Stourbridge

Today was very much brighter, with blue skies most of the time. However, the forecast did promise some showers which did indeed arrive. Although short in duration a couple were quite fierce.

A Bright Start

For once we were off in good time and made our way down through three single locks. One or two of the locks now have a more permanent solution to the bridge handrail requirement. But not all have been adapted yet!

The bywashes at many of the locks on this canal have a distinctive design to allow better water flows. Unfortunately, they are also a serious hazard, not least to small children, if anyone slips into them. Grids have long been fitted but they do collect debris which can cause a blockage and flooding.

Bratch Top Lock

Before long we arrived at the waiting area above Bratch Locks. Although two boats had just past us another had also just been allowed into the bottom lock so we had to wait. The unusual octagonal keeper's office stands high above the middle lock.

Keeper's Office

Originally these three locks were built as a staircase, with one lock directly attached to the next. However, it was found that they used a lot of water which gave problems with a fairly short pound above. At some point they were modified into three separate locks but with only a couple of metres in between. Side ponds were also added to save part of the water each time a lock was emptied.

Short Gap Between Locks

The locks can easily become a bottleneck and a chance for novices to create problems not to mention potential arguments between boats wanting to enter. This can be especially difficult if there is a continuous stream of traffic. As a result, these locks are normally manned and today, as well as the full time keeper, a volunteer was also on duty and guided us through.

After one more lock we pulled in to moor by the bridge at Wombourne where Google had told Andrew that a Sainsbury store was alongside the canal.

After shopping we continued through more locks but by lunch time dark clouds were rapidly approaching.

Botterham Two Locks

Botterham Two Locks form a more familiar staircase. This means that care is needed to make sure that both locks are correctly filled or emptied before starting to take the boat
through.

Leaving Marsh Lock

Swindon Lock Kissing Gate

At Swindon Lock there is an unusual kissing gate design to control pedestrians as they come out onto the road over the bridge.

Greensforge Lock

We stopped at the services just above Greensforge Lock - we had to wait for a couple of boats already there to finish there disposals. No other boats arrived so we were able to have our lunch before winding up the hosepipe!

Rocky Lock

The canal from here to Stourton Junction is frequently cut from rock - so much so that one lock is named Rocky Lock.

Rain and Hail

By now rain had arrived with a vengeance - at one stage it brought with it a little hail! But as quickly as the rain arrived so it departed and bright sunshine came out once more.

This canal is not as wooded as the Shroppie but is still very rural and there are many picturesque sections.

Stourton Junction and Bottom Lock

We reached Stourton Junction where we turned left onto the Stourbridge canal, starting with a flight of four locks which we quickly negotiated. Below the third lock is one of the original split bridges - the gap allowed a top rope to pass through without having to be detached from the boat.

Tail Bridge at Stourton Locks

At the top, Christine set off on foot whilst Mike and Andrew completed bringing the boat through - she eventually walked the rest of the way through to Wordsley Junction.

Approaching Wordsley Junction

It was now late afternoon and the route ahead began with the Stourbridge 16. So we opted to cruise up the short arm to Stourbridge. Amusingly, another Take Five was in the dry dock being painted! At the terminal basin, alongside the Bonded Warehouse, we winded the boat and returned to the visitor moorings just outside the basin where we moored for the night.

Bonded Warehouse

11.3 miles - 20 locks