Oldbury to Dudley - but on the canal!

Saturday, 30 January 2010 21:39

We travelled this bit of the Old Main Line (Wolverhampton Level)  on a cold, blustery, mostly dry day

We last did this trip (the other way) in October 2004 and having an ancient Nicholson Map book (the same one as we had then!) we were curious to see what had changed.

Oldbury Boat Services are no more - they were just after Stone Street Bridge.

Today, into the sun

2010 and 2004

Seven Stars Bridge, January 2010 and October 2004

There has been a radical change at what was Chemical Arm or Valentia Wharf. There was an Arm here which served the Chance and Hunt chemical factory (later taken over by ICI), this was filled in  and then Allen Boats took over the area with their boat building and the more modern name of Valencia Wharf was adopted. Once this ceased the short remaining arm was used for mooring boats.

Moored boats in 2004

Now there is a modern Garden Centre and tea room that "welcomes boats". We moored temporarily on the pontoon there to see if they had some coal - they did and John got 4 bags to top us up!

Looking back at the modern Valencia Wharf

Modern factories now line the canal and it seems that some of them think about the comfort of their employees and do not entirely ignore the canal - even if the area is full of health and safety notices!

Factory picnic site

Bradeshill Junction is where the Gower Branch leaves the Old Line to meet up with the New Main Line or Birmingham Level.

The three Brades Locks lead down to that Branch

Many of the bridges have been modernised or rebuilt and faced with brick, but it was good to see Gilbert's Bridge still in it's original form, the date on it is 1889.

Only the graffiti has changed - 2010 and 2004

We crossed the Netherton Branch on the Tividale Aqueuduct, here we could look to the tunnel into the sun or up the branch to Dudley Port Junction.

John had a chat with some cyclists who had come up from the Netherton Branch onto the aqueduct. They were bemoaning the vandalism that had destroyed the water point here and also the BW service station below.

After Kier's Bridge there is a modern housing development (it was here in 2004 in much the same state). The basin is still unused and the mooring rings look inviting - but are the locals?

Moorings and empty basin

Looking at my 2004 photos I was amazed that I had taken very similar photos as I did on this trip! The fireman's door on Dudley Port Bridge is a typical example. Note that the rope has gone, and it needs a coat of paint!

Fireman's door and hose roller

Randalls Bridge is one of the "new" bridges I referred to earlier - the fireman's door has been reinstated

2010 and 2004

Coneygree Rail Bridge is still there - and still derelict

We waited for the 12 gun salute in vain!

Soon Tipton Junction was in sight

The signpost points to the Stourbridge Canal. This is via the Dudley No. 1 Canal, but only if your narrowboat can negotiate the very low and narrow Dudley Tunnel and is electric or can be towed. No engines allowed! You can take a ride on a trip boat though - a fascinating experience.

At the Junction we turned left into the arm which leads to Dudley Road Bridge

Along here, after some 48 hour moorings, is the arm that leads to Dudley Tunnel and the Black Country Museum

We took another left turn into it, after passing this sign on Dudley Road Bridge

We found a very convenient mooring right by a water point and just before the canal entrance to the Museum. Opposite are permanent moorings and the BW sani-station, a little way back.

This will do very nicely, thank you!

Saturday was to be our Black Country Museum Day - and as I write we are both very tired from an very interesting tour around the Museum. Highlights soon!

BCN, Old Main Line - Oldbury Locks Junction to Dudley No.1 Canal, Black Country Museum

2 hours 6 minutes, 3.56 miles, 0 locks