Coven to Hatherton (Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal)

 

Tuesday 6^th July

Yesterday we went to Wolverhampton on the bus to do some shopping, it wasn’t too busy and we also went to a nice cafe for lunch.

Today we are moving on from Coven, just a few miles to a really nice open spot near Hatherton Marina.

                                                  

It was raining when we got up but then brightened up a bit, so we decided to go for it and hopefully not get too wet.

This section of the canal is very winky wonky so takes a while as you can’t go very fast.

We set off along the canal and went under a few bridges.  We met a few boats coming the other way and most of them we met on a bend, but that’s always seems to be the way!

                                               

We chugged on and then came to Hatherton Marina where there are lots of moored boats.  We went under the bridge and passed Hatherton Junction.

                                                  

                                                                                                

This marks the entrance of the former Hatherton branch of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal into the main line. It is now used for moorings.  This branch used to connect with the Birmingham Canal Navigations.  It is closed above the derelict second lock, although the channel remains as a feeder for the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal. There is a campaign for its restoration.

                                                                                          

We went around a couple more bends and moored up in a lovely open spot before bridge 76.  We have moored here before and it’s a great spot, quiet and peaceful.

We are staying here for a couple of days then moving onto Gailey, then getting to Penkridge for the weekend.