Tag: canal

November 27th – The sunset was also good at the old railway bridge over the canal near the old cement works in Brownhills. This is an odd bridge, and now conveys national cycle route 5 from the canal below to the former level crossing at Engine Lane. It has odd, reduced level parapets and a very scant guard rail, but has been well-known to generations of Brownhills Kids. Here, looking west, it could have easily been a summer evening; not a soul about and just the sound of ducks and coots in the reeds. A peaceful spot.

November 20th – it’s an odd season, this. Coming back along the canal before heading towards Stonnall, I passed the gorse thicket by the Pier Street pedestrian bridge in Brownhills… remarkably, it’s in bloom. It’s been unseasonably warm and dry, surely these bushes don’t think it’s may again? From the ramp of the bridge, the damp spiderwebs made for an interesting contrast with the dark green foliage and yellow flowers.

November 8th – another day of drizzle, poor light, mist and damp commuting. My day was again, somewhat miserable, but the trains ran almost, mot not quite, to time. It’s really hard to get good photos in conditions like these, but speeding along the Lichfield Road at Summerhill, near Muckley Corner, I spotted the Boat Pub, lit up and inviting. I didn’t pay a call, but it was very temping. It’s called the boat due to the canal that used to run alongside, and may yet do so again, with enthusiasts fighting to restore the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal to it’s former glory.

October 24th -At the other end of the day, the evening was chilly and clear. It was dark by 6:10, and as I crossed the Anchor Bridge into Brownhills, I couldn’t resist this shot of the canal near Lindon Road. I love the contrast between the vehicle lights, water and trees. This is a classic Brownhills view, and one all Brownhillians will know and love.

October 20th – My love for Birmingham’s canals has been well recorded here, but this to me is the essence of the city. This tunnel lies – largely unnoticed by those passing above it – beneath Proof House Railway Junction, to the north of New Street Station. The tunnel itself is functional, grubby and bleak, but is actually beautifully lit and is a veritable refuge in the heart of the city. The canals show you life from the back; old factories and yards mingle with scrubby wastes and the margins of city life. And they are charming and fascinating for it. All of Brum is here, and I love every brick of it.

October 14th – Another stretch of canal, 70 minutes later. Had to nip out to Walsall, so swung home on the canal from Sutton Road to Leighswood. The sunset was remarkable, but sadly, no herons today. I didn’t see a soul, and as the sun sank over Walsall, the familiar chill of autumn returned to the air. A gorgeous end to the day. 30 miles in two hours punctuated by the most gorgeous scenes and views. It doesn’t get much better than this…

October 14th – A day working from home, followed by a couple of hours of frantic errand-running. On the canal near Catshill, just by Lanes Farm at 5pm, the light was mellow, soft and golden. This is mad, it’s like August; in two weeks the clocks go back. What gives? Still, I’m not complaining one little bit… after a grey start to the week, the is just the ticket.

October 13th – Due to the unseasonably warm weather, some plants seem to be confused, and have started flowering again. I believe this antirrhinum shouldn’t be in bloom at this time of year, but there are several of these delightful yellow flowers on the canal bank between the Clayhanger and Black Cock bridges. I’m not sure even if the species is native, or an escapee from domestic gardens, where it’s more commonly known by the name snapdragon. In summer, it’s a favourite of gardeners as a bedding plant.

October 13th – A day of meetings. First in Darlaston, then a second in Telford. Leaving Darlaston mid-morning, I headed onto the canal to catch the train to Wolverhampton from Dudley Port. On such a sunny, hazy, bright day it’s easily to fall in love anew with the Black Country. I adore it’s backstreets, canals and unexpected vistas. The view of Rowley Regis and Turner’s Hill from the station was particularly fascinating. I love this place.