Top of Bratch Locks to Greensforge, above lock (Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal)

At the top of Bratch locks

Going from one lock to the next

In the middle lock

In the bottom lock

We set off for the Bratch locks just after 9am this morning and it was a lovely sunny day again.  These locks are a set of three and although they look like a staircase they are separate locks which have side ponds hidden behind the towpath hedge which feed the locks.  They are manned until the end of October so we moored up and went to find the lock keeper.  There was a boat coming up and one boat in front of us so he said once the boat was up, they would take us both down, one behind the other so we had a bit of a wait but after a while it was our turn.

Kev brought the boat in and I worked the locks with the help of the resident lock keeper who was really nice and friendly and a volunteer who was really nice as well.  We worked our way down the three locks and soon we were at the bottom.  It is a great flight of locks and I really like doing them.

We went on along the canal to the next lock and through there.  We are doing nine locks in total today so a busy day for us!

In Botterham Staircase

In bottom lock of Botterham Staircase

Next we came to the Botterham Staircase which consists of two locks.  There was a boat coming up and a boat in front of us so we had a bit of a wait and helped the other boats through then it was our turn and there wasn’t a soul in sight to help us, typical!

Passing work boat at Swindon

We went through there with no problems and on our way once more to the two locks at Swindon.  CRT were working on the bank side between the two locks but there was room to pass them, it looked they were shoring up the bank with huge boulders.

Lovely setting for Hinksford Lock

We then came to the last lock for today, Hinksford Lock which is set in nice countryside with lovely views.  Down through there and we chugged on a bit further and we were at Greensforge where we moored up.

We had lunch and then went for a walk along the towpath to the next lock as it was such a lovely afternoon.

We are staying here tonight then off through a few more locks tomorrow.

Moored at Greensforge