Wednesday 4 September 2013

Birmingham and Fazely Canal

Another glorious day weather wise as we set off just before 0800hrs . The Coventry canal hugs the voluptuous curves of the hillside as we pass Hartshill yard with buildings kept complete from a bygone age.
The Dock


Clock Tower

Blacksmiths



Buildings still being used 



All above taken around Hartshill Yard



We enter Atherstone to starboard an all together more pleasing populated area than Nuneaton, the paint can vandals haven't been allowed to run amok here.  A mostly easy on the eye area with a pretty flight of  11 locks. Just before the first lock we made use of the water point. Three volunteer lock keepers helped us through. We asked why three and they were waiting the arrival of a disabled crew to help them down the locks , bless them. Out of Atherstone, Merevale Hall appears to port in a manicured wooded garden down to the waters edge.





Passing over the river Tame via an aqueduct.

Merevale Hall grounds

We pass through the town of Tamworth with 15 bridge 'oles and two locks to negotiate, under Watling Street Bridge and bridge 77 we turn right leave the Coventry Canal at Fazeley Junction  and head north on the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal  where we have moored at Hopwas Village.



Not sure what this big wheel is for but it's not as big as Isabella.


Landscape pic.


Work in progress in a dry dock

FL at Hartshill Yard

We did a full 8 hours cruising today, 15 miles and 13 locks.





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