Kinver to Parkgate Lock, Penkridge

As we left Kinver the red sandstone ridge through which the canal has been cut is still in evidence; red cliffs line the canal and rocky outcrops protrude creating sharp bends on the narrow waterway.  Near Hyde Bridge the sandstone has eroded and brick pillars have been built to hold up the remaining outcrop.  

Brick pillars holding up the sandstone outcrop

Further on the short Dunsley Tunnel had been cut through the sandstone.  

Dunsley Tunnel takes the canal through the sandstone

An unusual feature of the Staffs & Worcs Canal is the circular whirlpool overflow which can be seen at some of the locks. 

The whirlpool overflow at Stewponey Lock

Dredgers had been busy at work on this section of the canal and the water was noticeably deeper as we headed north.  We passed long lines of fishermen and an interesting looking garden which had been planted alongside the canal.

An interesting display of plants in the large garden

We moored up at Hinksford  where some bright nasturtiums, climbing over a low hedge, made a cheerful display. 

A splash of colour from the nasturtiums

On Monday we prepared to leave Hinksford and the day started off badly; Kev tossed our best windlass towards me but it bounced off the bank into the canal.  Luckily the water was shallow enough for him to retrieve it but a passer-by commented that it was going to be one of those days.  Too true.  

Shortly after setting off we stopped at Sainsburys for some groceries.   When we untied the ropes to leave we found one of the mooring chains had been jammed fast and could not be freed by hand.  A tug from Brent III did the trick and we started to set off only to hear the engine struggle as something wrapped itself around the prop.  It was a fisherman's shelter, well and truly twisted around the prop shaft.  After 45 minutes of cutting with a knife and snipping with my sewing scissors we eventually removed it and at last were on our way. 

A volunteer assisted us with the unique system at the Bratch Locks.  There are 3 locks which almost form a staircase but not quite; a small pound between the lock gates siphons off water to a reservoir.  The gate paddles need to be worked in the correct sequence to save water. Once through the locks we were pleased to moor up for the day.

The Bratch Locks, the top gate of the bottom lock is in the foreground with the bottom gates of the middle lock above it.  The small pound with its blue paddle to let water into the reservoir is between these 2 gates.

On Tuesday we had a much better day travelling through quiet woods until we found a spot in the sun near Mopps Farm Bridge.  On our walk we saw a heron watching the canal intently from the shadows. 

A heron watching the canal

The next day we continued north and had a lucky find of more logs as we waited for another boat at a lock.  It's surprising how much our little stove burns now it's on most of the time. The canal then passes through the outskirts of Wolverhampton and and is crossed by high bridges between Aldersley and Autherley Junctions. 

Bridges crossing the canal at Wolverhampton

At Autherley Junction we pulled onto the Shropshire Union Canal just to fill up with water. Then we reversed back through the stop lock and moored up for the day.  On Thursday we continued north on the Staffs & Worcs Canal sailing along a very narrow cutting. 

A view of the narrow cutting taken on our walk

After passing under the M54 bridge we were back in the countryside and found a good mooring near Moat House Bridge.  

On Friday we sailed into Penkridge and had a walk into the small town.  Since our last visit a large farm supplies store has opened, very useful for chainsaw spares and other bits and bobs.

On Saturday we sailed the short distance to Parkgate Lock and a Midland Chandlers shop.  We needed some spares and while looking round saw a hob we liked.  Our current hob is not the best, it was bought for one reason, it was the only one that fitted in the available space. After checking all the measurements Kev decided the new hob would fit and so we bought it. At the moment it's still in it's box awaiting the purchase of a tile cutter disc for the necessary alterations to the worktop. 

Our journey from Kinver to Parkgate Lock