We really like Birmingham and there’s something a bit special about being able to moor right in the middle of a city. But it was time to go, not least because Macc was finding it all a bit much and there’s not much scope for him to go for a walk. We made a visit to the bins before we left, then slipped away at 9.15. Sherborne Wharf seems to have gone bust, and there are very few boats on their moorings in the Oozells Street Loop. A bit further on we passed a CRT litter picking boat.
The development at the Icknield Port Loop continues to grow, with more done since last time we passed.
At Smethwick Junction, the Old Main Line goes off and climbs three locks. We were staying on the New Main Line this time.
We don’t seem to have done this part of the New Main Line for a while, usually preferring the Old or finding that way suited our journey better. But there’s plenty of interest on the lower level, starting with the Engine Arm Aqueduct and then the Smethwick pump house.
Yesterday the canal was closed for a while because of a fire on the embankment, and it was easy to see (and smell) where it had been.
After the short Galton Tunnel there’s the fancy Galton Bridge with Smethwick Galton Bridge railway station on another bridge beyond.
The Stewart Aqueduct, which carries the Old Main Line was our second aqueduct of the day, and it’s immediately followed by going under the M5 on massive concrete pillars.
We then saw the only moving boat of the day. You’d think that on a canal like this passing would be easy, but as we approached each other, we grounded on the towpath side tipping us to quite an angle, while the other boat didn’t seem to be able to get over and its bows were heading straight for us. Quite a lot of reverse was needed by both of us, and the other boat needed to get the pole out to get off the mud.
As we eventually passed each other (on the wrong side!) the steerer remarked that it comes to something when you run aground in the middle of the canal. It seemed to me that the levels were a bit down, which probably explains it, but this pound is many miles long so that’s a lot of water.
The next stretch has junction after junction. Bromford Junction is where there are three locks up to the Old Main Line.
Pudding Green Junction is where the Wednesbury Old Canal goes off, leading to the Walsall Canal.
Next is Albion Junction where the Gower Branch leads to the Brades Locks up to the Old Main Line.
Finally, a junction we were actually taking: Dudley Port Junction, where the Netherton Branch leads to Netherton Tunnel.
By the junction bridge there was a police officer in high vis standing over a man lying on the ground with handcuffs on. A bit further on, another officer was walking along to join him, and there were several police cars at the road bridge. No idea what was going on. We were heading under our third aqueduct of the day, Tividale Aqueduct which takes the Old Main Line over.
Then it’s into Netherton Tunnel, which is 3027 yards long (that’s 2768 metres). It’s also wide and very tall. It took about 45 minutes to go through.
A little way into the tunnel the batteries hit 100 per cent, so I switched to electric. It means you hear the running water from all the drips far more! At the far end is Windmill End Junction, where the Netherton Branch joins the Dudley No 2 canal.
We moored up on the right hand side, next to a big grassy area where we took Macc out for a run around on the long lead. The whole journey had taken about three and a half hours.
After lunch, Adrian went for a walk then I went when he came back. I headed up the hill behind us to the ruins of Cobb’s Engine House, which once housed a steam pump to draw water from coal mines.
I carried on up the hill from where there are great views back.
I was now above the tunnel, so went to find the first of the air shaft chimneys. The locals call these pepper pots, as they have a wire grille on top. This one is in woodland, but some of the others are in people’s gardens and one even forms a roundabout. I’d like to go and find them all one day.
I came back a different way, ending up passing the first bridge beyond the tunnel, which probably gives one of the best views.
This whole area is well used by the locals and their dogs. No doubt Macc will also be having another run around later. We’ve never stopped here before, so it’s been good to have a look around. Another boat has arrived, so we’re now in the middle of three. It always seems reassuring when other people are moored in the same place.
10 miles, 0 locks. (92 miles, 74 locks)