Saturday 21 December 2019

Exploring the Anson Branch Canal

Anson Branch Canal - BCN
December 2019

I have been out and about again with my Go Pro, this time exploring the line of the abandoned Anson Branch Canal. 



Technically, this is a branch  of the Walsall Canal, but as the Bentley linked into and used the last half mile, it seemed appropriate to include it in my hunt for the abandoned branches of the Wyrley and Essington.

It's funny what you turn up in the research for these videos. I figured that this was just another little branch built to reach another coal field but in the event there was much more to this waterway, bisected by the construction of Junction 10 of the M6.

Not only did I find myself looking at the collieries in the Reedswood area of Walsall, I also found myself in a quarry with links to the Giants Causeway and Noddy Holder, plus gaining an understanding of how the canal was an essential element of the mighty Birchills power station which stood on the site of todays Sainsburys.

Link to The  20 minute Anson Branch YouTube video


Saturday 14 December 2019

Exploring Bentley's bottom

Exploring the lower half of the Bentley Canal
December 2019

I have attached a link to the latest Canal Hunter video, this time exploring the lower half of the Bentley Canal.



I can promise that there are no spontaneous bursts of song in this one.....



Saturday 7 December 2019

Exploring the lost Bentley Canal

Bentley Canal in Wednesfield
December 2019

Well, I have finally got cracking on the next series of Canal Hunter, starting off with the elusive upper half of the Bentley Canal and the Neachells Branch.


Bentley top lock

This section has been heavily built over, but thankfully there are lots of photos to fill in the gaps. 

Here is an easy link to the video:

Canal Hunter series three - Bentley Canal (part one)

Click subscribe on the YouTube channel to catch future episodes.