Almost Wolverhampton

The day began bright and sunny and largely stayed that way un til we moored - although there were a few moments of concern when some very black clouds threatened from the horizon. Perhaps because of the weather, we are allowing ourselves a double allowance of pictures in this blog! There were also several interesting (at least to the afficianado!) features to note.

We noted yesterday the distinctive designs of each canal - another facet of the Staffs and Worcs are the bridge name plates - not just a number.



Whilst we have still not seen any kingfishers we did manage to capture a picture of a heron as we passed by. There do seem to be many more herons around than we remember from previous canal cruises. They usually fly off well before the boat arrives but on this occasion it glided in to the bank in front of us. In the context of a canal their wingspan makes them seem quite enormous!



South of Coven Heath the map indicates 'Very Narrow Cutting': it indeed was a correct description. Carved from stone it was, for about half a mile, little wider than a single boat, with just a couple of passing places.



Just after the cutting, a huge 'hedge' of mature trees lined the canal, separating it from an adjoining school grounds. Even more spectacular than the Great Ilex Hedge at Mount Edgcumbe.



After passing Autherley Junction, where the Shroppie starts its run up to Chester, and then Aldersley Junction, the bottom of the Wolverhampton 21, the southern part of the Staffs and Worcs begins its 31 lock journey down to the River Severn, but we are not going that far. (What, not another river? Not likely!)

Bratch Locks comprise a flight of three locks, separated by very short pounds - the gates of each lock are just 3 metres apart so they do not form a staircase. However, they do have functioning side ponds to preserve water. As a result not only do they require careful operation, it is not possible to pass boats in the opposite direction. A lock keeper is on duty during the summer season. When Christine went to operate the locks he introduced himself as a 'grumpy lock keeper' - he proved to be far from an exception to to our universal experience hitherto! He also told Christine that the Severn is indeed closed again owing to excess flood conditions.



Locks also have unusal overflow weirs - we saw at least three different designs in the section. It seems that they are designed to maximise the length of the controlling level, allowing the water to fall down into a central culvert. At one time they were rather dangerous as anything - or anybody - that falls into the weir quickly becomes trapped in culvert.