We have returned, Ryder's Green Locks came first

Monday, 15 February 2010 19:33

We are back in Brum!

Last night we decided that we would return to Birmingham rather than go up the Birmingham Main Line to Tipton once we reached Pudding Green Junction. We needed coal and diesel which we could have got at Caggy's Boatyard near Tipton, thus almost completing circle on the BCN. However we have an eye as to where we would like to go next, though a couple of days in Birmingham would suit us!

So we left the Ocker Hill moorings (BW operational moorings - visitor moorings, if empty after 6pm)

The Branch is mainly residential moorings for narrowboats

We turned right onto the Walsall Canal and as we turned we picked up a fleece on the prop! A bit ironic really as the workboat Diamond was just leaving to litter pick on the Tame Valley Canal (it needs it!).

Waiting around for the "down the 'atch" Helmsman

Ahead of us was the Ryder's Green flight of 8 locks but before them we encountered an UWO (underwater obstruction) in  Hempole Bridge bridge-hole. 

Hempole Bridge

After Hempole Bridge there is a very low railway bridge

Looking back you can appreciate that both of us had to duck. Then Ryder's Green Locks appeared, the bottom gate of the bottom lock (8) was open. There was a lot of rubbish in the canal just before it and yes, John had to go down the 'atch as we arrived in the lock - this time a scarf and various bits of plastic. Was someone gradually undressing as they walked down the towpath?

Ryder's Green Bottom Lock (8)

In the pound between this lock and Lock 7 we encountered more UWOs - under Brickhouse Lane Bridge and more seriously under Wellington Footbridge. There is an Asda nearby and we counted at least 6 trolleys under the water - reported to the "Trolley Line"! We ground over them and managed to get into Lock 7!

Wellington Bridge and in Lock 7 after Great Bridge Bridge

By the time we got to the next lock, we had decided that the pounds were very shallow, as we were churning up silt and leaving a black trail in our wake. It was time for me to do some locks and leave John to deal with any problems!

Looking up the lock flight, locks were closer together now. Somewhere there was a bonfire too!

Locks 5 to 1

Just to prove I did do some work - Lock 5 top gate

By Ryder's Green Road Bridge is the Eight Locks pub - it has some fine etched windows and from the top lock looked as if it could be a bit "lively"!

Eight Locks pub from Lock 2

We left the locks behind; we were now on a very old bit of the BCN. Ryder's Green Junction is where the Walsall Canal meets the Old Wednesbury Canal.

Ryder's Green Junction Signpost

BCN Walsall Canal, Ocker Hill Tunnel Branch to Ryder's Green Junction

2 hours 2 minutes, 1.37 miles,  8 locks