Saltisford

 Today's Canal - Grand Union

We were not as quick of the mark this morning as some days but when a boat passed us on its way towards Hatton Locks, Christine 'suggested' to Mike that it would be a good idea to follow them down in the hope of sharing the locks.

It was a grey sky to begin with and the cruise to the top lock took about 45 minutes with a very pleasant temperature.

Along the way we passed through Shrewley tunnel, juts under 400 m  in length.

As we arrived at the locks the earlier boat was just about to set off down and were quite prepared to share with us. The couple are very experienced boaters which made life much simpler, especially when meeting boats coming up that were not long out of Warwick on their first cruise. The lifting of some pandemic restrictions has seen a mini-boom for the hire companies as people look for alternatives to their cancelled foreign holiday. It will not make up for the earlier losses but none the less welcome for that.

Mike steered the boat down whilst Christine and Jess, together with the lady from the other boat worked the paddles and gates. Again, Jess made a great contribution, coping with a number of different scenarios  which needed a different approach. She was also very good at letting onlookers give her a hand, especially with the tougher paddles - she was able to open and shut all but a couple of the gates on her own, but still encouraged little ones (and sometimes some no so little ones) to lend a hand.

All this meant that it was not possible for Mike to take many useful photos and the first lock he snapped at all was the 14th from the top! Still, they are all almost identical for the one time extra narrow locks not left only as overflow channels. As this photo shows, the sky was still cloudy but the temperature had risen markedly.

Two locks from the bottom and Jess was especially envious of the blackberry picking by her fellow lock operator so persuaded us (as if we needed any!) to stop for lunch in a longer pound two locks from the  bottom. Alas, it was not a good picking zone but some were found a little later. By the time we stopped there was much more sunshine and so we were even hotter.

After a good break, during which Jess showed us her egg scrambling skills (very tasty) we dropped down the last two Hatton Locks. We were rather pleased to be able to look back at the bottom lock!

Just after the end of the flight comes Saltisford Junction.with an arm straight ahead and a very sharp left turn for the main line. This arm once went almost to the centre of Warwick some time after the late 1930's the section after a railway bridge was abandoned and is now built over. 

The arm is run by a small local charity and we know from he blogs of Keith and Jo on nb Hadar that it is well loved by it tiny community of permanent residents. Normally, he arm offers short term moorings and various facilities but in response to the pandemic closures, it is currently not open to visitors.

In theory we were heading for the water point above Cape Locks but as we approached it seemed as if there might not be room to stay overnight so we backed up to one of the few stretches of Armco for the night. Although we are close to Bridge 50A, a local access route, so far it is pleasant, quiet spot and the surrounding suburban landscape and industrial units are screened by plenty of greenery.

6.1 Miles - 21 Locks

Rowington

 Today's Canals - Stratford, Grand Union

At last the promised heatwave arrived but at least we avoided sunburn as the first half of the day was through shaded woodland.

Before setting off. Mike walked up to the main road at Bridge 5 for a paper from the Co-Op. Close by is the Yardley Wood Bus Garage. Much of the frontage looks as if it is a company head office, but what lies behind is betrayed only by the vehicle entrance at one end. Looking at a aerial view it can be seen that the brick building is only a small fraction of the total. It opened in November 1938 it what at the time what a quiet and green area outside Birmingham and surrounded by fields!

We set off by 8:30 for a day with two distinct halves, The first part, taking us close to lunch time, was a level run, mostly shaded by trees which hid the urban sprawl that mostly lay behind the greenery.

About 45 minutes later we arrived at Shirley Drawbridge. A powered lift bride which usually carries significant local traffic, so much that in recent times the immediate approaches were modified so that single handers could work through with much less delay that would otherwise be the case. Even so, most boaters make guesses on how many cars they will hold up. alas for us, the road today was temporarily closed and can only be used by pedestrians and cyclists - and we bagged exactly none! Jess wielded the key of power, following the instructions beside the controls.

This block of apartments was apparently designed by someone or for a developer that wanted to make it look as if it was once a genuine old wharf. Alas, it fools no-one and just looks fake,

A young heron eyed us warily as we passed by.

At Earlswood Motor Yacht Club, the new club house seems to have been finished - last time we passed this way it was still under construction.

At Bridge 20 we stopped long enough for Jess and Christine to pop to Wedges Bakery. They returned with delicious cakes, a loaf of bread and some eggs.

The towpath bridge at Hockley Heath marks a short arm that once served an important coal wharf (the pub still bears its name)

There are two manual lift bridges before Lapworth Locks but the first one was operated by a boat crew just ahead but they were keen to get on with the locks so we let them leave the second one to us. Jess managed to wind it all the way up - no mean achievement for anyone - and most of the way day but Mike lent a hand for the last but as a farmer in his tractor was patiently waiting to cross over.

It was still not quite lunch time when we arrived at the top of the flight - the lock is rather confusing numbered 2 as the number 1 lock is the guillotine stop lock at the start of the canal.

After the second lock the pound is sufficiently long to be considered a mooring spot and we were able to find the one bit of shade, even if hammering in pins was rather an effort!

After lunch we continued down the flight - smooth progress only interrupted by a couple of boats that were a bit confused by passing in the very short pounds. Some of the locks are also strangely aligned as the canal passes in a far from straight line.

Also, the sun was very much in the wrong direction for taking photos - but that at least saves you ,. dear reader, from having to wade through photos of lock after lock!

We were able to buy chilled medication from the small shop two thirds of the way down . chilled because it is iced and medication because it made us feel much better!

Fewer boats around now and we really whizzed down the last part of the flight, working in a well-drilled team, each with their own role to play. Jess is able to make a real contribution to our speed but all three of us found the paddles hard to work, much more so than we recall from last autumn. Also, the heat seemed to have driven the volunteer lockies away!

At the final lock we went straight ahead even though we were aiming to turn left towards the Grand Union. This was so that we could call at the services, empty elsan and fill the water tank (the rubbish bins are at the last lock)

Servicing completed we were then able to pass along the short link to Kingswood Junction where we turned right to travel southwards towards Hatton - but that is for tomorrow. The plan set first thing this morning was to moor as soon as we turned the junction but whilst we were servicing, Christine recalled that one of our favourite moorings at Rowington is not far away so we carried on for another half an hour. This spot was completely deserted - unlike the earlier Tom O' The Wood which was packed.

Time then to turn our attention to preparing the meal - much of it done by Jess who is rapidly becoming a keen cook. A little earlier she started on a mint and lemon tea drink, which then was allowed to mature. But now she turned to a pizza. Cheating a little compared with how they make them at home, we used up a packet pizza base and we had bought a jar of topping at Droitwich. Jess was keen to use a particular cooking tip that she had picked up (heating the pan in the oven before transferring the fully made pizza later) However, we had rolled out the base quite thinly and not thought through what we needed to transfer it. IN the end it turned into a calzone which was actually quite a positive bonus. Mike made a green salad and everything easily disappeared at meal time, accompanied by the completed cordial.

12.5 Miles - 19 Locks

Jess arrives and we get as far as Lyons Boatyard

 Today's Canals - Worcester and Birmingham, Stratford

This morning offered bright blue, cloudless skies. We moored overnight opposite Alvechurch Boatyard and Hire Base - we had arranged to meet Joanna and Jess here late morning, having driven up from Windsor.

Although this turned out to be a surprisingly quiet spot, the yard was open for business at least by 7 o'clock. The hire business seems to be picking up well and there were several boats returning and to be turned around for the next crews to arrive this afternoon.

Christine walked down to the village and, as well as calling at the Co-Op for a paper, she went into the nearby butcher who was very happy to supply what she particularly sought - a local pork pie.

We were updated on car progress and when they were just a few minutes away, Mike walked up to the bridge to avoid them missing us.

After chat, it was time for lunch. For the first time Mike had made a loaf of bread on the boat, using a bread mix for simplicity. It turned out very tasty, almost malted grain flavour. If we were at home he would have used a packet on two separate days but luckily he made it all up as over two thirds went by the end of lunch, as well as almost all of the pork pie.

The blue sky had disappeared and for a while we had a slight shower. Before we set off, Mike checked the weed hatch only to discover that some electrical plastic covered wire was entangled around the prop shaft. Not the easiest to remove - sad to say, he now much prefers real weed!

Time now to cast off and Joanna stayed on board a while, walking back to her car from just before the Wast Hills Tunnel.

A little north of Alvechurch the new Withybed Marina is open for business and most of the moorings appear to be taken. It seems to be simple marina with a few facilities on a plateau above the moorings.

The vegetation is now well developed and the scenery generally very pleasant.

A sharp bend accompanies the entrance to the former Bittell Arm, now largely overgrown and denoted as a conservation area.

Joanna left us just after Bridge 69 and set off back to Alvechurch whilst we prepared to enter the long wast Hills Tunnel. Although the information boards suggests this will take us an hour, we emerged just 30 minutes after starting. We passed two boats coming the other way. With the second, Mike discovered why he normally is very careful about stowing the side fenders when leaving a mooring. Alas the reminder left us minus the rear fender and top rail hanger, accompanied by a distressing crack!

Shortly after leaving the tunnel we called for at a water point long enough to fill the tank - but there were no other services here.

At Kings Norton Junction is the sad sight of the burned out former toll house, still wrapped up awaiting repair and restoration.

We continued for another three quarters of an hour before looking for a mooring. We passed through the much shorter Brandwood Tunnel. Just after passing the Lyons Boatyard. Alas we could not find anywhere with a tv signal so Mike will have to forgo tonight's episode of his favourite Vera.

Jess did most of the work in preparing tonight's fish pie.

8.1 Miles - 0 Locks

Alvechurch

Today's Canal - Worcester and Birmingham

We awoke as usual (for this time of year) around 7 and, without rushing, had breakfast and were ready to set off just before half past eight. Although we were just along from a busy pub with extensive outdoor facilities, we were not in anyway disturbed.

We had been promised sunshine 'tomorrow' for most of this week but once again the day started rather grey - and for quite a bit of the afternoon there was light drizzle, occasionally heavier.

We quickly adopted our usual rhythm and were looking to reach the top of Tardebigge by late lunchtime.

At the second lock we had quite a crowd of onlookers. Later in the flight the numbers were similar but human!

After the fifth lock we were greeted by quite a gang of volunteer lockies. One at first (a former army colonel!) soon joined by another two and finally a fourth. (There was even a fifth later who was helping a boat coming down)

Although they did not take over, they were quite keen on doing as much as possible. In our first hour we completed seven locks but with the lockies help our rate rose to close on 11 locks an hour for the middle two quarters of the flight. And some people even managed to take advantage of ringside seats!

The locks, apart from the top lock, are all close together and there was not a lot of new things to photograph. 'Doing Tardebigge' is more about the physical achievement than the scenery!

boats

Half way and one of the lockies joined up with the fifth to escort the boat coming down - we only passed two boats in the entire flight. The lockies were somewhat disappointed that there was not more traffic for them.

Two of the former lock cottages have substantial radio antennae - do they talk to each other?

We knew that we were not far from the top when we arrived at the reservoir - the level looked down but perhaps that is 'the New Normal' since there has been little boat passage and quite a lot of rain in this season so far.

One of the locks has recently had an emergency repair to the top balance beam. Se think that this is the third we have seen this year using this technique. Becoming the latest fashion? Better than an extended closure anyway.

We finally arrived at the top - bidding farewell to the volunteers - and emerged into the pound above three hours and 33 minutes after entering the bottom lock. Possible the fastest we have ever done it, but still way off any records!

A short distance to the wharf and the services. We only had disposal as the water tank was still quite full. When finished we moved across to the visitor mooring on the other bank - alas no rings or bollards so it was out with the hammer and pins!

A slightly longer lunch break followed during which we pondered our options and communicated with Windsor. Joanna is bringing Jess up by car to stay with us for the next week. In the end we opted to look first for a mooring at Alvechurch which is just a few minutes from a motorway junction.

But first we had two medium length tunnels to negotiate. In fact they are almost motorway standard for canals - very straight and with two way working, not that we met anything in either of them. The information board at each entrance gave a transit time of 20 minutes but we were through in about eight.

Our guide map notes two visitor moorings at Alvechurch, either side of the road bridge. The first was empty - but only room for one 60ft boat and opposite the marina, but the other longer one was occupied with boats that looked as if they did not really understand what 48 hours meant!  Guess where we tied up!

No newspaper at the marina so Mike walked down into the village - rather further than he bargained for and the last part is a noticeable hill. The usual 'why are they here' shops (such as a wedding dress shop, and an insurance broker), two or three cafes, a pharmacy and a Co-Op. We only needed blue top milk for Jess as well as the paper. Not long to pick them from the shelves but at least a five minute queue to get in - one in one out was the operation. 

5.3 Miles - 30 Locks

August Trip - but not yet the heat wave

Today's Canals - Droitwich, Worcester and Birmingham

After barely a fortnight back home, which had been a rather fraught time, we were more than ready to set off once more even if we might have to spend time sorting 'things' by phone or email.

We drove up yesterday - the motorway was again mostly remarkably quiet with only a few stretches that could be called anywhere near busy (especially in comparison with previous years) We arrived at the marina around 1 o'clock having had our lunch sandwiches on the final part of the journey.

The boat seemed well and we unloaded - not a lot as it was a short break at home and we planned to do most of our food shopping in the afternoon, staying in the marina overnight.

The only problem was, when sorting out medication at night time, Mike discovered that he had packed only 2 of his daily contact lenses instead of 20! Whilst he can cope, it is a risk that he may have eye strain - he only needs a lens in one eye for normal activity, using reading glasses for close work.

First thing this morning we went into Droitwich town centre to visit an optician and collect a newspaper. Alas, 'regulations' prevented them for even considering assisting.

Back at the boat a last try was to speak to Sanders, our own optician in Wadebridge, who was, as always, most helpful. We had identified that Specsavers had several branches within a short driving time from the marina so she emailed the prescription to their call centre in Kidderminster. They promised to come back by 1 o'clock.

So, we unhooked ourselves from the pontoon and crossed the marina to the diesel point where we topped up - Christine picked up a large container of plums being sold by the two small children of the marina manager. (They were not there but photos encouraged donations!)

Eventually, by half past eleven we could set off, planning to go up the top three locks of the Droitwich and wait at Hanbury Junction for the phone call. If necessary it would only be a ten minute walk to fetch the car.

We were on our own for the first two locks but then could see that a solitary blue figure was preparing the top lock for us. This seems a popular place for volunteers but most are more interested in the weekends which are busier.

Alas, when we eventually had a call from Specsavers, none of their local branches had anything suitable in stock. It seems that most opticians have gone over to holding very little stock, even of small quantities, and have orders sent direct by post - this happened at home earlier in the lock down, for the first time. Whilst this might be better for the opticians profitability, it does mean an expected wait of almost a week at the moment!

So, we opted to have lunch on the go during the short run to the bottom of the six Astwood Locks.

The second lock up is called Astwood lock and has a well maintained cottage, now a private house, but with a very full garden on the offside of the lock.

At this and the next lock we spotted coping bricks from different manufacturers. Pynson Wilmot Bennitt (who had an MA from Oxford) was a brickmaker at Littlefields in Oldbury and in 1881 he was employing 30 hands. However, ten years later the business had become bankrupt. His father developed the business and at one time was one of the largest in the area. Pynson Wilmot also played a role as an officer in the Queen’s Own Regiment of Worcestershire Yeomen Cavalry. (see) 

Joseph Hamblet must have been persistent: after following his father into brick making he is recorded as twice being hauled in front of a court for being insolvent, first in 1847 and then in 1851. However it seems that his fortunes changed quickly and later than year founded his own brick works in West Bromwich, rapidly becoming one of the largest producers of the famous Staffordshire Blue bricks (as in the sample above) This reference contains a photo of him in 18709 holding a contract for 74,000 bricks, his largest order to date.

Nearly three o'clock as we were half way up the Astwood flight, darker clouds started to appear and for the rest of the afternoon we had several intermittent, but thankfully brief, light showers.

The former Stoke Works, a very significant and well-known salt producer in the past, has now completely disappeared, apart from this towpath bridge which passed over a very short arm into one of the works buildings for loading.

Nearly done for the day at the top of the six lock Stoke flight. There is only a short distance to the start of the very long Tardebigge flight so we hopes for an overnight mooring just below the flight.

The Top Lock Cottage, again now longer for a lock keeper, has looked well maintained when we have passed this way for several years. Comparing photos, it seems hat the main obvious change is to rebuild or extend the single storey section at the rear of the property.

Fortunately there was room for us at the visitor mooring - well, not on the official stretch with rings, but armco next along. Good enough for tonight and it means that we have a start in the morning straight into seemingly endless locks!

4.8 miles - 15 Locks