Leaving Birmingham City Centre behind on the BCN

Monday, 25 January 2010 19:51

Oh - it does feel good to be moving again!

We have done a fair bit of cruising today, with lots and lots to see! We were pushing water instead of ice! We investigated BCN Canal Loops, Arms and then ascended the Old Main Line at Smethwick Junction.

I can only give you an overview tonight, but will give you links to the "history" when I can!

Proof we have moved - our mooring at Brindleyplace is empty!

We had already "done" one of the BCN Loops - Oozells Street Loop - so it was time for new territory.

First we turned on to the Icknield Port Loop. At its apex is the 1895, Grade ll Listed Canal Depot, now used by BW and some of its Heritage Fleet.

Scorpio (BWHF) approaching from Icknield Port Bridge

Other heritage boats were moored here south of the extremely low bridge (7foot 6 inches) before the Depot. There are some interesting buildings here - this is a panorama shot of the Depot.

Behind is Edgbaston (Rotton Park) Reservoir - we visited the reservoir when we first arrived, before the snow! Leaving the Icknield Port Loop we crossed the Main Line at Rotton Park Junction and onto the Soho Loop: the longest loop and the only one with a towpath all the way.

Contrasts on the Soho Loop

A bout halfway round, we turned down Hockley Arm to explore this to its end.

There are permanent narrowboat moorings here and one visitor mooring. There was an interchange station here (it was formerly owned by the railway). The old dry dock is now wet and looks rather neglected!

At the end is a BW sani-station

Having gone right to the end, we winded and returned to the Soho Loop. This now passes Winson Green Prison (once an asylum?) before ending at the Main Line again.

The prison is hidden by trees. Further on  - is this like the Traitors Gate at the Tower of London?

Interesting sculpture opposite, before the aptly named Asylum Bridge

If you would like to follow our loop explorations in more detail have a look at our BCN Loop Album - clickety click!

Back on the Main Line we reached Smethwick Junction and ascended the three Smethwick Locks. This bit of our cruise deserves a blog of its own .......

BCN: Birmingham Main Line, Brindleyplace moorings to Smethwick Junction

2 Hours 42 minutes, 3.69 miles, 0 locks