Birmingham

We were treated to a lie-in this morning - now that we no longer had Andrew to keep us on our toes! After a lazy start to the day, Christine made arrangements for mooring at Sherbourne Wharf. Next, we wandered into the city centre to do some shopping and to find out about train times back to Heyford for tomorrow. Christine was especially pleased to buy several items of cold weather clothing including a fleece had with flaps to cover her ears!

After lunch we took a 'local' trip around some of the BCN byways. Even here in the centre of a industrial city there is plenty of wild life. With several herons around so there must be some real fish in the water.



As we made our way along the Main Line we passed a pair of heritage boats.



There are many reminders of the importance that the canal once had for industry - the now-blocked entrances to wharves off the canal would once have been major points for loading and unloading. We explored the Soho Branch which, like many other places, is gradually having its edges softened by the progressive growth of greenery. Alongside the canal is Winson Green prison. The bridge over the canal that once gave access to the site is called Asylum Bridge, no doubt a reminder of how the place was originally developed.



Having failed to find the facilities on the loop, we headed up the Smethwick locks onto the Wolverhampton level. Immediately above the top lock is the entry to Engine Arm which begins with a narrow bridge foillowed by an aqueduct over the New Main Line. Christine was somewhat apprehensive about making the turn - which she duly did perfectly and then looked smug about it!





At the end of the short branch we found rubbish and sanitary facilities - and a turning space (so we did not have to return along the arm in reverse!) - but no water point, despite the sign at the outset. Time then to go back down the locks and straight back along the Main Line to moor in the centre of Birmingham once more.