Bradley to Tipton

 Thursday 12^th May

The basin and the moorings in the immediate area were becoming quite crowded as there is a BCNS rally at Bradley at the weekend and boats were already arriving in preparation for that.

Chyandour is seven in from left.

At 10.00, we had a guided tour of the workshops. Simon, the workshop manager, explained each stage of the work and gave us lots of information of all that goes into making new gates for a lock, given that each lock is unique. The old gates have to be measured in situ and plans drawn up before the new gates can be made. He also explained the difficulties of balancing getting value for money with the sometimes opposing claims of heritage and health and safety.

New gates for the Montgomery

There are photos, but you'll have to imagine the smell of all that lovely green oak.

Gates ready for Marston Doles and Oxford 24

A walk was planned for the afternoon along the line of the abandoned Bradley Locks, but we quite urgently needed a pump out, so we decided to do the walk ourselves before the visit to the workshops, and then leave as soon as possible.

A lock just waiting to be dug out

After another early lunch, we manoeuvred our way out of the basin (with the help and co-operation of fellow boaters), out onto the canal, back to Deepfields Junction and turned left onto the BCN Main Line, going as far as Factory Junction and then taking the Old Main Line. We got our pump out at the Black Country Living Museum and then moored up with two boats from our group whose occupants had also not done the walk. The rest soon joined us and we all went to Mad O’Rourke’s Pie Factory for a meal – great food and a great venue.

Today’s miles and locks – 5.25 miles  0 locks

Total miles and locks – 105.50 miles  64 locks