Birmingham City to Black Country Living Museum.

Sunshine all the way from Birmingham to Dudley, now moored back at the Black Country Living Museum.

Keith.

Tipton to Birmingham.

Very pleasant run into Birmingham this morning.

Approaching Birmingham.

We pulled into Cambrian Wharf, took on water. Whilst we were there Richard Parry was walking along the towpath and stopped for a brief chat.

We winded and then returned to moor opposite the Distillery and Roundhouse again.

Keith.

Black Country Living Museum to Neptune’s Wharf, Tipton.

Now moored at Neptune’s Wharf, Tipton ready for the Tipton Canal & Community Festival this weekend.

Keith.

Birmingham City to Black Country Living Museum, Dudley

Very windy trip from Birmingham City centre to the Black Country Living Museum.

Keith.

Lapworth Top Lock to Birmingham.

We topped up with diesel at Swallow Cruisers early this morning.

Approaching Brandwood Tunnel.

King’s Norton junction.

Gas Street basin.

The Arena Birmingham.

Now moored opposite the Roundhouse and Distillery.

Keith.

Tom O’ the Wood to Lapworth Lock No.3

Approaching Kingswood junction onto the Lapworth link for the Stratford Canal.

However, having dropped Jo of to open lock No.20, it was all taped off and out of use.

So a slight detour to come up through lock No.21 instead.

Still think this is the prettiest lock cottage on the canal system.

Now moored between Lapworth lock No.3 & No.2.

Keith.

Autumn 2018 Cruise

We set off on our Autumn cruise today in company with Neil, one of our neighbours at the Saltisford Arm, and his friend Mark.

We made light work of the Hatton flight in glorious Autumn sunshine.

Entering Shrewley tunnel.

In Shrewley tunnel.

Leaving Shrewley tunnel full of smoke!

Now moored at Tom O’ The Wood, Rowington.

Keith.

Tom O' the Wood to Saltisford Arm

Another early start for our final day of travelling. It is always reassuring to see St. Mary's church in Warwick as we descend Hatton locks.

We had company for the last few locks.

Home sweet home. 

Keith.

Wootton Wawen to Tom O' The Wood

Extended cruise this morning, we intended to only go as far as Lowsonford, but as it was reasonably cool Jo suggested we carry on.

Unusual lock bridge.

One of the barrel roofed lock cottages.

The smallest iron aqueduct on the Stratford Canal.

We picked up this Alder Moth caterpillar on the way, Jo safely dropped it off at the next lock.

M40 crossing the canal.

This photo is self explanatory! 

Entering the southern link at Kingswood junction.

Approaching the Kingswood junction with the Grand Union.

Now moored at the Tom O' The Wood where we went and had our final meal out before getting home, fish & chips and a pint of Doombar each. 😁

Keith.

Wilmcote to Wootton Wawen

Another short trip today.

Approaching another of the iconic Stratford canal split bridges.

Approaching Edstone Aqueduct.

The road that passes under one section of the aqueduct.

The 2 railway tracks that go under a further 2 sections of the aqueduct.

Approaching Wootton Wawen aqueduct.

Now moored immediately after Wootton Wawen aqueduct in the basin which was the end of the canal for a long time, now home to Anglo Welsh Narrowboats.

Keith.

Wilmcote Bottom Lock to Wilmcote.

What a morning! 

We set off at 6:30am so we would not be travelling in the heat of the sun. 3 locks up there was a notice from the lock keeper to not proceed any further as he was running water down the flight. he let us proceed at 8:00am.

One of the National Trust plaques at one of the locks from when the National Trust owned the canal.

The 1st of the Stratford canal footbridges.

We got through the locks to grind to a halt with our bow stuck on the bottom in bridge 60. Quick phone call to CRT and a man appeared soon after, he was going to have to go to the next lock 3 miles up the canal to let water down.

1hr 20mins later we were on the move. 

Now moored up near Featherbed Lane Bridge No.59 in Wilmcote. 

Phew!

Keith.

Bancroft Basin to Wilmcote Bottom Lock

This morning we said an early goodbye to Stratford-upon-Avon, we will now be travelling short distances early in the mornings to avoid the heat of the day.

Now moored below the bottom Wilmcote lock ready to do the Wilmcote flight early in the morning.

Keith.