Factory Locks (BCN) and beyond

Tuesday, 09 March 2010 09:04

The three Factory Locks took us up to Factory Junction

Passing Tipton Station on the new Birmingham Main Line we were soon at the bottom lock 3. True to form, John had to clear the prop again - when we did these locks on Twelfth Night we had the same problem!

John at Factory Bottom Lock

This area was once surrounded by factories, these have all now gone but remnants remain if one keeps an eye out! The locks need anti vandal keys and the paddle gear is very well greased. The gates are relatively heavy - a single one top and bottom of the locks.

There is a cantilevered footbridge over the bottom lock (3)

Like the Oldbury Locks on the Titford Canal, the towpath brickwork in the pounds runs in line with the locks.This is shown in the view back from the middle lock (2).

From Middle Lock

The Top Lock (1) leads directly to Factory Junction with the Old Main Line. As we drew away, I took this shot of what I now know is the old gauging station. The bricked up arches were the entrances and just inside would have been a lock gate.

Tipton gauging station

We turned left towards Tipton Green, passing the old Stables and the long term moorings there. The short stretch through Tipton Green is very pleasant, with The Fountain Inn and moorings and Coronation Gardens. In the absence of a BW sign we assume these are 14 day moorings still.

Coronation Gardens moorings before Tipton Green Bridge

Beside Tipton Green Bridge is what looks like an old BCN cottage with the number 100 on it - or maybe someone fancies and antidote to the modern buildings alongside it! It has a rather nice canalside garden too.

Old cottage

We reached Tipton Junction and carried on through the "narrows" on the Dudley No.1 Canal. We moored outside the Black Country Museum for the night, accompanied by three other visiting narrowboats.

We are debating whether to have an early start and go down the Wolverhampton 21 Locks in one day or maybe we will just go to the top lock and then tackle the 21 on Wednesday!

I suspect it may be the latter!

BCN, Birmingham City Centre, Oozells Loop to Dudley No.1 Canal, Black Country Museum

4 hours 35 minutes, 8.89 miles, 3 locks