Wombourne to Dimmingsdale Lock (Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal)

Bridge to Nowhere

We were moving on this morning but when we got up, it was pouring with rain so we stayed put and it rained all morning.  We popped over to Sainsburys which is about a five minute walk away.  The rain started to ease off and it got brighter so we had lunch then decided to move on.

In Bumblehole lock

Coming into Bratch Bottom lock

It was dry as we set off but very blustery.  We have 7 locks to do this afternoon.  We got to the first  Bumblehole lock.  It has a bridge just before it which goes to nowhere.

In the middle lock

In Bratch Top Lock

We got through this lock and chugged on.  We soon came to the Bratch locks.  This set of three distinctive locks were built by James Brindley in 1772 as a staircase of three chambers.  However, it soon became apparent that due to excessive water loss and long delays in passing through, an alternative was needed.  The staircase was converted into three single locks which did help with water loss, but you sometimes still get delays there.

The locks themselves are rather narrow with very short pounds between them, so insufficient room for boats to pass each other.  There is a lock keeper on duty at most times to give help and advice.

Going into another lock

We moored at the bottom of the locks and went up to see the lock keeper.  One was just going out the top and then one was coming down then it would be our turn.

After a while the boat came out the bottom lock and Kev brought the boat in and me and a volunteer lock keeper and the resident lock keeper filled the locks and soon we were in the second lock and then into the top lock and out onto the canal.  The lock keeper is very friendly and helpful and they are nice locks to go through.

In Dimmingsdale Lock

As we were higher up now, the wind was even stronger.  We chugged on and, moored a short way from the locks, were our friends Pam and Terry on Rooster’s Rest, we haven't seen them for ages so we stopped for a chat.  It was great to see them again. They are on their way back to the Gloucester & Sharpness canal.

We chugged on and then came to Awbridge lock.  This lock was set against us so I had to empty it first but didn’t take too long and soon we were on our way again.

Swan family going by

We soon came to Ebstree lock.  There was a boat going up in front of us and one waiting to come down so we helped out.  Also there was a cache at the lock so we had a look and soon found it.

We then came to our last lock for today, Dimmingsdale lock.  We got through here okay and moored just past the lock on the non-towpath side in the visitor moorings.  It is a nice sunny quiet spot.

We chilled out for a bit then walked back to the lock as there was a cache there as well and we found that one too, we are doing well recently!

We are staying here tonight then chugging on a short distance tomorrow as we are off to visit Wightwick Manor, a National Trust property.

Moored at Dimmingsdale Lock