Cruising again - it almost feels strange!

Monday, 30 November 2009 19:07

What a fabulous day!

Mr Tesco did his stuff and we loaded up at Wolverhampton Boat Club. I think we have enough food for a while! So we set off in brilliant sunshine - a photographer's paradise!

Autherley Stop Lock again!

Turning right onto the Staffs and Worcs, into the sun!

We were now back on the 10 mile pound between Gailey and Compton. The canal is wooded on both sides and there are only glimpses of Wolverhampton as it skirts the western urban conurbation. The modern houses swallowed the countryside as Wolverhampton expanded, but the canal keeps its rural feel.

The railway bridges are attractive from below

Aldersley Junction is where the 21 Wolverhampton Locks take the boater up the Birmingham Main Line and into the centre of Wolverhampton. We have spotted these locks from the train over the last few months on our journeys south!

Aldersley Bridge (64) is an interesting one (looking back)

It is a turnover bridge to enable a change from the towpath on the Staffs and Worcs to the towpath for the Wolverhampton 21 locks. The arch(es) once led to buildings associated with the Birmingham Canal Navigations. There was a Lock Keeper and he collected the tolls as working boats locked up from the Staffs and Worcs.

Aldersley Junction

Soon we were to leave the summit and start going down the Staffs and Worcs locks. I will continue later!