Sneyd Wharf on the Wyrley and Essington - a friendly place

Friday, 05 February 2010 19:24

More about the Wyrley and Essington Canal

We have moved around the corner of Sneyd Wharf as we were moored on an absent narrowboat's mooring. He is due back soon so we thought it best to leave it vacant. The boaters here are very friendly and have welcomed us, given us advice about the area and a gift of some distilled water.

They also told us that the canal was dredged recently so should be easier to navigate! Thanks everyone!

Can you spot us in this photo? - try clicking on it to magnify!

There is a small book swap here - in the sani-station toilet (!) so I have been able to donate more than I took! It is now on our "Book Exchange" list -  as are details of the hospital where I had my blood test, in our "Cruising with medical needs" section.

We took a walk to the local shops after moving. They are in Mossley, about half a mile up the hill. Buses also run to Wolverhampton and Bloxwich from here. There is a post office, chemist, greengrocer and small supermarket.

I also took the opportunity of a warm sunny day to take some photos of the remains of the beginning of the Wyrley Branch Canal. The map below shows the Wyrley and Essington and its old branches. The Lichfield and Hatherton Canals are both restoration projects.

The Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust website has the history of the Wyrley and Essington Canal, together with some old maps - clickety click

The Wyrley Branch Canal from Sneyd Junction Bridge

The blocked bottom Sneyd Lock

The map above suggests there were 5 of these locks, other sources I have read vary between 4 and 6! However, only remains of this bottom lock and the top lock can really be seen today.

Bottom Lock close-up

The wings of the lock tail have been preserved, all be they are a bit battered. The steps up to the lock side are still intact.

The lock is now culverted and filled in but at the top there are still remains of the brickwork of the jaws. Sadly the "ditch" of the remains of the canal is full of rubbish.

Jaws of lock

Rubbish ditch

The remains of the Wyrley Canal are then culverted under the road and disappear under Vernon Road the other side.

Road culvert

Looking down the canal from the road bridge

The Mercia Way follows the line of the canal and Captain Ahab has covered this in his fascinating Watery Tales. He walked the Wyrley Branch Canal and the Essington Canal which branches away to the west with yet another 5 locks.

Forest of Mercia Way sign

The Essington Canal was thus the highest canal on the BCN at  536 feet. It was built (1795) for Mr Vernon to reach his Pit in Essington. It closed in 1830 when the pit was played out. Captain Ahab has more information about this too.

Returning to today - beside the bottom lock is a pool. It is the home of two swans and made a lovely photo. Note the sad presence of the notice. It seems from other notices around that this area is or was a favourite for young oafish boys (spot the acronym?!) on motorbikes. The M6 rushes away behind the far trees.

Tranquil swan pool

So back to Sneyd Wharf - it is also home to West Midlands Canoe Centre and Arrowcraft Canoe Suppliers. This may explain this notice at the top of the road leading to the Wharf

BW welcome notice

This is the view of the workshops (once BW workshops) that now house these activities - can you spot us at the end?

Workshops at Sneyd Wharf

I was also amused to see the canoe theme very much in evidence - a good way of using leaky ones?

Planter canoe

And here we are - a "curly" mooring on the "Curley Wurley"!