Beautiful “Bratch Locks” on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, 11th August 2022 (Author’s Collection).
This edition is very much a sister article to “Reflections from Stewponey Locks” as it follows in the same vein of the beautiful reflections gleaned from a still canal and the gorgeous countryside that surrounds it. Bratch Locks is a highly popular tourist spot locally and throughout the county, and is a mere mile or mile and a half round trip walk painted via the following lucky 16 images.
*All images captured by me on Thursday 11th August 2022*
Welcome to Bratch Locks and the picture book setting of so many pleasing reflections.
A “Perfect Timing” moment amid so many pleasing reflections.
Reflections. Reflections, as we approach the Lock Keeper’s Cottage and Toll House of Bratch Locks — Part 1.
Reflections. Reflections, as we approach the Lock Keeper’s Cottage and Toll House of Bratch Locks — Part 2.
Bratch Locks “Top Lock” in what was once a “Staircase” set of three Locks that were later engineered into three separate Locks — Part 1.
Bratch Locks “Top Lock” in what was once a “Staircase” set of three Locks that were later engineered into three separate Locks — Part 2.
To continue a well worn phrase/question of this particular Summer, “Not a bad place to spend an afternoon, is it?”
Bratch Top Lock and the beautiful ornate Toll House.
View from atop the previously engineered “Staircase Lock” down onto the middle lock and bottom lock ahead of Bridge Number 47 or simply “Bratch Bridge”.
A return view on Bridge Number 48 or “Upper Bratch Bridge” and the beautiful Toll House as seen from the middle Lock.
View through Bridge 47 or “Bratch Bridge” demonstrating the “Staircase” style of these beautiful locks.
View from the same bridge with an even clearer demonstration of the three lock system with the Toll House a perfect backdrop and accompaniment.
View from the same bridge and the reflections and bend in the canal that lead away Bratch Locks and ultimately to the end of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal which bleeds into the River Severn at Stourport-on-Severn. The beautiful canal “basin” at Stourport was a feature of my recent canal walks and can be found within my “UK Travel” archives here.
All you could ever wish to know about these beautiful locks and a travel back in time.
A final reflection from Bratch Locks.
If your travelling feet head in the direction of the English midlands, I can’t recommend this little piece of bliss highly enough.
Your humble narrator larking around the ruins of Lilleshall Abbey, early August 2022 (Author’s Collection).
Thanks for reading. My “Summer Project” has taken me to the waterways and many historical castle ruins as I’ve crisscrossed the border between England and Wales and my three most recently published travel articles are linked below:
