Oozells Loop, central Birmingham

After spending four days at Granville Street moorings our time was up. The police were still in place for the Tory conference. They'd been monitoring the water in their RIB and had prohibited the trip boat from mooring in their usual place at Gas Street Basin. Floating barriers were in place where Broad Street crossed the canal. We were allowed through on the condition Rainboat was searched by a police dog and then travelled with an officer on board along the stretch closest to the ICC.

Vicky bundled Leo in his bag and took Tiger on the lead on the towpath while Trev, a 10 year old black spaniel did his inspection. The handler told us Abby gave Trev a glare but was otherwise nonplussed. Trev gave the all clear and a tall police officer hopped aboard with Will. We were given the go ahead but the barrier got stuck half way accross our path so Will had to do his best while they sorted it out and Rainboat was being blown accross Gas Street Basin!

The police were all friendly and enquired about Leo after his unplanned dip in the canal the other day. They told us they'd found a Rottweiler puppy swimming around that morning. It seemed well cared for so they reckoned it had escaped from a nearby garden and fallen in. Hopefully they've managed to find their family by now.

After letting the officer off, Will turned right at the little roundabout at Old Turn Junction, on to Birmingham and Fazeley Canal where we emptied our rubbish. Turning round before the first lock, he retraced his steps but went straight on at the roundabout to the start of Oozells Street Loop where there was one mooring space left outside Bannatyne Health Club and Spa.

It was quieter here as it was a more residential area. Further down the towpath was a gate that could only be unlocked with a CRT key.

The weather had improved and we had both recovered from our colds so we took the dogs and headed for the markets. It was a fair way to walk and reinforced how big a city Birmingham is. We really enjoyed the memories triggered by all the places along the way; Will being interviewed by the BBC in the Mailbox, the sandwich shop we'd often get lunch from, Will seeing Leonard Cohen, the starlings living rich on pickings from the fruit and veg market and the times we would take home a seafood feast from the fish market.

The following day we rested up and treated ourselves to a meal out. Vicky had spotted
Restaurant At The Woods when walking through the Mailbox. It was decorated like a woodland with large screens playing videos of a babbling brook. It sold itself on sustainable and ethical credentials, using recyclables, sourcing locally and running on renewable energy. Will's venison burger and Vicky's wild roots bowl were ok but nothing special. The two staff were preoccupied and left us waiting more than once. The chef couldn't say whether the meats were organic and the Neck Oil tasted like detergent (possibly residue from the dishwasher). It was pricey and had a 10% service charge automatically added to the bill. It was worth a try but we found it all a bit gimmicky.

We had an early start on Saturday. After walking the dogs we left them with licky mats while we took the metro to the train station, where Vicky caught the 08:03 to Newcastle. For the next week, Will would be in charge of the furry crew!Read more