The canals of the United Kingdom are a major part of the network of inland waterways. With over 2,200 miles (3,500 km) of navigable canals and rivers linked into a single network, the canals connect the Irish Sea, the North Sea, the estuaries of the Humber, Thames, Mersey, Severn and Ribble rivers with Industrial cities like Birmingham, Liverpool, Coventry and even London. They have a colourful history dating from as early as the Roman times, but in particular, the canals played a crucial role during the Industrial Revolution.
Our friends picked the narrowboat up from a marina at Alvechurch, south of Birmingham, and spent 7 days bringing the boat north, through Birmingham and along the Worcester-Staffordshire Canal to the village of Penkridge. We rendezvoused with them there, and took the narrowboat on for a further 8 days. Our route continued along the Worcester-Staffordshire Canal and then turned onto the Coventry Canal, then onto the Birmingham-Fazeley Canal. The complete circuit completed by both families during the two week period is called the Black Country Ring, and takes in a mix of wonderful country side and industrial areas.
11 окт 2024
