We have gained a new perspective

Wednesday, 03 February 2010 17:14

But should we have done it?

Done what? Moved from the Black Country Museum, we ask. In retrospect, perhaps not, as we came through a bit of ice to get onto the Wyrley and Essington Canal. We now really do have a "new perspective" - from an old tunnel view to a modern pub and retail park view!

Epiphany moored this afternoon (where are we?)

Still, on a positive note, it is only an hop, skip and a jump to the hospital for my blood test, the cinema to watch a film, a certain Colonel Sanders establishment, with his neighbour Ronald MacDonald and Mr P Hut too! Oh, and if we need a new bed there is always Nightmares! If we require more entertainment we can call in at the Nickelodeon, if we have a nickel!

So how was the journey, apart from the ice? It was cold, with a few snow and sleet showers and lots of industrial sights. At Tipton Junction, we joined the Wolverhampton Old Main Line again.

Tipton Junction and BCN Old Main Line

The Birmingham Level New Main Line begins to the right at Factory Junction, taking the canal down the three Factory Locks and on towards Birmingham.

Factory Junction

Factory Locks

This is now an "has been"

Our memory of where this Beans Foundry was a little hazy, although we both had a vivid mental picture of it - we now know where it was and sadly, is no more. The Foundry was just past Factory Junction but was demolished in 2008.

The canal is lined with factories, alternating with areas of dereliction. Passing through Coseley and Coseley Tunnel the Wednesbury Oak Loop goes off to the right. This was originally the course of the Old Main Line which curved around Coseley Hill.

Coseley Tunnel was built in 1837, bypassing the contour line canal which once connected to the BCN Walsall and Tame Valley Canals.

Coseley Tunnel 2010 and 2004

Deepfields Junction with the Wednesbury Oak Loop or Bradley Arm

After Deepfields, the Old Line really meanders along - untouched by Thomas Telford - and as James Brindley built it. We were now travelling through the industrial heart of Wolverhampton.

We reached Bilston Road Bridge

Beyond this bridge is the remains of Chillington Wharf, constructed by Chillington Iron Company to move their iron from foundry, via tramway, to the canal. It was an interchange with two arms and basins. Only one basin now remains, with the Babcock and Wilcox 10 ton overhead crane gradually becoming more and more derelict.

Derelict crane

Soon after this, we arrived at Horseley Fields Bridge and beyond, the Junction with the Wyrley and Essington Canal.

Horseley Fields Bridge

Horseley Fields Junction

We turned onto the Curly Wyrley, or is it the Curley Wurley, or even the Curley Whirley ........?

Black Country Museum, Dudley No.1 Canal to Horseley Fields Junction

1 hour 47 minutes, 5.52 miles, 0 locks