Wednesday, 14 May 2014

14th May. Day 12. Leicester => Birmingham Ring. Curdworth Top Lock to Oozells Street Loop.

















An Aston Flight lock.


Newhall Street Bridge Lock.

A Farmer's bridge lock "emerging".


Oozell Street Loop moorings.


Today was all about locks and the weather was good.


We set out at 8.00 and having done 3 locks arrived at the bottom of the Aston flight of 11 at 11.15. We finally finished the top lock of the Farmer's Bridge locks (13) at 15.00.

The Aston flight is well maintained and pretty unsurprising. The 1/2 mile or so between the 2 flights was perhaps the most "threatening" area. There were 3 sections of mooring posts here, 1 was close to the Aston Road bridge and very much to allow boats to pass each other. The other 2 seemed to be being guarded by some of Birmingham's outdoor drinking fraternity and we didn't fancy stopping at either - and that was just for lunch.

Farmer's Bridge locks are much more interesting. The first 3 or 4 are almost subterrean built just after or under deep bridges and then under a newer building. Victorian brick work hidden under modern building. You would imagine period murders set here.

Anyway after the locks comes Cambrian Wharf which seemed to be pretty all long stay although it did talk about visitor moorings. We went on and moored on the Oozell Street loop and so far I'm very happy with the spot. Hopefully the bikes will still be locked to the roof in the morning!

9.25 miles 27 locks= 36.25 lock miles.

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