Tyrley

 Today's Canal - Shropshire Union

Although it has been a rather cool and mostly grey day, we have not had any rain - so that is a plus! 

We were away soon after 9 with just over a mile to the only lock of the day ay Wheaton Aston.

Almost immediately we crossed the short but quite ornate, viaduct over Telford's A5. Even though modern motorways have been built to take much of the long distance traffic, this road still carries a continuous stream.

The first photo shows not only the splendour of these cuttings but also how steep are the banks. A tree had fallen recently but has now been cleared. The stoppage notices for some of these falls has emphasised that it is often the huge tree 'plate' - the top disc of roots just below the surface - that is the heaviest and most difficult to remove. In this case it could be left in situ. 

Wheaton Aston lock is on its own, with very long pounds either side. Although it was against us we passed though remarkably quickly. This is often a bottleneck especially in the busy season with queues building up either side.

We stopped only briefly at the service block to empty the elsan as we felt that it made more sense to take on water later at Norbury Junction where we should be by lunch time.

Just under the next bridge we then called at Turner's Garage to fill up with diesel. The options ahead of us are largely marinas and will be rather more expensive.

With much of the canal in deep cuttings, the accommodation bridges are necessarily much taller than on other canals.

We were puzzled by this mound just before Gnosall. We wondered if it might be medieval or earlier but the old maps gave us little clue.Indeed, it is not on the 1880 map but appears by 1900. So we remain in the dark!

Some of the cuttings cut through hard rock are only just wide enough for two boats to pass each other.

We stopped as planned at Norbury Junction and filled with water before moving to the nearest mooring space for a lunch break.

These two swans at Cheswardine Wharf seem to have a good clutch to hatch out. The one behind was sorting out some soft material and passing it to the mate to put around the eggs, perhaps to help keep the eggs warm.

With rock cutting like this it can sometimes be easy to forget just how much physical work went into its creation. At the time little other than very basic equipment was available, just a large number of navvies.

Just at the end of the above section the banks are less steep but more unstable earth and loose rock. A recent tree fall brought down other material including a very large rock. Whilst the tree itself has been removed the stone is work in progress and meanwhile the towpath is closed at this point.

This bridge really does justify its name: High Bridge - although the next one soon after looks about the same height.

We arrived at the visitor moorings just above Tyrley Locks where we hoped to be able to moor for the night. (Going down the flight of five would have meant a rather late stop) There is only room for a small number of  boats and we were relieved to see just one space left ready for us!

19.3 Miles - 1 Lock

Watling Street, Brewood

 Today's Canals - Birmingham Main Line, Staffs and Worcs, Shropshire Union

We awoke to a rather wet morning. We needed to fill our water tank but another boat had moored night on the water point just behind us, Then another boat arrived and also wanted water so, rather than stay in a queue we set off quite early (for us) intending to fill at Wolverhampton.

Just outside the museum grounds this open space is getting a makeover, with a durable tarmac path down to the canal.

Even a couple of decades after the 9/11 attacks, conspiracy theories still abound.

We made good time and reached the services by just after 10.30. Sadly, unlike the tap at the Black Country Museum, this one is remarkably slow and it was almost an hour before we were filled up.

A short distance later and we started on the Wolverhampton 21, a flight of locks that took us down to the level on the Staffs and Worcs for the start of the Shropshire Union. It was only damp when we started but the rain quickly worsened and we could not avoid being soaked. Nevertheless we made good progress and first nine locks were completed in an hour.

A few locks on and we were delayed for one lock by a single hander who had taken refuge in one lock to avoid the worst of the rain. Christine set the next lock for him but also offered him the opportunity to stop on a lock landing and dry out for a while! Like a gentleman he took the hint and let us pass.

For several locks near to the incinerator we were treated to some sunshine and blue skies but alas we could see that it would be short lived and indeed the rest of the flight was again completed in rather heavy rain.

Many railway lines were built go service the extensive industries in the past and plenty still remain - there are several bridges and large viaducts over the canal lock flight.

As soon as we turned out onto Aldersley Junction we moored up on some convenient bollards for a welcome bowl of soup and the rest of lunch. We completed the flight in two hours and thirty minutes.

Soon after we set off again the rain cleared away and most of the afternoon was pleasant - dry and warm.

We entered the Shropshire Union through the stop lock at Autherley and then headed almost straight for miles towards Brewood. This canal is famous for being built in very straight sections with plenty of embankments and cuttings. The latter gave problems from the outset and last to this day as the technical calculations at the time of construction permitted much steeper slopes than the ground conditions can sustain. Almost every winter there are land slips, sometimes blocking the canal for a while. But let us nio be too critical - the engineering was pioneering for its time - as shown by the difference between construction in Brindley's and Telford's days. The former had to follow the  contours whilst the latter just went where he wanted to go!

The stretch right at the start has land to the east which we have seen before as a popular open space. It is getting more paths with all weather surfaces.

A turnover bridge.

One of the problems that was found with building canals on embankments is when there is a breach. Far more water drains out that would be the case with a contour canal. In an effort to counter this, stop gates were built at strategic points. Many have not been maintained in a working condition. This set close to Pendeford Bridge look as if they were installed some time after the canal was built.

We eventually moored for the night just before the crossing over the A5. We did have to cope with the famous Shroppie Shelf which left us some distance from the bank!

The rain meant that we were rather limited in photos for the morning. Then, after lunch and when the sun started to poke through, the former phone we use as a camera started to complain that it was almost out of charge but when we plugged in that it detected moisture in the charging port and refused to play ball. Once the battery was exhausted we could take no more. Only after we moored did it revive itself.

14.3 Miles - 22 Locks

Tipton

 Today's Canals - Worcester and Birmingham, Birmingham Main Line, Dudley

We awoke to a very wet morning, but as we were on a mission we made a slightly earlier start than usual. We had heard about Mad O'Rourke's Pie Factory near to the Black Country Living Museum at Tipton and fancied them for our meal tonight.

It really was wet for the first couple if hours but at least half an hour was in the relatively dry Wast Hill Tunnel. Consequently there are no more photos for the first part of the day.

Around 11 we arrived at Selly Oak where we stopped on the visitor mooring so that Mike could make a short trip to Sainsbury for a top up. On the way he saw that work on the new junction to the Dudley Canal had started. This is the first phase of a long term restoration plan which may eventually link up with the Lapal Tunnel. The initial work is the result of collaboration with the developer of the adjacent site who make the contribution in return for planning permission.

Approaching Birmingham University we passed under the Steam Bridge, a bright shiny tube that crosses both the canal and the railway line. Although we have seen it many times before we have always wondered why it has this name. It seems that in 2014 the University invested in a new Combined Heat and Power plant in order to reduced its carbon footprint and save costs. This bridge carries the steam pipes from one part of the campus to the other. The outer material was chosen to last for 60 years without maintenance - because of the difficulty of doing so over a busy railway line.

When we came this way last autumn, the footbridge to the re-developed University rail station had just been lifted into place. The construction of the approach ramps is now underway - the signs still promise completion this year.

We had been used to seeing the University's experimental Hydrogen boat moored just after the station but this year it has disappeared - it long looked unused. It seems to have been replaced by another project based entirely on pedal power! (sorry we did not manage a better photo)

By midday we were passing through Worcester Bar and the centre of Birmingham.

The Arena has had various names since it was built, reflecting firstly its change from sporting to entertainment events and then evolving  sponsorship deals. It is now branded the Utilita Arena.

The Icknield Port Loop continues to be developed. This latest block, along with the rest of the site, seems to have limited architectural imagination. No doubt maximum housing density was a priority.

After passing under the ornate Engine Arm Viaduct, we passed a very busy water supply, transferring from the higher Wolverhampton Level down to the Main Line.

Shortly afterwards we stopped on one of the rare mooring places on the Main Line, alongside the Smethwick Pumping Station. The bank appears to have been recently planted with daffodils.

The former Chances Glass factory was built in 1824 and supplied glass for the Houses of Parliament, the faces of the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), the original Crystal Palace and lenses for over 2000 lighthouses. 

The main building is visible from the elevated M5 motorway. Sadly it now looks in a perilous state. There is a plan to regenerate the site but progress seems slow so we hope that it will get somewhere before the building collapses.

At Watery Lane Junction there was once a canal that connected to Toll End where many of the cast iron bridges on the BCN were made. Today, Caggy's Boatyard is the only remaining working facility in the city.

We continued to make good progress and just before half past three we arrived at the three Factory Locks, just as another boat was coming down the bottom lock, This meant that all the locks were in our favour.

The middle lock has what seems to be CaRT's currently favoured ,means of extending the life of a balance beam beyond its natural span. Hopefully it will be on the replacement list soon.

At the top we turned left towards Tipton and then down the first part of the Dudley Canal to Museum, where, after winding, we moored for the night.

Whilst Mike set about composing this blog, Christine and Andrew sorted out a collection of painting materials that had been put in one of the back deck lockers,rather hastily on Friday as they were otherwise occupying the cabin that Andrew would need from Sunday. Not only were they creating a strong smell (lack of tightening of the lid of a tin of thinner) but were inappropriately sharing the locker with potatoes and other bulky veg. Much went into the nearby skip and the rest found space (after a similar cull) in the other locker. We might now pass a Food Hygiene Inspection . . .

Later, Andrew went to Mad O'Rourkes but, as this blog has been completed before his return, we will have to keep you waiting for a Gourmet Report.

19.1 Miles - 3 Locks

Hopwood

Today's Canal - Worcester and Birmingham

With the long Tardebigge flight immediately ahead of us, we set off in good time, arriving at the bottom lock by 9:23

We quickly settled into a rhythm with a satisfying efficiency. Ahead of us was the single hander we came up behind yesterday - he passed by soon after 7 this morning. After just over an hour we had caught him up and he generously pulled in to allow us to overtake.

Near Lock 39 is one of several former lock cottages, now in private hands. The occupants of this one has long had a giant array of radio masts - wonder who they find to talk to these days?

A few more locks and there is a small car park mainly used by volunteer lock keepers. They appear to have a shiny new 'welfare' cabin - perhaps it is hired in for the season. Alas, it was not in use today - the single hander will be disappointed as he had been hoping for a bit of help. After about the mid point of the flight he was rewarded by the only vollie on hand today. On this occasion this assistance made a real difference, bringing the single hander up at much the same pace as we were making.

We the reservoir is reached you know that you are nearing the top of the flight. By now the wind had picked up and blew quite strongly across the open water.

Reservoir Lock is number 53 and the right hand bottom ghate  as a standard number plate. However, the balance beam of the other gate is inscribed No 11. We wondered what has been the history of this beam. It certainly look fairly venerable.

By the time we arrived at the top of the flight we were so keen on mooring up for lunch that we forget entirely to take any pictures of the arrival. However, our GPS log indicates that we exited the lock at 3 hours and 35 minutes after entering the bottom lock and that we completed the main 29 locks (that are all close together) at an average of just under 7 minutes apiece.

After lunch we crossed over to the service point and did the usual range of tasks. We then set off into the entrance to Tardebigge Tunnel.

Just beyond is a former wharf which is now home to one of Angle Welsh hire bases. It looked as if all their boats are out apart from one that was in the midst of an initial handover.

Across an open field it is just possible to make out HMP Hewell. This prison has had the dubious distinction of a succession of damning inspection reports and part has been closed as a result.

We had a slight delate at the ABC Alvechuch Marina whilst a boat was craned out onto a hard standing.

Just before we passed under the M42 motorway is what looks as if it were once an arm, perhaps to some long forgotten works. However not so - this was once the main line but a new section was constructed to avoid too steep a gradient on the road. We looked very closely but could not make out just where it originally re-joined.

Some significant restoration work is being done to the house at the point where the Bittell Reservoir feeder joins the main canal. We assume that was originally a cottage for the company employee responsible for monitoring and maintaining the feeder weed free.

By now we were looking for a mooring for the night - we did not want to go through Wast Hill Tunnel tonight as we know that there is  little good mooring for some distance afterwards. We went through Redditch Road Bridge 67, banking on there being space at the official 2 Day Visitor Mooring in the distance beyond. We were fortunate as plenty of room and good mooring rings as well!

7.9 Miles - 30 Locks