Canal walking in May. Walk 1: Wombourne - part 2 Bratch and beyond

Continuing my walk , I reached the unusual octagonal toll house at Bratch Locks.

The people here are part of a group of Swedish people who have hired three boats to explore some of Britain's canal system.

Bratch Locks are different because one lock leads straight into the next with only a tiny pound between them, so there's a need for clear instructions.

Looking over from the lock, you can just see the chateau-style waterworks building through the trees

Looking down into the locks

Moving to the next set of paddles.

The canal drops 30 feet over these locks - very steep, as the photo shows

Turbulent water indicates a boat will soon be coming through.

Walking to the next lock.

The lock-side overflow

I love the lock name - Bumblehole (not to be confused with Bumble Hole which is on the Dudley no 2 canal, near Netherton Tunnel)

Below the lock.


At the next bridge was the Round Oak pub

I guess it was built at the same time as the canal

I then turned along the road for a short way, admiring the Best Kept Village posters outside Westfield Primary School

Just after the school, I regained the South Staffs Railway walk

...which I followed, to rejoin my car.

A lovely walk. Click here if you missed the beginning.

   

To see more walks, click here

Today's walk: The actual walk I did was described yesterday (click here). But a better walk would be: park at the Station Cafe, follow the railway walk, turn off at flash Lane, to join the canal at Awbridge Bridge. Turn left, follow as far as the Round Oak pub, then along the road, past Westfield Primary School, and then turn left back onto the Railway walk, and follow it back to your car. About 4 miles.

Canal walking in May; Walk 1 - Wombourne

On a lovely May day, I parked at the leafy car park by Bratch locks in Wombourne.

Walking away from the canal, I passed Bratch Pumping station with its extraordinary architecture. Much of this area gets its water from sources deep underground.

I turned towards the Railway Cafe: what a blow - it doesn't open on a Monday! (Note to self -plan ahead better)

It is situated on the South Staffs Railway Walk.

Here's the cafe, looking very shut.

The path stretched out ahead - easy to follow.

Hawthorn blossom swaying in the strong wind.

Wide, open views from this section

...and, of course, the obligatory bluebells, ...

...and apple blossom.

Patterns in the sky

When I reached this bridge,...

...I turned down this narrow path

...along a quiet country lane with flowery verges.

I quickly reached this bridge over the Staffs and Worcs Canal.

It's Awbridge Bridge. Unusual because of the holes in the brickwork. And because its name has an echo (Awbridge Bridge - could have been Aw Bridge?)

The canal was peaceful as ever. 

This is part of a giant field of oilseed rape, which seemed to stretch on forever.

The cricket field is in lovely condition: there was someone working on it as I passed

 Soon I reached the next locks

Bratch Locks are famous all over the country. We'll look at them tomorrow

Today's walk: Park at Bratch car park, and turn away from the canal towards the Station Cafe (300 metres away). Then along the disused railway for just over a mile. from the bridge, descend to the lane and turn left. Follow it to the canal. Turn left onto the canal, and follow it to I follow as far as the Round Oak pub. from here, turn left along the road, passing Ounsdale School, then Westfield School. from there, find a path down to the railway walk, turn left and follow it back to the Cafe, and on to Bratch car park. Just over 4 easy miles.

Bunker's Hill Wood - and my guilty secret

To Bunker's Hill Wood, near Stourbridge, on a hunt for a nice bluebell walk.
A promising start, with thousands of bright dandelions.

Good views from the edge of the wood.

 Underfoot, pine cones and leaf litter

But then I saw these. Rhododendrons. Lots of them. They are an invasive species, and rather frowned on by naturalists. But I love them.

I know I shouldn't love them, but it's my guilty secret!

So far, lots of greenery - beautiful fresh new green leaves.

 Wonderful textures

And then, suddenly, there they are - the bluebells. You have to walk around a bit to see them: they aren't everywhere....

...but worth it when you find them.

Wonderful tree shapes

Forget me nots

The old sign for the wood (there's a brand new one at the entrance, but I like this one).

It's been a good year for gorse

Glowering skies heralded my return to the car.

A meeting of dog walkers! 

Trees by the lay by where I parked.

Today's walk: at Bunker's Hill Woods, on Whittington Hall Lane, just outside Stourbridge. There's a small car park, and a lay by. There are lots of paths, including one which goes right round the edge, but the smaller ones are more
interesting. It's about 2 miles right round the woods, but you can choose how far to go. 

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