Wolverhampton's 21 locks - Aldersley Junction to Horseley Fields

A walk right in Wolverhampton's centre, with views like these. How did I get there?

I started - on a blustery, Hurricane Abigail sort of day - here at Aldersley Junction. 

Under the Aldersley Junction bridge

Looking back at the first lock. It was called Lock 21, and it takes the Main Line canal down onto the Staffs and Worcs. 

It was raining and very windy when I started. The wind was whipping up little waves. 

The brickwork glistened with water. (Note the worn steps)

The water was absolutely clear. Those leaves are on the bottom.

This is one of the best views of the canal from the road - Lock 16, and the viaduct (near Wolverhampton Business Park.)

The locks continue at frequent intervals - as you'd expect from a flight of 21!

Ahead, a rather gloomy view of Wolverhampton's Civic Incinerator

But the wind was blowing the rain away, and this sunny interval was a sign of better weather to come

By the time I had actually passed the incinerator, the sky had completely changed.

Even the geese seemed happy

It's amazing how much nicer industrial buildings look when the sky is blue

Lock 2 of the flight of 21 - almost at the top. 

...but as I rounded the bend, I was in for a surprise. The canal had been drained (purposely)

Lock number 1 was being restored

The CRT (Canal and River Trust) staff were hard at work

It was interesting to watch

There are some lovely old buildings by the lock (difficult to photograph though)

Just up from the lock, some more geese

The canal runs right by Wolverhampton's Ring Road - this is Broad Street Bridge

Wolverhampton Tunnel - I didn't even know of its existence before today

Looking back to the tunnel, you can see a huge car park on top of it.

Ahead, a lovely old warehouse surrounded by some swish apartments

I carried on along the canal - more railways on view

I reached Horseley Junction: under the bridge, the Wyrley and Essington Canal stretched invitingly ahead

I also liked these old warehouses on the Main Line, heading to Coseley, but that's for another day

I turned for home (this old factory was less attractive!)

The Incinerator looked quite jolly with the autumn colours 

A most enjoyable walk. Not too far, but very pleasant

Today's walk. It was an out and back walk, from Aldersley Junction, to Horseley Fields Junction. 5.4 miles in total - or 2.7 if you can find a lift back to the start.

Click here to see more of my walks, mostly in the Black Country/West Midlands.