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LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOODDerek Harwood's Walking Records If you have any queries about the pictures or descriptions e-mail me at: derek@harwoodonline.com | ||||
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| GRAND UNION CANAL WALK Solihull to Gas Street Basin Birmingham Monday 17th July 2006 ...........................................Walk No. 672 |
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Grand Union Canal Walk No 74 Total 328 miles Time Taken: 4.75 hrs Distance: Enjoyment: Weather: Very Hot 11:25 am - 4:15 pm 12.5 miles 85% Sunny & little Breeze Temp: Cloud: Rain: Visibility: Ground Conditions: Wild Life: Rat 35oC 0% None Very Good Excellent Insects & Birds Total AA: Total MH: Total LD: Total AW: Other: Total Distance: 1018 mls 931.5 mls 1801 mls 162 mls 941 mls 4853.5 miles Companions: (Derek) Points of Interest and LINKS: Grand Union Canal Walk Willow Wren Canal Holidays Blue-Green Algae Energy from Waste Birm and Warwick Canal Olton Reservoir British Walk No 166 Digbeth Branch Warwick Bar Warwick Bar Stop Lock Ashted Locks Gas Street Basin Moving Barges : 1. Tern of Willow Wren 4. Water Emerald of Watford 2. Edna Marie of Kate Boats 5. Barrovian Passion No. 60 3. Garth of Tingay & Mogrelia 6. Dragonfly of Second City Cruises Locks : 25General: Locked bicycle against a sign post at Solihull Railway Station and drove to start of walk at Bridge 79, Elmdon Heath, parking in Lugtrout Lane, under the big oak tree, by the side of the shops. With water at the ready, I prepared for a long hot walk in the 'Wall to Wall' sunshine. Soon after starting the walk I was overtaken by the barge 'Tern of Willow Wren', which I followed for some time, passing the usual canal wildlife of ducks & dragonflies. Walked past a gang of canal workmen clearing the towpath of flora near Bridge 81A. I often see the results from the worknens toils, where the towpath has been cleared, but rare to see the workmen in action. Deep cutting around Bridges 81 & 82, with high brick sides to the bridges and relatively small arches for the barges and boats. Unusual access to the canal at Bridge 83, steep metal steps supported by a heavy duty pillar. Towpath continues along the leafy and shaded suburbs to Hay Mills at Bridge 86, where the canal opens up around the industrial buildings. Some buildings way past their best, but plenty of reminders of the past heavy industry in the area. Canal wiggles past the 'Energy from Waste' factory over the old basin just before the 'Water Sports Centre' and the railway bridge of the Western Region, Snowhill line. Found a frightened bird in a hole beside the canal near Bridge 89 Sparkbrook. Not sure if the bird was injured or just sheltering from the heat. Then spotted an isolated clock tower full of character from the canal at Sparkbrook. Memories of yester year. Strolled past a long row of old brick warehouses before Bridge 91, where a large flock of Canada Geese were resting. As I past I disturbed them so they all came towards me to frighten me away. They succeeded, I hurried towards Lock 52. Good view of picturesque church and barge Edna Marie negotiating Lock 53. Spotted a rat scurrying away by Lock 56 and under Bridge 94. Not a pleasant sight. Again I hurried towards Bordesley Canal Junction, where the towpath crosses Birmingham & Warwick Junction Canal via an ornamental iron bridge. Continued towards Digbeth Basin passing a new smart mini basin with modern apartments, very different from the surrounding old brick disused warehouses. Rested on a new bench by the 'Bar & Stop Lock' and read the interesting notices explaining the history of the conflicts between the rival canal companies over trade & water rights. Turned the corner into Digbeth Basin and the tunnel under the main railway line into New Street Station. Entered the 'Ashted Locks' and the low & dingy 'Ashted Tunnel'. Fortunately the lights were on and nobody was coming the other way. Complete contrast after Ashted Tunnel and single width Lock 64, from the old 'Back to Back' houses and brick warehouses, to the new and modern 'Aston Science Park'. What a difference a tunnel makes. Passed Faraday Wharf to Aston Junction, one end of the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. Turned left towards Farmers Bridge Locks and the busy Gas Street Basin. Views of the city office blocks alongside the old single gate locks. At times the canal passes below multi storey office blocks, with the water pools between locks disappearing beneath the offices. Two 'shifty' characters passed me while I was taking photographs of the offices & locks. Passed moving barge 'Garth of Tingay & Mogrelia' at Lock No.5. Modern suspension bridge & Saturday Bridge with its history of the boatmans' wages paid on a Saturday. Short distance to Cambrian Wharf and moving barge 'Water Emerald of Watford' exiting Falmers Bridge Top Lock, to be replaced by barge 'Barrovian Passion No.60. Interesting old hoist on opposite bank of Cambrian Wharf, provoking thoughts of canal life a century ago. Another short walk to the busy Farmers Bridge Junction, with office workers all around, enjoying a break in the sun. Walked past Bridley Place bars & restaurants, the International Convention Centre and its sculpture by the canal, Broad Street Tunnel, to my destination, Gas Street Basin. The end of the Grand Union Canal. I has successfully walked from London Paddington Little Venice, including the Leicester Line and some of the 'Arms', but still a few Arms including the Aylesbury and Slough, to be completed. From the Gas Street Basin I walked to Moor Street Railway Station, via, Broad Street, Centenary Square, Victoria Square, New Street and The Bullring. Many memories of my working days in Birmingham. Delighted to see a Western Region steam train No. 2885 in Moor Street Station, while catching the crowded commuter train back to Solihull. Banged my head on the sharp corner of the 'No Parking' sign on the lamp post while unlocking my bicycle before the cycle journey back to the car. Another perfect & varied satisfying day's walking. Location: www.streetmap.co.uk , - Start : Solihull 416090/280770, - Finish : Gas Street Basin 406245/286610, - via : Hay Mills/Tyseley 411485/284645. (Click on location and use Zoom). Hazards: Take plenty of drinking water when walking canals during hot sunny days. Be aware of the security situation while walking in built up areas. Keep your eyes skinned. Be aware that, at time of walk, there were many signs placed along the towpath warning of the dangers of 'Blue-Green Algae' in the canal. Click Here to Return to 'Lifetime of Walks' Homepage | |||||
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Derek Harwood: Copyright 2007 Devised: November 2006 Revised: April 2007 | |||||