21 Locks to Birmingham
Sunday 30th January
21 locks to do today! We have the remaining 8 Aston locks and the 13 Farmer’s Bridge locks.
Last night we moored at Rocky Lane Bridge on the offside visitor moorings after a peaceful nights sleep aided by dinner aboard Sefton, at 10am we headed for Lock 8 - our first lock of the day. The wind we had experienced yesterday had gone, almost as if someone had flipped a switch and we were left with fluffy clouds and the sun always trying to break through. Spirits were high and the challenge of doing the 21 locks seemed to vanish with the calmer weather and the expectations of actually cruising into Birmingham…
In this photo we were heading into Lock 1 - the last lock of Aston flight - so far so good! We seemed to do the 8 locks in no time, quickly getting in to a rhythm as we were back traveling with NB Sefton, so we needed to manage two boats up the flight.
At the top of this flight - Aston Junction - you can turn left onto the Digbeth Branch which would be a tight turn for any boat but there is a large pound to help you. We continued to the right under the A38 along the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal to the Farmers Bridge flight. You sensed our destination was now in reach as the canal had a very urban feel with the high-rise Birmingham buildings beckoning us home. The normal grassy (usually very muddy this time of the year) towpaths that we were all to familiar with seemed a distant memory as these were generally block paved or gravel. Great for bikers and walkers this time of the year but our dogs still prefer the grassy ones where they can chase anything that moves without any chance of catching it, and roll around providing us with the daily feet wiping to try and keep the boat clean.
Barker Bridge is cast iron and supported by brick Piers and abutments dating from 1842.
Farmer’s Bridge Locks (aka the ‘Old Thirteen’) pass underneath the core of the city - we loved it! These locks were once the busiest in the system and worked 7 days a week in daylight, until gas lighting was installed to enable the boaters to work through the night as well! They were built close together with large pounds in between to enable boats to wait their turn in the next lock. The flight has a rise/fall of 80 feet (24.4 metres).
There is a lot of redevelopment going on so lots of scaffolding everywhere but there’s just something amazing about going through such a built up flight and actually going under the BT Tower! The tower was completed in 1967 and is just under five hundred feet high!
Look at this beautiful little square - a little relaxing place to see after emerging from the depths! I wondered how creating these high rise housing developments would avoid the mistakes of the past, maybe this approach will go someway I hope. A relaxing place where people can chat or just sit listening to the sound of running water amongst the brand new and 200 year old buildings… hmm
We made it to the top - 21 locks done! Must admit Steph was pretty knackered by now and ready for a sit down! This photo is us cruising away from the top lock - with Cambrian Wharf at the side. There are boaters’ facilities here and visitor moorings but it looked pretty full.
At Old Turn Junction we went straight over the roundabout and moored in Oozells Loop. For saying we are in the centre of Birmingham it’s nice and quiet along here!
We went to the pub (obviously) The Tap and Spile - dog friendly and right alongside the canal - not a bad selection of beers either!
After a couple of beers we decided to eat at Perios - absolutely delicious Mexican food - and not expensive either - very friendly staff, our waitress was lovely. We would highly recommend this restaurant - just be aware that all the food comes out as it is ready - starters and mains - it was no problem as all the food was lovely and hot but I think next time we would order starters and then order our main course afterwards.
What a fabulous day! Our initial thoughts after mooring up in this big city, as we normally at home in the country side, were one of excitement but tainted by the reports of noisy people and damage to boats. Surveillance cameras are everywhere and our moorings were no different, one of the eyes of big brother was right outside our boat, although slightly saddened by the need for them it gave us a sense of security (time will tell whether this was unfounded). With these conflicting thoughts, the overwhelming feeling was one of surprise as to the magnitude of the network (people say Birmingham has more canals than Venice but seeing is believing). It was bright, clean and we were in the middle of the city waiting to explore…