Chasewater

29th September

On a bright sunny morning we started by completing the section of the Tame Valley Canal up to Rushall Junction where we turned onto the Rushall Canal and shortly afterwards the bottom lock.



The first two locks went well but then a bottom gate refused to shut with something solid behind it. After limited efforts to shift the blockage it was onto the BW help line yet again! Before long the control centre rang back to say that someone was on the way, just as a truck pulled up feet away! They were able to assemble a very long pole with a fork lifting end. First attempts retreived a brick but that was not the main problem. A few minutes later and a large water-logged log was pulled out and we were on our way once more! We were most impressed by the service that BW provided.



At the top lock we stopped for a 'full service' before continuing on to the Daw End Branch. After the long, straight sections of the Rushall Canal, this was quite the opposite: a classic contour canal which meanders around. However, the scenery remained pleasant, despite the proximity of various developments. Only short sections were industrial and none of it obtrusive. The water was extremely clear and it was possible to see plenty of fish - at one time we spotted on at least two feet long.

At Catshill Junction we turned onto the Wyrley and Essington Canal towards Anglesey Basin. The main route of the W & E continued from Ogley Junction but this part has long been closed, followingn the failure of a long tunnel. There are plans to restore the link across to the Coventry Canal. This would transform usage of the northern BCN by creating several 'rings' - routes that would compete with the very popular Warwickshire Ring.



The canal ends below the dam that forms Chasewater reservoir. We moored up and walked up to see the view and took a look at the so-called Innovation Centre (starter workshops and a cafe for visitors to the lake)



Back down the way we had come to Catshill where we took the other turning - another part of the Wyrley and Essington. As the day neared sunset the temperature fell quickly and so, when we arrived at Pelsall Junction (the turning for the Cannock Extension Canal) we spotted a mooring alongside an open public grassed area and quickly decided to make an early stop tonight!