Up the hill into Birmingham

Todays ascent into central Birmingham is likely to be the hardest day of our Autumn voyage.  We left Curdworth at 8:15 in sunny weather, but light cloud soon obscured the sun making for a more confortable journey. After a couple of miles we reached Minworth which marks the start of the Birmingham conurbation.  Here 3 separate locks provide a gentle start to what follows.

Passing beneath the factory at Erdington

Salford Canal Juction beneath Spaghetti Junction

The tower blocks of central Birmingham seen from the Aston flight

After Minworth locks the canal the passes through a lengthy stretch of light industry, underneath a factory at Erdington and on to Salford Junction which lies beneath the rather better known M6 Spaghetti Junction.  Here the canal turns left and soon starts the 11 lock Aston flight. We were able to climb the flight quite quickly as all the locks were set empty for us to enter.  Also the design of the locks is worth noting.  When one goes up a lock it is normally prudent to operate the top paddles very carefully as an excess flow of water can push the boat backwards and forwards with some force.  However the locks on the Birmngham and Fazeley are remarkably gentle.  One can raise both top paddles straight up and the boat barely moves.

Cambrian Wharf 

 Having reached the top of the Aston flight around lunchtime there was just time to eat a quick snack on the move before we reavched the bottom of the 13 lock Farmer's Bridge flight which took us to Cambrian Wharf near Brindley Place, the ICC, and Birmingham's magnificent Symphony Hall.  All are within easy walking distance of the city centre shops.  We have moored just beyond Cambrian Wharf and will stay here until Friday morning. 

Statistics for the day - 8.7 mile 27 locks 6 hours 45 minutes on the move