposite the mooring.

Whilst Mike and Christine brought the boat up to the junction, Andrew walked down to the mooring to sus out their suitability. He returned with a positive assessment and so discretion took over and - with 22 locks already under our belt - we took the easier option!

10.1 Miles - 22 Locks

Bodymoor, Curdworth

Today's Canal - Birmingham and Fazeley

A thoroughly wet day! The forecast this morning (different from even last night) was for continuous rain until around 4 pm, after which it would be dry. Actually, the rain did stop just about on cue but, alas, the forecasters forgot to tell it about the dry-for-the-rest-of-the-day bit as it resumed about 45 minutes later.

Driving on the motorway was tedious and rather slow - Andrew eventually gave us an ETA of midday at Droitwich Spa Marina, he had taken a different route than originally planned and was a little earlier. This meant Mike had to forgo the mug of coffee that was almost made and set off post haste.

They met  up as expected and drove back to Fazeley Mill in Andrew's car. T his will make the end of the trip car shuffle a bit speedier.

By the time they arrived back at the boat and unloaded the pile of bags Andrew had acquired from his local market we were all ready for Christine's soup - red pepper. She had also walked up to the nearby Tesco Express but it was a bit of a disappointment, especially on the bread front. At least they had a newspaper.

It was around 2.30 before we unplugged the boat from the shore line and cast off. We had planned to fill the fuel tank before leaving but another boat had just arrived and wanted both pump out and fuel. We waited a shirt while but it was clear that they were not leaving any time soon so we went out of the marina entrance and tied up on the towpath so that we could return the marina its gate key and also empty the elsan.

Finally we were properly away and headed own towards Birmingham (well, given we were at Fazeley and the canal's name is Birmingham and Fazeley, what else could we do?!)

After about 45 minutes we reached the bottom of the long flight of locks - many of which are quite spread out.

The new brand colour has even reached here. When first announced earlier this year, the impression was given that it would be rolled out as items needed replacing in the normal on-going maintenance but it does seem to have popped up in most places rather quickly!

We came up three of the locks and moored just beyond the pub and some rather good visitor moorings which were largely empty.

In the wall alongside the third lock we saw what may well have been a small hut for a lock keeper to shelter in. It came complete with central heating (!). As ou can see, frain does not make a good day for photography . . .

Time now to prepare dinner - as we were travelling yesterday we opted for our weekly roast tonight.

3.6 Miles - 3 Locks

Back to Fazeley Mill

We were not able to get away from Wadebridge until almost 1 o'clock but we did pack most things into the car last night. The longest delay (almost the only one) was at the road works traffic lights in Bodmin. After filling the fuel tank at Asda we were able to really start on the long ride. Apart from the first hour up to Exeter where we join the motorway, the rest of the journey was on the M5 until about six miles from the marina. There were some speed restrictions in two or three places but no actual stoppages. We arrived at the marina just after five o'clock.

The car was unloaded very quickly and Christine had the fire lit even before Mike had brought the first items down the pontoon! At least here they have long pontoons and we were able to load the boxes through the side hatch as we moored the right way around (not, admittedly, deliberately!)

For once we returned to the boat with no new problems that we could see . . . hope this bodes well so fingers crossed.

We will not be able to leave until the middle of the day tomorrow as Mike is taking the car down to Droitwich where Andrew, who is joining us on this trip, will pick him up and return to the boat.

Fazeley Mill Marina

Today's Canal - Birmingham & Fazeley

Yet another bright start to the day -Mike was off in good time this morning (well, nine o'clock anyway) for the short run back to the marine. We filled the water tank at the public point just outside the marina entrance as by now the washing machine was doing its stuff and we were somewhat low.

Moving inside, we first paused at the service wharf as we not only needed the sani station but also a replacement gas bottle. That done, and our mooring fees paid, we were directed to our allotted place. This is probably the first time we have been into a marina with multi-boat pontoons - they do take a little care in manoeuvring especially as we opted (as it seemed most but not all of the other boats had done) to reverse. At least that will mean and easier getaway in a fortnight's time.

The person in charge of the marina as well as several of the long stay moorers all proved very chatty and Mike had to get away to do the car shuffle. His advance research had shown that there was a  choice between taking a bus into Tamworth (with about 8 minutes walk either end and train via Rugby) or to Wilnecote (with 25 minutes walk and train via Birmingham New Street). The fares are the same either way.

Local advice was firmly in favour of the walk to Wilnecote even if the time was somewhat underestimated!

The walking route to the station is straightforward and Mike ended up with a twenty minute wait before the train arrived (on time). The only problem was that there was no ticket machine at the station and the train manager opted not to check tickets. As a result Mike had to buy it at New Street which is never a speedy process. The new layout at New Street seems to involve passing through ticket barriers umpteen times - well at least three, or was it four? A quick dash to WHSmith for  a paper an a 'meal deal' meant that Mike jumped onto the train with less than a minute to spare!

On the way he phoned the taxi company we used when collecting the car from Gayton and a car was ready and waiting at the bottom of the steps as he arrived at the station. A few minutes and only £10 later he was deposited at Weltonfield - the driver was very keen to make sure he dropped off right next to the car even though this meant driving around the basin to the far side!

The journey back was almost uneventful except that the exit from the M6 is currently surrounded by road works ('upgrading to a smart motorway') and the temporary lane signs seemed at odds with the permanent ones wit h the result that Mike came off at the wrong place. Luckily this did not cause much delay as the A road runs parallel to the motorway until the correct intersection. Part of the reason is that, having once inadvertently taken the M6 Tool - a fee and a long diversion - he is now paranoid about this particular intersection which at times seems to be intent on enticing drivers onto the toll road regardless!

Meanwhile, Christine had just about completed the laundry and cleaning that she had planned, although chatty neighbours kept interrupting her in order to tell her their life stories!

Later in the afternoon we drove a shirt distance to the nearest Morrisons for a few items, re-stock our cleaning materials as well as rolls for our journey home tomorrow.

That's it - sorry, no photos this time.

1.8 Miles - 0 Locks