Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, Part 3 Brompton ride, Kidderminster to Stourton Junction
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- Thursday 27th June 2024:
This Monday I went back to Kidderminster, to video more of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal.
I took the Brompton this time and rode from the station, along the canal, as far as the start of the Stourbridge Canal at Stourton Junction - approximately 10 miles. So, it was a round trip of about 20 miles. But the route back was on the main road which was pretty hilly on several sections. I’m not as fit as I used to be, so was knackered by the time I got back to Kidderminster!
I saw lots of boats on the canal. Loads of people were out walking and there were several locks, as well as two tunnels. Witnessed a boating-traffic jam on a sharp bend, and a big family of Canada Geese - including some really cute young ones. Oh, and some simply fantastic canal-side houses…
Top marks once again to West Midlands Railway - all 4 of my trains were bang on time! And NO, I’m not sponsored by them in case you wondered!
Catch the video from 06:00 on Saturday 29th
Hope you enjoy it!
Cheers,
Jeff
By the way, if you do enjoy the video, then please consider subscribing - it really helps me to grow the channel!
You can see more of my videos, including my journeys along the canals, and of my Brompton bike at:
/ @gladysthenarrowboat
Lovely Countryside and I see your being friendly with your future neighbours.
I wonder if your paths/canals will pass again?😂
Yes indeed John. The canal is very pretty and reminds me of both the Llangollen and also the Mon & Brec. I do try to engage with the boaters - usually they respond well, but now and then they seem disinterested - same thing with cyclists that I pass / make way for... some are very friendly and some are bloody ignorant!
Once afloat on Gladys, I hope I'll feature other boaters quite a lot and it'll be great if I chance along someone I met before 😁 Or meet one of my UA-cam narrowboat heroes like Kevin Shelley (Travels by Narrowboat), The Narrowboat Pirate, The Amateur Boater, Narrowboat Journeys - to name a few).👍
Looked like a good size feed of chips. Certainly stressful ride on that motorway.
Hi Barry! yeah, I didn't ask for a large portion, but it was way too much and I had to leave half of them. Good chippie though!
The road got a bit hairy here and there - not much fun, but time was against me and it would have taken too long to retrace on the towpath. I used to do a lot of road cycling but its less enjoyable the older I get.
Always enjoy your videos
Thanks guys! 😁 And I have been enjoying your adventures on the Llangollen Canal too - very well worth a watch!!! The Happy Wren - same boat as we hired 😊
A nice trail video, Jeff. I liked seeing the cutting through the rock. Very special. Those chips look lush too.
Hi Madison 😊 Thanks for the encouragement (as always). Afraid my bike rides hardly compare to yours in length... 20 miles was more than enough for me - my excuse is that I'm really not bike-fit. Maybe I'll go out for a ride tomorrow if the weather's still good. I need to get some miles in!
Yeah, its amazing how they ever built those canals - no power tools like we have today. If only the navvies of yesteryear had been taken on to build HS2... it would have been finished ages ago!
Chips were very good and I recommend that chippie if you go to Kidderminster (Captain Cod). As I said in other comments though, I only had time to eat half of them 😒
Got to be envious of the house at 16m 30s. A place by the canal and their own climbing wall.
I wondered why the canal detoured around the Kinver area, wondered what the industry was, well now I know. Too much to include here but safe to say, it has a long history and a quite interesting past. With a number of places of interest in the area. Thank you for bringing the place to my attention.
Yes, I think that must be one of the most desirable houses I've ever seen, How anyone affords such a place is baffling and when I think about it, it seems unfair that someone has such a fabulous home when many others are homeless or living in a single room bedsit... but that's another question I guess, and for now, it's enough just to admire the house 😊
I know you always like to do some research DC! Must confess, when making the videos, its not really my aim to provide a history lesson - but more to provoke interest - so I'm glad it worked for you!👍
Hi Jeff, I too would have been absolutely knackered after that road section. I'm not a fan of road cycling either, there are just way too many cars these days. The canal stretch is absolutely amazing, so picturesque and very popular. A busy day on the water with all those boats too. Great towpaths too which is always a plus. Definitely a section for me to visit when I've got time. I've been out a few times now on my local canals steadily building up my fitness levels. Probably about 5 miles each time in total including the short runs along the roads to get to the canals. I'm having to go after work when I do go out so I have limited time but I will be taking time off during the summer with the intention of full day cycling, following the routes you have been uploading whenever possible. Anyway, I'm glad to see you got your chips this time Jeff, albeit no fish (I couldn't see one) By the way, a few of your female subscribers contacted me to say they would have been quite happy for you to remove your t-shirt in the video. Great enjoyable video as always. Take care Jeff 👍
Hi Dave! Yeah, I was badly in need to something to eat by the time I reached the chippie (just opposite the station). And very thirsty - that can of Vimto went down a treat. But no time for a fish as well, and I only managed half the chips as it turned out. Yes, a really great stretch of canal - you'd love it I'm sure.
Great to hear you are getting out on the bike - there are so many fabulous canals around Birmingham area - I'm sure you'll enjoy them. I certainly have enjoyed riding/walking/videoing them... and am looking forward to making videos of them with Gladys!
Hmm... well Dave, none of those ladies has contacted me personally! I imagine they're too shy, eh? Feel free to act as my agent in such matters 😉
As always, many thanks for the great comment and for supporting the channel. 👍
@@Gladysthenarrowboat Consider me your agent Jeff 🤣
Thanks Dave - I'll be standing by to receive your call! 👍
Hi Jeff, I'm pleased to hear that you love the sound of the lock paddles being opened or closed as fortunately you will be hearing it lot's soon 😅😊
Another great Vlog of your travels along the Canal Networks with your trusty steed, (The Brompton)😊
Beautiful scenery and be careful with your speed 😮
As always take care and stay safe out there. 😊
John.
Thanks John! Yes, I really love that sound - and it carries a along way, so you often know someone's in the lock before you get there. Very glad of your comments and the support you've given - much appreciated!
The camera really does exaggerate the speed, believe me! But I'm nearly 65 and getting more cautious with every day that passes, so you can rest assured! 👍
@Gladysthenarrowboat I have been following CHG Kevin and Ben and Emily for over 5 years with Kevin and about 3 years with Ben and Emily both from their beginning which has been very interesting and enjoyable.
I'm sure you will become more popular once your own Narrowboat journeys are aired.
Can't wait to see Gladys and yourself chugging along. 🥰
John.
Thanks John! 😁 Yes, I think the narrowboat itself plays a huge part and I'm sure people will love seeing Gladys chugging along. As before - many thanks for the encouragement!!! 👍
That was a nice trip along the canal but not at all a fan of road cycling. There were a lot of boats along there, obviously very popular.
If I were you I'd take a picnic on these trips, that way you'll never get too hungry.
Dragonfly reminded me of Fawlty Towers!
Thanks Annie! Yes, its a lot different riding on the road. Time was, when road cycling was my biggest passion, but it does feel scary sometimes now.
Sometimes I do take some lunch with me, but then again, it adds to the weight in my rucksack and when on the bike, with a few tools/spares, plus my GoPro stuff, it gets a bit heavy. I do need to sort out some bags to fit on the bike!! Hence I sometimes try to just get something along the way. Mind you... there are very few places along a canal where you can buy anything - other than a pub.
Ah yes, Fawlty Towers... "...and the name of the horse was...Dragonfly!" said a relieved Polly. Cybil says to Basil that if she finds out he's been betting on a horse, then he knows what she'll do. He replies "You'll have to sew them back on again first!" Classic stuff 😁😁
@@Gladysthenarrowboat Haha, yes, poor Basil!!
You definitely must sort at least one bag for the bike.
Yes, I keep forgetting/putting it off... but I really do need to get my act together and order a bag (or two).
Poor Basil indeed Annie - it was classic stuff! 😂
@@Gladysthenarrowboat It was wasn't it, hardly a day goes by when we don't say something that was in Fawlty Towers. Ees piggeon is a favourite as there are pigeons here every day & today unfortunately a brave daytime rat which of course is what Manuel's piggeon was.
I speak English, I learn it from a book. 😸
Ah, good old Manuel... "I come from Barcelona!"
Yeah, every episode was spot-on. The casting perfect too... bit like Dads Army - and when everything is as right as it was with these classics, they easily pass the test of time! 😁