North of Sewage Outfall - but no smell!

Wednesday, 10 March 2010 17:16

What a good location from Water Explorer!

The Wolverhampton Flight of 21 Locks was kind to us today! The sun peeped out briefly and cheered our way. The locks were all set against us, so John probably walked nearly three times the distance I cruised, as he set the lock ahead of us each time!

This must take the prize for the prettiest lock sign

The locks all have anti-vandal or water conservation locks on the paddle gear and reminders to reset them after use too. The whole lock flight from Wolverhampton to Aldersley Junction was in good condition and the gear well greased. Despite the initial industrial scenes it was well used by walkers too.

Top ground paddle gear

There has been a fair bit of tree clearance and litter picking. In fact we passed the litter pickers, who were very friendly and offered help with with a couple of the locks.

By the time we arrived at Lock 10, it was lunch time. This was very good timing, as below Lock 10 and across Fox's Lane Bridge there is a fish and chip van. John went to order chips, came back and let me out of the lock. Once in Lock 11, he went back to collect them, while I emptied the lock. The chips were yummy and very welcome - to be recommended!

John crossing bridge for lunch!

The railway criss-crosses the lock flight three times. The most dramatic of these crossings is Wolverhampton Rail Viaduct (much photographed!). It stretches away into the distance both sides of the canal. To the right it cuts the corner between the flight and the Staffs and Worcs Canal, crossing this on the same high viaduct.

Wolverhampton Rail Viaduct between Locks 16 and 17

Dunstall Race Course was now on our left and the flight becomes almost rural. We had skirted around the eastern edge of Wolverhampton and would eventually arrive in the north-western suburbs at Autherley Junction!

Lock 17 has an attractive footbridge and fast running weir

At the bottom lock (21), the tail is crossed by Aldersley Junction Bridge - a brick arched bridge similar to others on the flight. Here I let John take the tiller and took over the windlass!

It felt good - we had completed our BCN exploration and now for a while would be back on familiar territory - starting with the Staffs and Worcs Canal. Aldersley Junction has been cleared considerably since we were last here, improving the look and visibility.

Aldersley Bridge on the Staffs and Worcs

Now we are moored we are discovering how strange it is to have narrowboats passing us at regular intervals!

BCN, Wolverhampton Top Lock (1) to Autherley Junction, Staffs and Worcs Canal

2.28 miles, 4 hours 9 minutes, 21 Locks