Yesterday just after 10 we leave the Cherry Tree moorings on the Shroppie and head south ...
... Seyella will follow us shortly, we're heading for Autherley Junction.
a Kestrel has spied his prey
and starts his descent.
There are always lots of Mallards and Canada Geese at Pendeford Bridge.
We've just taken that right-hand turn onto the Staffs and Worcester - we've never been this way before!
a talented artist ...
... has been busy ...
... at the majestic railway bridge
We could have gone left to Birmingham ...
... at Aldersley Junction, but not today.
We continue through Compton Lock and Bridge ...
... where a few minutes later Seyella catches us up - that's Mags in the hat peering over the roof!...
We stopped here for a short time to do a bit of local shopping in Compton.
... and then continued our journey through another of these very pretty lock bridges, this one at Wightwick (Wittick) Mill ..
... Wightwick Manor seen through the trees.
It wasn't long before we reached some very good 5-day visitor moorings on the off-side above Dimmingsdale Lock - quite a long bitterly cold day and we're all glad to be going inside for a warm before taking the dogs for quick walk down the towpath.
A lovely day today, lots of sunshine but a biting wind as Geoff, Meg, George, me and Molly went for a walk. This is Dimmingsdale lock ...
... with its turn-over bridge ...
... and heart-shaped overflow.
Continuing down we come to Ebstree Lock ...
... where we see the first of many faces - someone has been very industrious!
Geoff remembered talking to the chap who runs this coal business but there was no sign of life here today.
The next lock down is Awbridge, this time with a circular overflow - lovely countryside here...
... a lovely view through the bridge hole; the arch is over steps giving access to the passing boat ...
... it has beautiful fretwork on the bridge sides ...
... the gap in the centre of the very decorative wrought-iron bridge would have enabled the line from the horse to the boat to pass through without being detached - altogether a very distinguished piece of engineering.
George with Molly putting the world to rights with Geoff; Meg is listening intently and understanding every word!
We turn off the towpath, walk along the lane onto the disused railway line ...
... that way goes to Wombourne ..
... this sign confirms where we are ...
... and we decide that this sign means - watch out for cyclists!
We're not going as far as Castlecroft though ...
... the path beckons us to continue ...
Meg comes hurtling towards us!
off the railway line, over the road and fields we eventually return to the canal at Mops Farm Bridge - you may just be able to make out another face on the BW sign on the left.
These are the 'steps' leading onto the towpath from the bridge.
... and yet another one!
back now at Dimmingsdale Bridge, Meg has found an interesting scent and Molly trots to see what its all about!
Seyella and Rock n Roll at their moorings
ooh .. scary biscuit!
George and Geoff (and Molly) discuss which logs they'll cut this afternoon!
16:45 - pink clouds - sunset is getting a bit later each day.
It's going to be a cold night tonight - it's 17:35 now and -3 degrees already!!
Hope you enjoy the Staffs and Worcs - it is our old stamping ground and we like it a lot - bought our first boat from Otherton Boat Haven, and used to moor at Hatherton, so we know it well. xx
ReplyDeleteHi Carol
ReplyDeleteStill having to use IE to comment but must compliment you on your blog now we are able to view all your photos. Not sure what you have done but keep up the good work, now it has become a must to view every day.
Dot