Winding at the top of Walsall flight

[Pete of Ebor]

Hi. Does anyone know whether you can wind a 70' boat at the top of the Walsall flight ? My old Nicholsons shows a winding hole just above the top lock, but checking on Google Earth does not seem to show that much space.

[Tom and Bex]

Looks like it would be quite tight but might be possible. Why not just wind at Birchalls Junction?

Edited April 21, 2018 by Tom and Bex

[Pete of Ebor]

7 minutes ago, Tom and Bex said:

Looks like it would be quite tight but might be possible. Why not just wind at Birchalls Junction?

We're aiming to go to Walsall for a lunchtime stop. I'm debating whether it's worth taking the boat down the 8 then back up again after lunch, or leaving it at the top and walking down. Leaving it at the junction is further to walk. Suppose we could try to wind, and if we can't then it's down and up again.

[pearley]

Whilst there are 2 wider spaces above the locks together with the remnants of an arm it is usually obstructed by the boats moored at the yard. 

[Tom and Bex]

Personally I'd be very wary about leaving a boat unattended, or stop overnight at either the junction or top of the locks - and we're normally quite happy to moor in most areas.

Bottom of the locks or Walsall basin would be fine - my preference would be the basin itself. Nice place to moor, and the locks are quick and easy to work, definitely well worth a visit. 

[pearley]

2 hours ago, Tom and Bex said:

Personally I'd be very wary about leaving a boat unattended, or stop overnight at either the junction or top of the locks - and we're normally quite happy to moor in most areas.

Bottom of the locks or Walsall basin would be fine - my preference would be the basin itself. Nice place to moor, and the locks are quick and easy to work, definitely well worth a visit. 

Top of the locks should be OK. The single visitor mooring is gated.