Live Boating

Penkridge to Brewood

A day of lots of sunshine, but also lots of rather cold wind. 

Six locks on the timetable today. The first was Otherton Lock, and after half an hour we arrived at Rodbaston Lock, closely followed by Boggs and Brick Kiln. We came this way 2 ½ years ago and at that time the lock landing above Brick Kiln had collapsed – it has now been completely renewed.

Before (Sept 2020)

After (March 2023)

On to Gailey Lock with its round tower which used to be used as a watch tower by toll collectors.  We couldn’t go straight up this lock as there was a boat coming from the other direction. They were on their way to Great Haywood where there is due to be a Floating Market this weekend. Once they were on their way, we went up and carried on, stopping after a while for lunch.

Gailey Lock and Watchtower

At Autherley Junction, we turned off the Staffs & Worcs onto the Shropshire Union, going through the shallow stop lock at the turn. We travelled about 5 miles as far as Brewood where we moored. After having a cup of tea, we walked around Brewood which is an interesting village with a mixture of housing styles and ages.

Today’s miles and locks – 14.75 miles    6 locks      

Total miles and locks – 71.75 miles  32 locks