Alvechurch

Today's Canals - Stratford and Worcester & Birmingham

Apart from a short period at the end of the afternoon, sunshine was pretty much in short supply. As a result, the temperature was remarkably low for mid-August, more autumnal. We did have a couple of short but sharp showers in the middle of the day but otherwise it stayed dry.

We had moored overnight not far from Bridge 20 so that we could make a visit to Wedges Bakery, just a few hundred metres from the canal. It was obviously popular as another couple of boats were moored up and the crews returning with goodies from the shop.

We bought a couple of interesting loaves of bread, a pork pie and some cakes - and few other items. Not long after setting off again we tucked into one of the cakes with our first mug of coffee!

The route of the canal continued very green, occasionally encountering a few houses but largely isolated.

Shirley Drawbridge

As we approached the Shirley Drawbridge we could see a boat moored up on the approach with a couple of the crew making their way to the control panel which controls the mechanism. we were a bit puzzled as, having opened the bridge, one of them started to walk slowly back to the boat! At least they waved us through. A notice by the landing instructs boaters to bring their boat into the waiting area immediately ahead of the bridge deck so that they interrupt the traffic as little as possible. Whilst drivers and passengers cheerfully waved at us as we came through, it may have been different by the time this other boat eventually moved off!

By the time we arrived at Bridge 5 it was lunch time. There is a water point here as well as useful nearby shopping. Mike organised the water filling whilst Christine went in search of a few items, including the usual paper and milk. She also found a replacement gas match and also a reduced pack of stir fry so that settled what we will be having tonight!

As we reached Bridge 3 we could see an construction ahead which we passed carefully - it turned out to be the burnt out hull of a former cruiser. Sad to see and we wonder how long it will be before it is removed.

Brandwood Tunnel Southern Portal

Brandwood Tunnel came into view - on the northern end is a depiction of Shakespeare but we wondered who was supposed to occupy the alcoves on the southern end, currently empty.

Shortly before Kings Norton Junction we passed through the guillotine stop lock - no longer used for its original purpose. As explained on the adjacent interpretive board, fears over one company stealing another's water meant that a very small difference in level had to be maintained.

The junction is wide, allowing working boats, and later those with butties, to make a smooth turn in either direction. This panoramic photo perhaps makes it look even wider than it actually is!

We now turned southwards onto the Worcester and Birmingham canal, still on the same level as we have been all day.

Wast Hill Tunnel is 2493 metres in length and took us 35 minutes to negotiate. It is wide enough for two-way working and is very straight - so that the end can be seen even before entering.

As this photo shows, blue skies returned after we had completed the tunnel (it was raining when we went in!) and the rest of the later afternoon was much pleasanter.

Christine jumped off the boat at the next bridge for a chance to walk ahead of the boat along the towpath - she also (misguidedly) took pictures of Mike and the boat.

OK, so we will have the silly one as well!

A striking cottage stands at the entry point of the feeder from the Upper Bittell Reservoir (it cannot be seen from the canal) which feeds this level of the canal. Just after, we could also see the Lower Bittell which is significantly lower than the canal.

 

 

According to http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/domesday/dblock/GB-400000-273000/page/12 and other references, the lower reservoir was built to ensure that the canal did not disadvantage local businesses that depended on a good water supply.

The former Crown Meadow Arm is now closed to boats and has been allowed to develop as a nature reserve.

After passing the large Alvechurch Marina we went only a short distance before finding an overnight mooring, ready to tackle the notable Tardebigge flight in the morning.

15.0 miles - 0 locks