Wednesday 12 March 2008

I'll Huff & I'll Puff

4 locks and 10½ miles. Now moored at Fishers Mill Bridge, Birm and Fazeley Canal

We experienced some wind and rain overnight but this morning was a clear sky and moderate wind's. There were a few other boat's on the move but it is still quiet on the cut and we had some time to make up after spending extra time at Hinckley.

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Lots of lambs in abundance now and looking about a month old

The first call was at Bradley Green to use the BW services and then onto Grendon Bridge where we got a couple of bit's and pieces at Narrowcraft boat builders. At Fazeley junction we turned onto the Birmingham and Fazeley canal which is new territory to us. We kept going until we found a suitable mooring and the weather held up. We are moored alongside a huge aggregate quarry which appear's to still being worked.

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Beautifully maintained Drayton footbridge, far too grand for a footbridge

Since about 5pm we have been buffeted by strong wind's but after 3 hour's they seem to be easing. Tomorrow's weather is forecast for more strong wind's but we hope to make it through the Curdworth tunnel tomorrow weather permitting, a distance of about 4 miles and 11 locks and 1 tunnel so it will be a long day, we would like to get as far as Salford junction but at this stage the weather looks as though it will be against us.

907 locks, 1293 miles, 38 Tunnels, 41 swing bridges and 19 lift bridges since Nov 2006

2 comments:

Adam said...

Hi Derek and Dot

Believe me, when it comes to overnight moorings, you won't want to get as far as Salford Junction. Minworth is pretty much the last safe place to moor, and even there you're getting into built up areas. From Curdworth, you really need to get right into the middle of Birmingham in one go.

Adam

Paul (from Waterway Routes) said...

I don't want to put you off but Birmingham is just like any big city when you need to give a little thought about where to moor.

Assuming you are heading towards Stratford on Avon as your planned itinerary suggests then there are three places I would suggest mooring:

1. Before Minworth. After Wigggins Hill Bridge on the long straight section either side of the winding hole. This might be rather exposed in the wind.

2. Immediately after Salford Junction (towards Bordesley Junction) on the pontoons on the left outside Star City. This looks like a noisy night club but we've never had any bother there and it's as quiet as any city mooring.

3. Right through Birmingham and at least as far out as Catheriine de Barnes and possibly Knowle.

I would be vary wary about mooring anywhere between these suggestions.

I hope you enjoy your trip past Birmingham.

Paul