Hinksford to The Bratch
Our Journey Today
Miles = 3.25
Locks = 9
Travel Time = 3 Hours
Friday 18th March
Although Hinksford was a reasonable mooring spot for the night, we wanted to be moving on to get closer to Bratch Locks as they are to be re-opened today. Once again we were treated to sunshine which always enriches the soul and lifts the spirits, it seemed as if we had the canal to ourselves as most boaters sought alterative routes due to the closure at Bratch Locks.
Nature’s rich carpet was unrolling before us, the gentle noise of water parting as the boat slowly meandered along and I even think the birds got together and created a melody fit for the gods, yet the harmonic notes transposing themselves into our mortal ears….. yes today we were caught somewhere between a dream and reality. .
Today’s locks were not too far apart so Steph walked with the pups along as far as the two Botterham Staircase locks, which have a little bridge crossing in the middle, and then jumped back on board for the rest of the cruise.
It’s amazing the different perspectives you can get by covering the same section of canal, either by foot or traveling in the opposite direction, sometimes it feels as if you’re in a different place.
We finally moored up about 300 yards away from a pub and we’re asked if we wanted to go to for a drink. Its amazing when you think you’re really getting to know someone and they still ask you silly questions 😉
The Round Oak Pub
The Round Oak has a lovely canal side garden and moorings outside, the dogs almost ran to the pub (years of training). Lunch there was 2 meals for 12 quid!! Would have been rude not to!!! We were abit naughty and wandered up to another pub this evening called Mount Pleasant - and it was indeed a very pleasant pub! Bob and Rosemary ate here tonight and said the food was delicious!
The Mount Pleasant Pub
This pudding - shared by us and the Captain was a very delicious treat!!
Saturday 19th March
We had a stroll up Bratch locks to see what the moorings were like as the internet and solar where we are is not that great. It’s gorgeous up there - a lot better view, horses and birds for neighbours and not another boat in sight, well at least no others moored up 😊.
Steph under Ounsdale Bridge
There was enough sun for me to get my Mankini out 😮, now I’m getting carried away again, but I must admit it would be a pleasing sight for the passers-by, only joking 😊. Good internet too. Tilly and Winston would be happy due to the wide towpath and close proximity to long walks. The major decision now was do we move the boat first or go shopping??? 🤔…
Moorings before The Round Oak
After walking back from Sainsbury’s (you guessed it - shopping first) to stock up with a few bits we set sail to ascend the Bratch Locks! We had no idea but we were caught somewhere between apprehension and exhilaration at the thought of doing these locks. We have done many locks but not many like these, coupled with the fact there is a correct way to do these and any mistake would be amplified by the on-watching gongoozlers 😟. With blue skies, assisting a fisherman de-snagging his line in an overhanging tree, nerves soon subsided as the first lock approached.
However, Bumblehole Lock came first - we thought we had left Bumble Hole behind!! It’s a really pretty lock but looks like the bridge has been cut in half!
Bratch Locks looks like a staircase lock - but it’s actually three separate locks with a really short pound between each one. There were no volunteers today as they are not officially manned until the end of March but yesterday we watched a boat go up (Studied & Took Notes), so had a good idea what to do! There are instruction boards up though which explain it pretty well. Not much help to Paul as he’s dyslexic and whatever he reads, he would provide you with a different interpretation.😂. (maybe that’s why he seem to live in his own funny little world at times). The locks are thought to have been originally built by James Brindley as a staircase of three, but later separated and the side pounds added.
Top of Bratch Locks
The word Bratch is thought to be derived from the word brēc, an Old English, Anglian dialect signifying newly “broken-in land”. The land was formerly the site of an ancient forests, when our ancestors first created a settlement they created a new clearing and then “broke the land In”.
Bratch Locks and Toll House
Completed in 1770 but formally opened in 1772, these locks raise the canal by over 30ft and there is a fabulous view back down The Valley. The locks consists of three locks, two bridges and an two-storey octagonal toll office. In 1987 the Locks are listed as a Grade II structure however in 2019 a member of the public discovered an unexploded bomb from World War Two. Thank goodness it never went off 🙄.
Bratch Locks
Narrowboat Hang Loose’s morrings for a few days
The Pumping Station very close to Bratch Locks was built to look like a Fairy Tale Castle.
Pumping Station
Went for a late afternoon walk and stumbled upon a pub!! The Bell at Trysull - we sat outside and had a pint of very nice Black Country Ale each.
We actually went looking for the ruins of Seisdon Union Workhouse, which was in use between 1860 and 1930. Built on the former site of a monastic ruin, the workhouse could accommodate 120 inmates. Following its closure some of the buildings were used as warehouses and as an egg packing station.
After another exhausting day, Shopping, Cruising, Locking, Exploring and a little light refreshments, we headed back to the boat for a peaceful nights sleep. “Paul thinks he is going to like it here” as Steph needs to return to Derby with the pups for a few days. Tilly to have her haircut and Winston to see his Mum who has just returned from Sri Lanka
Sunset on returning to the boat
