Stourton Junction and Kinver

Typical S&W view

The morning started grey but the weather cleared soon after we cast off at 8:30. As the weather improved, so did the scenery. The countyside is noticeably more hilly, the canal following a small stream at the bottom of a deep wooded valley. From time to time the canal passes red standstone rock faces where the builders have had to cut into the hillside.

Stourton Junction looking north - Stourbridge Canal joins on right

Green Alkanet

After a number of locks, we moored for lunch at Stourton Junction, an attractive place where the Stourbridge canal from Birmingham joins the Staffs & Worcestershire. Here, as at many other places along this canal we have seen many wildflowers. Attempts to photograph a selection unfortunately failed except for the rather nice Alkanet.

Dunsley Tunnel

Beyond the junction and another lock we passed through Dunsley Tunnel, all of 75 feet long ( slightly longer than the boat!). Here there is a further view of the sandstone. It must be remembered that the canal was completed in the 1770's when removal of rock meant gunpowder and picks and shovels.

We have moored at Kinver, a pretty village nestling in the wooded hills with a number of interesting sights. As we have time to spare we plan to spend the morning walking up to Kinver Edge, a 500 foot ridge overlooking the village, and exploring the sights - more information tomorrow.