Okay, that's it!

I'm going to be too busy over the summer to continue with these photos, so that's it for now, I'm afraid!

I have to say that I have been disappointed with the response to this blog. There have been only 2 comments left in the last 3 months and none at all in the last 2 months. This is in complete contrast with my Ashton under Lyne blog which receives a number of comments for almost every post.

There has been a steady trickle of visitors since the blog started 6 months ago, but many of those have arrived here after searching for things on search engines. I suspect that there are not many regular visitors. I thought the combination of randomish canal photos plus links to aerial views would have had some appeal.

I don't know yet whether I will carry on with this after the summer or just give it up as an idea that didn't catch on.

Birmingham

Another view from central Birmingham's vibrant canalscape - this time the 4th lock down the 13-lock Farmers Bridge flight, with the bridge carrying the A457 Summer Row from Birmingham to Smethwick.

See Google Aerial View of this location.
See LiveSearch Birds Eye View of this location.

Aynho Weir Lock

This is Aynho Weir Lock on the Southern Oxford Canal, south of Banbury. The lock is a curious shape, with narrow gates at each end, but with a chamber that widens out to around 20 feet, making it awkward for solo boaters with shorter boats, especially as there are no bollards to tie onto (or, at least, there weren't when the photo was taken).
The lock only has a fall of around 1 foot, but it feeds the 12 foot deep Somerton Lock, 3 miles downstream. So, the unusual shape is to allow extra water to be sent downstream each time the lock is used.The River Cherwell crosses the canal on a level just above Aynho Weir Lock, sometimes creating interesting currents.
See Google Aerial View of this location.

Harecastle

Another view of the southern portal of Harecastle Tunnel on the Trent and Mersey Canal in Staffordshire.

In the background on the left you can see the portal to Brindley's original 1777 tunnel, which is no longer navigable.

See Google Aerial View of this location.
See LiveSearch Birds Eye View of this location.

Witham Navigable Drains

A view along Newham Drain on the Witham Navigable Drains, near Boston in Lincolnshire.

The Witham Navigable Drains are a network of around 40 miles of channels of various widths, accessed by locking down from the River Witham at Anton's Gowt. The drains lead into Boston alongside Maud Foster's Windmill.

See Google Aerial View of this location.

Tyrley Locks

Just a mile south of the bridge at Market Drayton is the flight of five locks at Tyrley. The strikingly red soil of the cutting indicates red sandstone underlying the area.
Tyrley Castle once stood on a site between here and Market Drayton, now occupied by Tyrley Castle Farm. Above the locks is Tyrley Wharf with its collection of 1840s red brick buildings.
See Google Aerial View of this location.

Consall Forge

Consall Forge is a surprisingly remote place on the Caldon Canal in Staffordshire. It is many miles from the nearest road, by means of a narrow track. It does, however, have a station on the North Staffordshire Railway (Churnet Valley Railway).

The Black Lion Inn, seem behind the railway, is a must for boaters stopping here overnight on their way to Froghall.

See Google Aerial View of this location.