Monday 3 October 2011

Back at Branston, on Trent and Mersey canal

Since our last blog we have meandered down to Sawley Marina and back. The weather has been so good we have taken our time and enjoyed it!

The River Trent was an absolute millpond, and so we didn't wrestle with dog to try to get the life jacket on him. We moored opposite Sawley marina for 24 hours and enjoyed the entertainment of passing boaters in the hot sun. We took a very pleasant early morning walk alongside the Trent down to the junction where the Erewash Canal joins the river, a path that is adjacent to a golf club nearly all the way. Surprisingly, there are signed footpaths pointing across the greens.

We are now on our way back towards Fradley Junction, in no hurry, and as we had enjoyed Shardlow previously, stopped there again overnight. The Heritage Centre there was unfortunately closed, so didn't get our business, but the Malt Shovel did! Saw the Shardlow croc lurking under a jetty . Honest!

The 74 acre Mercia Marina site at Willington, was worth a stroll around, a most attractive location, created with conservation in mind, and includes a well stocked grocery shop, Midland Chandlers, plus plans for a bistro and 18 luxury lodges. Very courteous management team too. We will definitely give this place consideration for moorings. 

Just around the corner from the marina we stopped again at Willington village. Very close to the railway this time unfortunately, so thundering rail stock through the night meant briken sleep, broken again by fighting cats at 6am!

Now we are back at Branston, moored alongside a very neatly mowed towpath. The autumn sun is out again, but very strong breeze, so strong the dogs ears are horizontal!

Wednesday 28 September 2011

Swarkstone Lock to above Shardlow Lock, Trent and Mersey Canal

Another perfect day. Now we are using double width locks, and these need a lot more muscle, to deal with the heavier paddles and gates. Shame we haven't been able to time things right, and share with another boat.

A lovely trip along to Shardlow, with just a handful of moving boats. More cyclists and dog walkers! In fact, the very flat farmland, the cloudless blue sky, the warm sun, reminded us of boating in France.

We ambled down below Shardlow Lock to The New Inn and tested the Theakston's. Many interesting canal wharf buildings here from the time when Shardlow was a busy inland port. Some of the buildings are now attractive residential pads, but many are sadly dilapidated and about to fall down . Beyond Shardlow are flood gates reminding us that the Trent cause damage to the surrounding areas. Tomorrow we venture out onto the river.

Tuesday 27 September 2011

Alrewas to above Swarkstone Lock, Trent and Mersey Canal

Much better start to the week, lovely sunshine, and the promise of hot, hot, hot, by the end of the week. We moved onto a short stretch of the river Trent, just above Alrewas, which had a tricky bridge arch to negotiate. Glad the level was low, so no real current this time.

Last evening, we moored in a village named Branston, reputedly where the spicy pickle originated. We walked around the  Branston  Water park, but kept the dog on a short lead, and away from the water, as there were warnings about blue-green algae, and you could certainly see the bloom on the surface. 

We boated through Burton on Trent today, very pleasant in the autumn sunshine, passing the Coors and Marstons breweries. Disappointed there was no evidence in the air of brewing!

Just look at the September skies - a perfect day for boating and we managed to moor along side the village green at Willington, which just happened to be a pub garden too! Very popular place in the sun, including The Sweet Boat, with a vast range of old fashioned sweets in jars, for sale. All that stock to display and then store on board.

Sunday 25 September 2011

Back in Alrewas, Trent and Mersey Canal

Hello - we are back afloat again having picked up the boat a few days ago. All in order and exactly as we left it - pretty amazing, since we had inadvertently left a complete set of boat keys on the boat roof, that were precisely where we left them!!!!

Since last Tuesday was so abysmal, we decided to use the car and visit the National Memorial Arboretum. This place has been on our list for a while, and although a gloomy damp day, we did not find the place at all depressing. In fact it was a really restful and very pleasantly and thoughtfully laid out area, with many trees and shrubs and very tasteful memorials placed by hundreds of organisations. The white stone walls of the main memorial, is very striking, especially  the gap in the wall deliberately positioned so that the sunlight falls through at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, each November. This is a place we will return to I am sure.

We also met our friends Steve and Jill visiting from Brisbane, Aus, and so we went back up the Trent and Mersey to Weston upon Trent, as we recalled The Saracens Head was a good meeting place. This couple made history, when Steve, a crew chef on our hotel boats followed Jill one of our passengers back to Oz, and they got married! A good day.

Sunday 4 September 2011

Hi folks - we have found a temporary mooring for a couple of weeks, so we are going off air whilst we deal with junk mail and see if the grass needs cutting at home ...............................................be back soon!

Sunday 28 August to Thur 1 September 2011

From Cross Green, Staffs and Worcestershire Canal to Alrewas, Trent and Mersey Canal

Since our last blog we have returned to Great Hayward Junction, and Shugborough Hall of course, and then moved on down the Trent and Mersey beyond Fradley and on to Alrewas. The lock house at Tixall has a sign over the door measuring the lock distances either way in miles and furlongs.

We have endured some chilly days though there was some hot air over Shugborough Hall on Tuesday evening when a hot air balloon took off but had difficulty in gaining height.

We found a really quiet mooring above Fradley as you can see.

Good job we did, as it was pandemonium down at the junction when we got there today. Boats arriving from 3 directions, a queue for the water point, diesel being dispensed from a floating boat, a lot of entertainment for the customers using the Swan pub canal side. What a pity the cuts have resulted in the BW Information Centre at Fradley being closed.
We did spot this information box made and donated by HMP Featherstone. Is this the sign of things to come?

              

We are now moored in the charming village of Alrewas. Our guide book referred to a quaint and quirky canal side pub named The Old Boat, but alas this no longer exists, but The Crown proved a good substitute in the  warm autumn sun, with most acceptable London Pride.Tomorrow we will investigate just how tricky it might be to visit the National Memorial, Arboretum with dog in tow, and crossing the busy A38..

Saturday 27 August 2011

From Upper Lock at Bratch to below Gailey Lock, Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal

We were woken early yesterday by a boat gently passing by at 6.30am, this is not unusual, as many boaters prefer to get moving, and moor up in the early afternoon. We needed to get going by 8.30 , to return to Wightwick so that we would be in good time for the Manor opening at 11am.

Our return was not in vain, and we lucky to be booked in for the 11.30 tour, and what a real treat the house tour was. Our charming lady guide showed us through the stunning Mander mansion, which is crammed with Morris fabrics and wallpapers, many pre Raphaelite paintings, and tiles and ceramics by William de Morgan. Theodore Mander and his wife Flora had a very modern outlook when they commissioned the interior of  their home, unfortunately neither lived long enough to enjoy. The great hall/reception room was most impressive with a huge ingle nook fireplace and minstrel gallery, with Morris fabrics lining the walls. Our guide explained that the missing panel of Morris fabrics was due to an infestation of woolly bear insects, and the Trust was having to expend several thousand pounds to treat each panel, by removing and arranging for specialist 'freezing' to deal with the problem. The 90 minute tour came to an end far too soon, and we both agreed it could have gone on longer, it was just fascinating. We would recommend a visit and house tour to all.

So, after lunch, and a swift shopping trip to NISA at Compton, we continued on our way towards Autherley Junction and beyond, to moor again at Cross Green. We have noticed that over the last couple of days, someone has spent a lot of time creating faces on many of the tree stumps and sign posts along the way.

Today, Sunday, we have continued along the Staffs and Worcester canal, passing another Vagabond, also, Caernarvon, the butty of a retired hotel boat AND Nell Gwynn, a boat we borrowed about 25 years ago, based in Skipton, which brought back memories of a dead duck we discovered on the boat roof one morning, - we could only presume had been attacked by a fox.

Friday 26 August 2011

From Dimmingsdale Lock to The Bratch, Staffs and Worces Canal

A dismal day and we set off in drizzle, which is unusual for us. The lock at Dimmingsdale wreaked from spilt diesel someone had left and the bottom lock gates fitted so badly we need not have raised the paddles to empty the lock.

We passed one or two boats as we approached the Upper Lock at Bratch. No waiting, the lockeeper ushered us in and down we went, no messing. Quite a complicated set of gates and colour coded lock gear to be operated here. We moored at the bottom and walked the dog in the rain around Wombourne Nature Reserve. Saw no one!

Where is everyone, it is August Bank Holiday, probably saw all of 20 boats moving today.

We spotted a sign on the boundary of the cricket field which made interesting reading. See Pic

Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 August 2011

Wheaton Aston Shropshire Union Canal, to Autherley Junction, and onto Dimmingsdale Lock, Staffs and Worces Canal

Before leaving Wheaton Aston, we purchased diesel from Turners Garage in the village. They supply red diesel at a very good price, (today it is 70.9p a litre), and in a very cheerful and efficient way. A fuel pipe extends down the canal bank, and many boaters like us go there just for the good fuel deal. Boats start arriving from 7.30 in the morning!

After refuelling we turned round and headed back towards Autherley Junction once again. The boat has spent a fair bit of time up and down this stretch recently, but we turned right onto the Staffs and Worcester, and new water. The initial start today (Thur) was misty, and very cold out of the sun, almost necessitating gloves, which is ridiculous in August! but the trees are turning to peachy red and orange already.

Our plan today was to stop and visit Wightwick Manor and gardens (NT) - the dog dragged us around the gardens, very neat, formal borders, wild orchards, ponds, kitchen and Caribbean herb gardens. Theodore Mander (paints) commissioned the house for his son Geoffrey in 1887. The interior of the house is filled with Wm Morris furnishings, and pre Raphaelite paintings. We look forward to seeing these on our return in a few days.

Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 August 2011

Gailey Lock  Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal to Wheaton Aston, Shropshire Union Canal

Fantastic early morning sun, both days, and barometer definitely on the rise! Ddisappointment when we tried to have a pub lunch, unwelcoming staff, cost of  beer, and a long wait to give our food order, we returned to the boat and saved our pennies - nay several pounds for another day.

Stayed put for the rest of Tuesday, painting and reading. Tested the heating system, as it is obvious that it will not be long before we shall need it .It worked fine - phew!

This was a nice quiet mooring until the late afternoon, and the lemming instinct took over.

We had expected rain today (Wed), that is according to the professionals, but no, a pleasant warm, and sunny day, everybody happy.

The stop lock as we waited to turn onto the Shropshire Union, was a bottleneck, goodness knows what it is like on a busy turnround day with the adjacent hire boat base in full swing. The insignifitant difference in water levels the lock made, suggests that the gates could be left open.

Spot the Difference!

Sunday 21 August 2011

From Park Gate Lock, Teddesley, to below Gailey Lock, Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal

A lovely summers day, and plenty of boats moving. As we approached Penkridge, we spotted a boating acquaintance from a month or so ago, who we recall very bravely changed her engine mountings alongside the towpath! She bravely said the mountings were still bedding in!

We managed to get water in Penkridge, though had to be patient. On to Gailey - the locks are dotted every couple of miles or so, and boats seemed perfectly timed to go up and down, without wasting water or energy. We stopped for lunch and didn't move on - did some boat painting instead!

Saturday 20 August 2011

From Shugborough Hall, Trent and Mersey Canal to Park Gate Lock, Penkridge, Staffs and Worcestershire Canal

As often happens when you gently pull away from your mooring, a boat in front of you suddenly loosens its ropes and somehow just doesn't see you and moves out in front! Today was one of those days, and as we left the very familiar view of Shugborough Hall and approached the lock below Great Haywood junction, we found 3 boats queueing ahead of us. Amazingly, at least 6 boats came out of nowhere, and patiently lined up behind us, to use the lock. Through the lock, a swift farewell to September Pearl, and a sharp left turn onto the Staffs and Worcestershire canal, aiming to get to Penkridge and the chandlers before closing.

On our way, we passed a, by now, familiar hotel boat, but no passengers. Mystifying, as the boat looks really well looked after.

We made Penkridge in good time, and the chandlers had the filters we needed and also a large dog life jacket. Next project is to persuade the dog to keep it on!

This stretch is not new to us, as we had a hire boat from Gailey some 4 years ago, but do not recall the offside weeds and reeds reducing the navigable path to just wide enough for one boat, in places.

Thursday 18 and Friday 19 August 2011

From Shugborough Hall to Shugborough Hall, Trent and Mersey Canal

Well, well, well - the forecast was a little different from the reality. Just a few spots of rain, not the deluge we had braced ourselves for. Our mooring alongside the Shugborough estate is so quiet and pleasant, all we have managed to do is go down the canal and turn around, and return. We carefully passed this superbly painted tug- style boat on the way. It looked rather vulnerable to being clouted by less careful boats.

We certainly know the gardens at Shugborough very well now and managed to include a visit to the walled fruit and vegetable garden this time, including Blacksmith's shop. Unfortunately, we were unable to purchase and veg today. We did spot a fallow deer as we made our way along the driveway. 

An evening picnic and al fresco film (Dirty Dancing), shown in the estate gardens did not even disturb us - pity that the evening was so chilly for the ticket payers.

Very autumnal feel to the start and end of the day.

Wednesday 17 August 2011

From Weston on Trent to Great Haywood, Trent and Mersey

Good to be afloat again, and life has definitely resumed some normality as we went to the Saracens Head for lunch, and whilst we were there, received a text from some friends (ex hotelboat guests in fact!) aboard N/b "September Pearl", suggesting we meet in Great Haywood today. So, with a sense of purpose we turned the boat around again, and headed south back down the Trent and Mersey canal. Lots of moving boats in both directions, so a few moments spent at the locks, and we meet up at a rather familiar spot ,just opposite Shugborough Hall. Lovely autumn sunshine, and of course, another pub lunch, this time in the garden of the Clifford Arms, that was also a tad familiar!

We all then set off to find some caves, shown on the canal guide, which we thought to be adjacent to the canal. Alas no - but all was not lost, as we asked some other walkers ( N/b "Forever Young"), if they knew where the caves were. A swift clicking of keys on their mobile phone and the internet revealed the location of the caves between Great and Little Haywood. As we  were so close we persevered, and found that the caves were in fact an old sand stone quarry, now very overgrown, that had clearly been substantial workings, from the mid 19th century, providing materials for building bridges. Unlike previous visitors, we did not add to the graffiti on the smooth quarry walls.

A really pleasant August day - we are bracing ourselves for a ghastly wet day tomorrow. How can two days be so different?

Monday 15th August 2011

Baswich (Staffs & Worcs Canal) to Weston Upon Trent (Trent & Mersey Canal)

We spent a very pleasant evening just below Deptmore Lock last night, with only cows, bats and a quiet but constant drone from the distant M6 keeping us company.

Today we did the final section of the Staffs & Worcs Canal along to Great Haywood Junction. This was a canal of contrasts, from twisty turns and narrow channels through the weeds, to the almost lake like Tixall Wide.

We then turned north onto the Trent & Mersey Canal yet again.

The weather has been very hot today, though accompanied by the odd breeze at inconvenient moments - I sometimes wonder why canal boats are not fitted with sails - the smallest gust can easily shift them several yards sideways!

We've now completed this journey, and are currently moored by a pub at Weston Upon Trent.

It's been a great exploration of the "Four Counties" canals.

9.5 miles and 3 locks today; 140 miles and 95 locks altogether.

Sunday 14th August 2011

Calf Heath to Baswich (Staffs & Worcs Canal)

Another uneventful day, punctuated by yet another long lunch break at a pub - though this time not totally of our choosing as the kitchen forgot to cook our meals...

The locks seemed to be very slow today, possibly because other people were involved!

We've noticed an amazing number of ducklings on the canals this year - I would have assumed that they would have grown up a bit by this time of year, but evidentially not.

The weather has been very nice today - not 100% blue sky and sunshine, just pleasantly warm and no rain.

The photos show an interesting painted boat and the pub.

8.5 miles, 10 locks today

Saturday 13th August 2011

Brewood (Shropshire Union Canal) to Calf Heath (Staffs & Worcs Canal)

We've continued south along the last bit of the Shropshire Union Canal to Autherley Junction.

On the way, we passed a bridge that was part of the Chillington Estate - a bit posher than the average canal bridge!

This was a bad day to go anywhere near Autherley Junction, as there is a hire boatyard there which had 8 boats in for swapover, and it was quite difficult to actually get to the stop lock to join the Staffs & Worcs Canal.

But eventually we succeeded, and after an appalling left turn into the Staffs & Worcs Canal, we headed north again.

Very shortly afterwards, there's a section marked 'Very Narrow Cutting' on the map, and indeed it was. Luckily, there was only one boat coming the other way, and we crossed before entering it.

After this section, a beer was needed, and luckily, a few miles on, we found a nice pub by the canalside. A large lunch and several drinks later, we are now moored up for the evening in a quiet spot near Calf Heath.

11.5 Miles, 1 lock (6") today.

Friday 12th August 2011

Goldstone to Brewood (Shropshire Union Canal)

We are still moving south and east along the canal.

The combination of cuttings and embankments make for interesting views along the way. In many places, we could see The Wrekin in the distance.

Gemma saw a kingfisher this morning.

It was actually warm this morning when the sun shone, which made a nice change. In fact, the weather has been dry all day, unlike the forecast...

The photos show the unusual bridge in Grub Street Cutting, and Cowley Tunnel, which at 81 yards long is more like a long bridge.

We're currently moored up at Brewood (pronounced Brood) - which is an ideal combination; quiet moorings but pubs and shops only a short distance away.

17 miles, 1 lock, 1 little tunnel today.

Thursday 11th August 2011

Hack Green to Goldstone (Shropshire Union Canal)

We've continued down a very pleasant section of the Shropshire Union Canal, it's been a busy day with three lock flights (Audlem, Adderley and Tyrley).

The weather has been much better today.

The Woodseaves Cutting was spectacular - and to think that it had all been made with manual labour.

We're now moored near to a pub, and are looking forward to a few drinks.

13 miles and 25 locks today.

Wednesday 10th August 2011

Church Minishull (Middlewich Branch) - Hack Green (Shropshire Union Canal - Main Line)

The meal at the pub (www.badgerinn.co.uk) last night was excellent - more posh restaurant than pub food though, with prices to match...

A slow start today, the Middlewich Branch seems to be very busy, and we spent most of the morning queuing for the two remaining locks on the branch.

Eventually, we reached Barbridge Junction, and after taking on water, we headed south on the Shropshire Union Canal Main Line.

As the afternoon progressed, the wind and rain increased, and getting fed up with being blown into the bank, we went through the Hack Green locks and are moored up for the night watching the geese and swans on the opposite bank.

12 miles and 4 locks today. But it seems like more!

Tuesday 9th August 2011

Wheelock (Trent & Mersey Canal) to Church Minshull (Shropshire Union Canal - Middlewich Branch)

After a disappointing evening finding a decent pub in Wheelock (one shut, one without food and one rather grotty), we ended up with some nice fish & chips.

In the morning, we set off down the Trent & Mersey canal; an uneventful journey along uneventful canal to Middlewich. At which point there was a very long queue for Wardle lock (but not long enough to stop at the pub!), where we eventually joined the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal.

After stopping for lunch, we waited for a boat to go past and set off behind them, only to have TWO rather dubious single crewed boats push in front of us. So we had a long queue for the next lock as well...

Still, no rain today, which made a nice change.

Eventually, we reached very nice moorings near Church Minshull. The pub in the village reopened yesterday after being closed for 5 years, so we've booked a table for a meal.

12 miles, 8 locks today.

Monday 8th August 2011

We've continued our journey south on the Macclesfield Canal, and have now turned Northwest onto the Trent & Mersey Canal at Kidsgrove. Weather has been a bit cold and showery, but not so wet as to halt progress.

After lunch, we went down "Heartbreak Hill" to Wheelock - 26 locks in fairly quick succession! The weather was better, except for a 10 minute total downpour. The photo shows where the M6 crosses very close to a canal lock.

14.5 Miles, 27 Locks today. No swing or lift bridges!

Sunday 7th October 2011

We set off from Adlington and continued south along the Macclesfield Canal this morning, the only obstructions being two swing bridges; one was open, the other needed a button pushed to stop the traffic, lower the barriers and open the bridge. No winding required.

After lunch, we went down the Bosley Lock Flight. The first few locks were already set for us from boats coming up, but efficient coordination from our lock operators (AKA "young, fit girls") allowed us to get though all 12 locks in around 90 minutes. The lock operators had earned their cup of tea at the bottom though.

We then continued on past Congleton, and are now moored up in what seems like the middle of nowhere, just south of bridge 82.

17 miles, 12 locks, 2 swing bridges (one open) today.

Saturday 6th August 2011

The weather finally cleared, so we rejoined the Macclesfield Canal south to moor back where we were two nights ago.

In the afternoon, we walked to the National Trust house at Lyme Park. It was a nice, but long walk through the park, and wandering around a stately home made a change from canal life. Barney was a bit bored though as he wasn't even allowed in the gardens.