Booze Cruise #5 - Titford Pumphouse to Merryhill via Dudley Port and Netherton Tunnel

17/08/2006 by Mark.Whalley.

17 August 2006

Having not taken my colleagues out for a Booze Cruise for a while, we decided to try and repeat what had always been considered to be the most enjoyable - namely the very first one - where we spent the afternoon traveling from the Titford Pumphouse to Merryhill via Tipton and the Netherton Tunnel.

As with our first trip to Merryhill, we would set off from the Pumphouse in the early afternoon with a number of volunteers who had chosen to take the afternoon off work. However, unlike our previous run, as can be seen we set off in heavy rain and thunder!

 

Oldbury Top Lock - Mike F, Andy F, Terry G and Jay P

 

Oldbury 2nd Lock - Andy F and Mike F

 

After completing the six Oldbury locks, we turned left onto the Birmingham Canal (Old Line) winding our way to Tipton Junction and then right at Factory Junction before entering the first of the three Factory Locks at Tipton Green.

Mike F - not looking too happy at having to work all these locks!

 

Jay P - also wondering why he also drew the short straw.

 

I wonder if this could be the reason why? Terry G, who loves work. He could sit and watch others do it all day!

 

Mike F - striding forwards

 

Jay P and Andy F at the bottom of three Factory Locks

 

Oh look, it’s that Mr German giving the orders again!

 

OK lads, as the boat passes the lock gates, we’ll all trip Mr G up with the rope!

 

Tastoma in lock

 

Within a couple of minutes we arrive at the Ryland Aquaduct with the train line to the left and the A461 passing below. Being about 10 minutes early, we waited in what had now turned out to be a really sunny and warm afternoon for the rest of the ‘Team’ to arrive.

 

Waiting on the Ryland Aquaduct

 

With the rest of the team on board, we continued along the Birmingham Level Main Line before turning right onto the Netherton Tunnel Branch and into the 3,027 yard Netherton Tunnel.

 

Entrance to Netherton Tunnel

 

That exit looks a long way away!

 

Tunnel wall

 

And eventually the exit

 

Exiting the Netherton Tunnel and continuing on the Dudley No 1 canal..

 

Mike B protecting his wife from the undergrowth (apologies, I cannot remember her name)

 

 

 

At Blowers Green Bridge, a sharp left turn and into the 12ft 0in Blowers Green Bridge (the deepest on the BCN).

 

Mike B and Stu M closing the upper lock gate

 

Mike F, Jay P, Martin C and Mike B working paddles on Blower’s Green Bottom Lock (Dudley & Lye Waste bridge

 

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Eventually arriving at the Waterfront. But not before we have a major thunderstorm with rain droplets imploding on the canal!

 

Rainbow after the thunderstorm at the Waterfront

 

 

 

 

 

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