Cross Green to Gailey (Staffordshire & Worcester Canal)

Passing the Fox & Anchor

We are moving on today to Gailey a few miles up the canal.  It was quite overcast when we set off and we had a few light showers along the way but nothing to get us really wet, just damp really!

Cows grazing by the canal

We passed the Fox & Anchor pub which is canalside and on we went up the canal, this bit is exceptionally winky wonky but it is a very pleasant stretch .

Better not turn right here!

Passing Hatherton Branch

Soon we were passing Calf Heath Marina where there are lots of boats moored and a sign on the bridge saying 'turn left for Gailey, no right turn', so we did as we were told and turned left for Gailey!  Also here is the entrance to the former Hatherton Branch of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal into the main line.  This branch used to connect with the Birminghan Canal Navigations,.  It is closed above the derelict second lock, although the channel remains as a feeder for the Staffs & Worcs Canal.  There is a campaign for its restoration.

Approaching Gailey

We chugged on along the canal and soon we were approaching Gailey.  We moored up in the visitor moorings above the lock and walked down to see if there were any spaces below as it is a much brighter aspect down there and there was.

In Gailey Lock

There is a canal shop in the old toll keeper’s watch-tower selling gifts, etc. so we had a look in the there.  This building is round which is quite interesting.

Toll Keeper's Watch-Tower

Kev went and fetched the boat and we filled up with water at the services.  We have one lock to go through which is right by the round watch-tower so I got the lock ready and Kev brought the boat in.  We were soon through there and moored up at the visitor moorings below the lock.

Cyril's Tea Rooms

After lunch, we went for a walk down the main road near the canal and there was a garden centre with a café called Cyril’s tea rooms, so we went in and had a look around then had a coffee in the café.

Piper Nurseries

Dobbies Garden World

We then walked on down the road to the roundabout where there is a pub and a small shop and also Dobbies Garden Centre.  We don’t remember seeing the garden centre last time we were here so we crossed the road to have a look around. It is a big garden centre selling all sorts of garden things, gifts and clothes.  There is a also a nice café but as we had just had a coffee we didn’t try it this time.

We walked back along the road and back to the boat.  

We are staying here tonight then heading on a bit further tomorrow.

Moored at Gailey