Sunday 31 July 2011

Br22 Caldon Canal to Westport Lake, T&M Canal

A fairly early start today took us back down the Caldon Canal to it's junction with the Trent and Mersey at Etruria. The outskirts of Stoke actually appear quite good on a bright sunny morning with only dog walkers around.

We passed an unfortunate hireboat that had managed to run aground on the off-side and at least two boats overtook it on the way to the last 3 locks on the canal.

We moored at Etruria for water and pump-out and then visited the Jesse Shirley Bone and Flint Mill Museum. This is a very interesting museum, although similar to Cheddleton Flint Mill in may respects. Each display area has sensors so that when you walk in you get a detailed story played to you of what happened here.

We turned onto the Trent and Mersey and headed north towards the Harecastle Tunnel, but moored along side Westport Lake ready to tackle the tunnel and Tesco tomorrow morning.

The two kilns in the photo are all that is left of the old Johnson pottery site and the whole area has been flattened ready for re-development.

Saturday 30 july 2011

Denford to Br 22 Caldon Canal

A few more locks and a few more miles took us to the point where we thought it safe to moor before tomorrows trip through the outskirts of Stoke-on Trent. En route we tried to shop at Endon only to find that the shop had very limited stocks so when we moored near Br 22 we decided to walk ahead to the Co-Op at Milton.

While we were walking we passed a few other boats all moored ready for the journey through Stoke.

Friday 29 July 2011

Cheddleton to Br38 Denford

After ascending the two locks at Cheddleton we moored at the Flint Mill Museum. this lovely little museum is free (donations welcome) and is a fascinating place and somehow isn't cluttered with modern day Health and Safety. You take yourself on a self-guided tour with the aid of a very useful fact sheet and the volunteers are there to give information if required.

Nicola decided to set off up the hill for the 5 minute walk (according to the guide book) to the shops, but came back empty handed. The bad neck that had been troubling her for a few days didn't help. I set off and after about 15 minutes walk uphill found a Bargain Booze with not much useful stock except booze, but then spotted a small convenience store a bit further up the hill. The shopping arrangements on this canal are few and far between and we will come better prepared when we come again.

Having stocked up with some basics we then set off back towards Denford and the Holly Bush Inn. As this is close to the two branches of the canal it makes for a very pleasant circular walk with a welcome pint of Thwaites Wainwright in the Holly Bush on the way back to the boat.

Thursday 28 July 2011

Consall Forge to Cheddleton, via Froghall

Today we travelled to the end of navigation at Froghall and then re-traced our route to moor just before Cheddleton.

The last section of canal has a very low tunnel and very few boats can get through. We decided to fill up with water before we set off and to take the flowers off the roof to make the boat as low as possible. Below Flint Mill Lock there is a profile of the tunnel suspended from the bridge and unfortunately we just touched it as we came through, therefore we would have to turn before Froghall Tunnel.

For boats that are unable to pass through the tunnel you have to moor alongside a lovely site where a large factory has been demolished and then walk on to the end of the canal.

A lot of money has been spent on restoring a lock that leads down into a basin with lovely mooring pontoons, boaters facilities etc, but most  boats are unable to reach this.

There is a visitors centre (that was shut) and a little shop, where you are not allowed in, but you can ring on the bell or bang on the window to get the little old lady's attention and she has a list of the items she sells on display! All in all Froghall is a missed opportunity and a disappointment for such a wonderful canal.

On the return journey we passed a boat who warned us about a snake that had taken up residence in the next locks paddle gear. Sure enough there was a small grass snake trying to hide in a crack in the concrete but his last meal was too big and he couldn't get all his body in!

Wednesday 27 July 2011

Denford to Consall Forge, Caldon Canal

A short cruise took us past the old Flint Mill and on to a mooring by the Boat Inn at Cheddleton. Shutting a very fed-up dog in the boat we rushed off to Cheddleton Station to catch the steam train to Froghall. Fortunately the train times are a bit fluid and we managed to catch the 10.32 delayed until 11am until everybody queuing had bought their tickets.

The Churnet Valley Railway was really like stepping back into the fifties with the steam engine, old carriages and wonderfully presented station buildings. The route to Froghall starts off in lovely countryside and follows the River Churnet and Caldon Canal, the last section into Froghall passed dismantled factories was not quite as pretty.

We took the same train back to Cheddleton and arrived just in time for the Boat Inn to open and to enjoy a pint and lunch overlooking the canal.

After lunch we cruised on to Consall Forge. this could be a lovely location but just seems a little neglected and scruffy at the moment. It does however attract the crowds despite having very poor road access.

Tuesday 26 July 2011

Br22 to Denford, Caldon Canal via Leek Branch

We woke up fairly early ( dog!) to find rain and grey skies, but after a fairly early start it soon started to brighten up and turned into a wonderful day.

We climbed the Stockton Brook Locks with a brief stop to buy a paper. Most of the locks have amazing stone work alogside them. It amazed us how many boats are actually up on the Caldon Canal at the moment, we thought we would be by ourselves. We decided to turn off to do the leek Branch today and save the trip to Froghall tomorrow, although the steam railway at Cheddleton will probably delay us.

The Leek branch reminded us of the good old Mon and Brec as it was built into the side of a hill with lovely scenery. The Leek Tunnel, although very narrow, seemed incredibly well preserved. Turning at the end of the branch the moorings were already fairly full and got even fully over lunch with a boat mooring across the winding hole.

We retraced our steps to Hazelhurst Junction and dropped down through the 3 locks and moored near Denford. What a wonderful canal this is.

Monday 25 July 2011

Barlaston to Br 22, Caldon Canal

A very pleasant days Cruise in and out of Stoke-on-Trent. The approach into the town from the south actually appeared quite pleasant in the sunshine today.

We climbed the five locks to the junction with the Caldon Canal and decided not to stop for lunch but to keep cruising to get back out of the built up areas. The plan was to get to Endon above the five Stockton Brook Locks but we decided to stop earlier today.

The Caldon Canal really is as beautiful as everybody had told us it would be. Even the section leaving Stoke was far more pleasant than we had expected.

Sunday 24 july 2011

Burston to Barlaston, Trent and Mersey Canal

Another long day by our standards. We moored on arrival in Stone below the bottom lock to take on water and for a shopping trip into town. The Star Inn by the bottom lock was advertising their real ales at very good prices and so it was inevitable that the dog would drag us in for a pint or two at lunch time.

While we were sat by the lock/pub we were amazed to see the local trip boat pull into the lock and before they descended a group of waitresses from the pub served very acceptable looking plates of Sunday lunch to the guests on the boat. What a wonderful example of businesses working together. (note the dog's interest!)

After lunch (and watching Hamilton win the German Grand Prix) we continued out of Stone and after what seemed a very long afternoon we moored at Barlaston for the night.

Saturday 23 July 2011

Great Hayward to Br 86 Burston, Trent and Mersey

Continued North West for a few more miles and three more locks to moor near the village of Burston. On approaching the village we saw three Fireman with a light portable pump and some hose putting out a fire in the base of a tree. It struck us that their efforts were in vain as the tree was so badly damaged at the base that the next time there is a strong wind the whole tree will fall. We could not understand how it came to be on fire as there has been no lightning and vandalism would be highly unlikely out here.

The River Trent flows very close to the canal here and it is very difficult to believe that it is the same as the tidal river that we came down from Keadby two years ago.

The land across the river belongs to Severn Trent Water and they have created a lovely wetland wildlife area with some lovely footpaths. However they now appear to want to ruin it by putting three enormous wind generators on it.

Friday 22 July 2011

Great Hayward





After a shopping trip into town, we returned to the boat and had a long chat to the couple on the motor and butty moored in front of us. They have an art business and make lovely rope keyrings.


They were busy changing the engine mounts on the Motor Boat "Da Vinci" and it brought back memories of doing similar jobs on hire boats out on the towpath.


After an early lunch we went back to look around Shugborough Hall and to look at the private apartments of Patrick Lichfield that are now on display.


On returing to the boat we took the dog for a short walk to make up for being left for a couple of hours and met a couple who had just moored. He had his garden shears out and was busy trimming the towpath. It turned out that they are from Cardiff.

Thursday 21 July 2011

Bridge 69 to Great Haywood, Trent and Mersey

Just a short trip today taking us to a lovely mooring just before Great Haywood.

The view from the boat windows is across the River Trent to the parkland surrounding Shugborough Hall. All that is missing is the herds of Zebra!!

A short walk into the village took us passed the gardens of the Clifford Arms and unfortunately the dog dragged us in. A very dog friendly pub, the chef even came out into the garden to give Bentley some dog biscuits. Only intended to stop for one pint but the Speckled Hen was so good we had to samole more!!!

Spent the afternoon wandering around the grounds of the Hall and bought a new umbrella in the National Trust shop, that should ensure that we get no more rain.

Wednesday 20 July 2011

Fradley Junction to Br69 (Taft) Bridge, Trent and Mersey Canal

Very busy morning at the locks above Fradley Junction. Having passed the Armitage Shanks factory we were warned about 3 very drunk characters trying to get onto boats at the Armitage tunnel. Fortunately they seemed to have disappeared by the time we went through.

Stopped in Rugeley for shopping expedition before heading out of town to ffind a mooring for the night. We knew that a couple that we knew on the Mon and Brec Canal had moved to Rugeley and we were amazed to see them in their garden that backs onto the T & M.

We have moored opposite a very smelly pig farm that also has a couple of alpacca.

Tuesday 19 July 2011

Hopwaas to Fradley Junction

After searching in vain for a shop in Hopwas (long since closed) we set off in the rain initially heading to Streethay Wharf for a pump-out and encountered a small gathering of coal boats, happy to pose for the camera.

We continued to Fradley Junction and were lucky to find a gap on the visitor mooeings on the approach. Enjoyed a pint of Black Sheep at the Swan.

Monday 18 July 2011

Athrstone to Hopwas

Late start to the day, even Bentley slept in until 8.20. Normally he is trying to pull us out of bed by 6.30am.

Headed towards the boatyard at Alvecote Marina only to find them closed on Mondays. Should have guessed. There were, however, several Samuel Barlow boats moored up in the marina.

After lunch we carried on towards the locks at Glascote only to find a long queue of waiting boats. Apparently a culvert by one of the locks had become blocked and BW had to bring in divers to clear it as it was flooding a nearby cottage.

Finished the journey to Hopwas in pouring rain. Walked through Hopwas passed the "Tame Otter" pub and they appeared to be hosting a childrens party. The little darlings were having great fun pulling all the developing apples off a tree and throwing them at each other, not a parent in sight!!

Sunday 17 July 2011

Br27 to below lock 9 Atherstone flight, Coventry Canal

Another grey day, but at least the rain held off for most of the morning. Stopped for water part way down the locks at Atherstone, which allowed time for a quick shopping trip to the Co-Op just up the road.

Moored below lock 9 mid afternoon before the rain really started. Later in the afternoon we were amazed to see a boat crewed by tigers and other unidentifiable animals, sadly they appeared to be soaking wet on the outside and well lubricated with Pims on the inside!

Saturday 16 July 2011

Hawkesbury Junction to Br27 Coventry Canal

Wet start to the day, rain nearly until lunch time, therefore late departure. Cruised for a few hours through Bedworth and Nuneaton.

We are amazed how many ripe blackberries there are in the hedgerow.

Passed nb Gypsy Rover moored on the approach to Nuneaton but the new owners do not appear to be bloggers.

When we moored near Valley Cruisers we enjoyed watching the new hirers arriving, bringing back memories! The last hire boat left the marina with instuctor after 9pm!!

Friday 15 July 2011

Strettonsh Stop to Hawkesbury Junction

Perfect day for walking the dog along the towpath.

Two more teams of British Waterway men doing work on the towpath, shame they can't do anything about the off-side cutting instead.

Arrived at Hawkesbury in time for lunch at the Greyhound, having been overtaken by the hotelboats Oak and Ash with just two passengers onboard. We never managed to overtake anything when we had our hotelboat pair!

The area around the junction seems particularly untidy with rubbish strewn everywhere and all the dog bins overflowing onto the path. Shame.

The picture shows one of the boats selling Welsh cheeses around the canal network.

Thursday 14 July 2011

Hillmorton Top Lock to Br34 Brinklow, Oxford Canal

Uneventful day travelling further north. Much more traffic, mainly hireboats heading back to base foe the week-end turnround.

Wednesday 13 July 2011

Braunston to Hillmorton Top Lock

After a night in the Boathouse Pub with their two for the price of one offer we eventually set off on our journey north after several days delay waiting to take advantage of Midland Chandlers battery offer. New batteries duly fitted we hope for no more low voltage problems for the next few years!!

Heading north we notice that the Barby Moorings Marina still appears a long way from being finished, although a digger was busy dredging out the entrance.

Moored up for the night above Hillmorton Locks ready for an early start tomorrow morning.

Crewman Bentley still desparte to be liked by everyone passing on the towpath, the picture shows him after a mad few minutes re-making his bed.