Hockley Heath

With Mike returning today for an over-night stay in our 'other life', it was up to Christine to write the blog.

Mike having been seen off to New Street Station, she and Andrew set off - first to go passed the Security guards on Brindley Place, all ready geared up for the Conservative Party Conference starting this weekend. With the security fencing and gates in place, the security barriers brightened up with tubs of flowers - well something has to look good about a Tory presence (sorry, I mustn't let my political leanings loose in this blog!) At least the security guards standing in the sun were happy; Christine was disappointed that Take Five did not look sufficiently a security threat to deserve searching.

Soon Take Five was through to Gas Steet Basin and round the corner at the Mailbox. So it was then out of the city down the Worcester and Birmingham Canal to King's Norton Junction before turning onto the first section of the Stratford-on-Avon Canal.

Edgbaston Tunnel

For several miles, the rail line travels alongside, crossing over at various points. Was that Mike's train we saw among others? He didn't wave! On through the short Edgbaston Tunnel, then passed the University of Birmingham, with a Hydrogen powered boat and Solar boat moored on the canal.

Soon we were at Bournville and its purple painted station but we were not tempted to stop to visit Cadbury World.

 

A mile further on came the King's Norton Junction, where Andrew executed a competent turn into the Stratford canal. Immediately there is the guillotine lock no longer in use but remaining an attractive feature.

It was a beautiful sunny autumn day, not as cold as previous days had been. This part of the Stratford canal was the first section opened in 1803. It passes through beautiful wooded shallow cuttings for most of its length to Lapworth Locks - all very attractive, with the sun shining through the leaves. It was just a pity that the trees prevented us seeing that sun! The towpath was very muddy and the bank in poor shape, which made mooring for lunch difficult. Bikes and trail bikes can't help - which is unfortunate for walkers along the path.

However, after lunch, the towpath seemed to be improving. Andrew decided to get off and walk, arranging to meet up at the bridge before the motorway. He had read about a village bakery that was highly recommended near Bridge 20. Christine was quite happy to be left to steer, especially when he returned not only with special bread, but also with a large pork pie - and two especially sticky and delicious cakes. Well is was now teatime! Mike - sorry you can only hear about them and hope to come this way again!

By just after 5 we had passed Hockley Heath and were a short distance from the top of the Lapworth Locks. We had come out of the cuttings at last, there was a good bank against which to moor - and Andrew was hopeful of being able to get a TV signal above the hedge.

A text to Mike, a 'phone call from him to catch up and time to settle down for the evening.

15.3 miles - 0 locks