Day 1 - Tuesday 9th September

Warings Green to Rowington - 7 miles, 19 locks, 2 lift bridges

Had to collect a letter from Rachael's so I did that while Paul went to Lady Lane to turn the boat around.

So we set off for our third trip of the year.



Descending the Lapworth flight

Got into a queue behind three hire boats going down Lapworth flight, the boat immediately in front of us seemed to be having trouble managing boat but got quite stroppy when asked if he needed help.

Met Kernow heading up the flight and had a quick chat. They were heading for the Bluebell.







Cruised onto the Grand Union towards Warwick, moored on the embankment above the old "Cock Horse". Not another boat in sight, weather still amazing. Quiet night crosswording and watching TV.

Bought two more brasses for hatch door at lock 14 café - Hatton and Lapworth flights, they are said to be unique to the café.

We saw a very bright, low, orange moon - apparently a "super moon"- the closest it comes to earth.

Day 2 - Wednesday 10th September

Rowington to Saltisford Canal Centre - 5 miles, 21 locks

Started cruising towards Hatton locks at 9.15 in beautiful autumnal sunshine. Mist lying over the canal.

Stopped for coffee at the canal café before negotiating the 21 locks all double. Walking back to the boat we were happy to see two locks set with gates open - we were soon disappointed as two boats beat us to the top lock.



Busy scene near the top of Hatton flight

I set the lock again and a boat approached with an elderly South African couple on board. We worked the locks with them. They kept calling us youngsters and said they would have taken two days to complete the flight if they hadn't met us. It took us 3.5 hours











Dragonfly at Hatton



Sue working the locks on the Hatton flight














Warwick comes into view















Moored at Saltisford Canal Centre

We cruised into the arm to the Saltisford Canal Centre for a pump out (£15) and gas. Decided to stay the night as the moorings are secure and very pretty. Sat out in sun for late lunch (3.30) and read. Couple from Leodien gave us some toffees as a thank you.

Strolled to Sainsburys for odds and ends before dinner, bake off and our zoo.






Day 3 - Thursday 11th September

Saltisford Canal Centre to Bascote - 9.5 miles, 12 locks

Beautiful blue sky morning. Paul did a quick Sainsburys shop - we forgot washing up liquid last night.

Did washing and quick clean of boat. As I turned washing machine on I noticed water coming up through the floorboards. On inspection the engine compartment was full of water - I had heard a strange noise in the night that we had put down to the geese.

Man from Leodien came over to say thank you and goodbye. He wanted to help. The water that that the bilge was pumping out was clean so it was a relief to deduct that the stern gland was the problem - Paul thinks he forgot to screw it down last night - tut tut!



Aqueduct over the River Avon at Warwick

Eventually set off to cruise through Warwick and Leamington. Two locks before stopping for lunch. Wild Onion fellow Goldsbrough boat passed and we saw them leave the first lock of 10 - they waited for us in the next one. They were nervous about the boats touching as they were repainted in January. We did 5 locks together before they moored and we carried on up the staircase at Bascote.

Joints are aching and tired - 31 double locks in two days and 19 singles the day before!





Bascote bottom lock



The staircase at the top of the Bascote flight

Day 4 - Friday 12th September

Bascote to Flecknoe - 7 miles, 13 locks

The Stockwood flight

A cloudy start to the day but the sun soon broke through and it was another beautiful day.
As we pulled away from our overnight mooring the boat in front of us, Endeavour, followed. We worked the next 10 locks together. Cathy and Richard were very pleasant had a good chat, which made the task much easier.

Sue and Kathy from Endeavour working the Stockton flight



Excellent lunch in the sun with Paul's birthday cheese

Stopped after the Stockton flight for coffee and lunch as did Endeavour. Searched for blackberries only found 1! Enjoyed a ploughmans lunch using Pauls birthday cheeses. Saw Willow Wrens new training premises. Paul had a chat with Steve who had done the training when Paul did his radio course.

Endeavour left before us but as we cruised along we passed them chatting to friends on another boat, just a few hundred yards along.




Cruised on to Calcutt locks worked the first two alone. There was training of hirers going on in the top lock. Went up the top lock with a Calcutt boat the man was an ex owner but the lady was very nervous and couldn't swim!. We stopped for water at the top lock.

As we approached Napton Junction we fouled the culprit a woolly hat! Not a good place to lose your steering especially as there was a boat coming off the Oxford under the bridge.



View from our mooring near Flecknoe

The canal became narrower and more winding. Moored after bridge 103 next to Miss Matty who we have seen over the past few days. Endeavour then arrived and moored too. A late dinner and showers due to chatting and blackberrying.







Day 5 - Saturday 13th September

Flecknoe to Braunston - 2.5 miles

Waved goodbye to Miss Matty and Endeavour over a leisurely breakfast.



Braunston Church

Cruised slowly to Braunston where we moored. Visited Midland Chandlers where we were excited to see many chimneys, however, after two attempts we had to get our money back as they no longer make 4.5 inch diameter chimney. Never mind, we got tips on how to do the old one up and a new rain hat.















Approaching Braunston turn



Braunston engine house

Back to boat for lunch before walking along the canal to the village doing a spot of gongoozling at the locks. Did a small shop - found some lovely Victoria plums in the butchers! Walking back to the boat we saw Miss Matty crew who had just bought a new chimney that fitted!

Decided to stay put and Paul fixed the mooring equipment at the back of the boat, repacked the stern gland, fitted the new rain hat on the chimney and hung the new horse brasses.




Went to the Boat House pub for a drink - lime and soda for me - before dinner.

Day 6 - Braunston to Brinklow

Sunday 14th September - 14 miles, 3 locks

Still busy at Braunston the boat has been hit at least three times that we know of.

Cruised to Hilmorton - three locks. Moored for lunch. Canal centre looked exciting but was disappointing everything was closed. Had lunch on the grass in the sun. Lady on the next boat dropped her house and car keys into the canal. Fortunately we had a magnet on board and she retrieved the keys from the water.

Decided to cruise on to Tescos but no mooring. Then onto the co-op - no mooring. Very difficult to find a mooring as there is a shelf and a lot of silt along the canal edge. Eventually moored near Brinklow after a 14 mile cruise. As we were mooring Paul noticed the boat in front of us had a cage outside containing two chickens.

Enjoyed blackberry and apple crumble for dessert using the blackberries I picked on Friday.

Day 7 - Brinklow to Coventry Basin

Monday 15th September - 12 miles, 1 lock



The stop lock at Hawksbury junction

Cloudier, cooler morning. Cruised down to Hawksbury junction. Had a short queue for the four inch stop lock. Couldn't remember the name of Karen's boat.













Sculpture on the route from Hawksbury junction to Coventry

Decided to go into Coventry basin which is smaller than I imagined - canal very quiet, not many brave boaters about. Got fouled once, also ran over a plastic trike that had been thrown into the water.

Cash's Hundred Houses










James Brindley in Coventry basin

Moored easily did a quick Sainsburys shop. When we got back to the boat Paul had a go at the chimney with Viakill which worked well on the brass - you can actually see that it is brass now - who needs a new chimney!








Day 8 - Coventry Basin to Hawkesbury Junction

Tuesday 16th September - 5.5 miles



Coventry Cathedral

Dull morning, walked into Coventry in jeans and sweatshirts, soon clear blue skies and very hot. Went to the cathedrals. Called into Waterstones and bought 5 books, 2 for me and 3 for Paul. He spent his birthday money. Paul visited transport museum.
















Moored in Coventry basin

Walked back to boat and stayed in basin until lunch time when we moved up to the water point.

Moored opposite the engine house at Hawkesbury junction

Cruised back to Hawksbury junction where we moored for the night. Visited the Greyhound pub where I sampled Bavaria 0% alcohol lager.





Day 9 - Hawksbury junction

Wednesday 17th September

Cloudy start again but very mild for mid September. Paul did some research re food shops on the next stretch of our journey now that we have decided to take in the Ashby canal - there are no supermarkets maybe for a week. We decided to walk back to the Ricoh arena shopping centre. Had a coffee in Decks and worked out how to turn the camera round to do selfies! Took a selfie with the Ricoh sign in the background!

Big Tesco's shop in a huge Tescos. Got a taxi back to the moorings. Decided to stay out overnight as the boat needed some attention. Spent the afternoon cleaning and tidying.

Went to the Greyhound again - I had diet coke, Paul two beers. Back to boat for dinner, Bake Off and Our Zoo.

Day 10 - Hawksbury Junction to Stoke Golding

Thursday 18th September - 12 miles

Another breezy cloudy start. As we prepared to leave Hawksbury junction we noticed another boat moored at the water point - we recognised Joseph the dog, we last saw them in Worcester on 17th July having spoken to them in Droitwich on 15th July.



Moored near Stoke Golding

We are now on the Ashby canal. Cruised on to Hinckley where we moored at bridge 15 the Roman road Watling Street now the A5. Now sunny but still breezy.

As we pulled away we passed a boat filling up with water and I realised it was Becky - who used to work at MCHS - and Paul on their boat Iona.

Cruised for a couple more hours passing a farm shop which I will visit on the way back. Moored between Stoke Golding (where we hired from in April 2001) and Dadlington. Went for a circular walk through Stoke Golding before dinner.




Day 11 - Stoke Golding to Market Bosworth

Friday 19th September - 5.5 miles

Stayed at mooring for a few hours as drizzling slightly - we have got away with the heavy rain and thunder that some have had.

Cruised along to Sutton Wharf where we stopped for coffee and a delicious scone - not realising it was lunchtime. On again to Market Bosworth moorings.

Walked up into small town very nice some thatch cottages, posh shops and restaurants. Back to boat for a roast which steamed the boat up so we had to open everything up - consequently we had to catch and evict at least 30 daddy longlegs throughout the evening - a novel way to spend a Friday night!

Day 12 - Market Bosworth to Shackerstone via Shenstone

Saturday 20th September - 10 miles



Sue taking the chimney down

Another slow start due to dull morning. Filled up with water. Cruised to the end of the navigable Ashby canal just above Shenstone where we had lunch and read for a while. Cruised back to moor at Shackerstone passing the fishermen who were in a competition. They were very complimentary about Paul's driving, slow and central past them, they had obviously had a bad experience earlier.









Limit of navigation above Shenstone




Late night visitors at the kitchen window

Went to the Rising Sun for a drink before dinner. A lovely friendly local, the barman gave us a slice of lemon cake that he had baked.

Back for dinner where the swans entertained us by knocking on the windows for food. They actually followed our hands around - it was hilarious.







Day 13 - Shackerstone

Sunday 21st September



Engine at the Battlefield Line

Clear blue skies this morning but much cooler. Stayed at mooring so that Paul could visit the Battlefield Line steam railway - he had a ride on it. I stayed at boat had a long chat with Jude on the phone.










Decided to stay at mooring for lunch. Paul did some work on the wedding DVD. He has almost finished it so we decided to stay put and get it done. Watched the DVD a few small changes needed here and there.

Walked to the Rising Sun the landlord was there he looked like Alfie Moon from Eastenders.

Back to boat for spag bol and new series of Downton Abbey.




Day 14 - Shackerstone to Marston Jabbett

Monday 22nd September - 17 miles

Another cool but blue sky start to the day. Toilet full so pump out urgent.

Cruised to Market Bosworth filled up with water, on  to Sutton Wharf where we got rid of the rubbish and then Ashby Boats at Stoke Golding for super fast pump out and diesel.

Next stop bridge 23 for lunch and a quick shop at Spinneybrook farm shop where we topped up milk, bread and veg. I bought myself some homemade "Ashby" sausages for dinner tomorrow. Also had some luxury ice cream for pudding.

Decided to cruise on as we are thinking of getting back earlier for Derby folk festival. Headed for bridge 5 moorings. As we moored I smelt a bad egg smell - assuming quite wrongly as it turned out that it was something in the atmosphere.

After dinner and closing up the boat Lucy sent through official photographs - well some of them. We noticed the rotten egg smell getting worse and worse it was coming from the back of the boat. After topping up the water in the engine and a few checks the smell disappeared thank goodness for febreeze.

Day 15 - Marston Jabbett to Grendon

Tuesday 23rd September - 12 miles, 11 locks



Leaving the Ashby Canal at Marston Junction

Paul eager to check engine etc at back of boat for eggy smells. All seemed fine. Cruised the last mile of the Ashby canal.

Back on the Coventry now passing lots of moored boats and allotments through Nuneaton. As we approached Atherstone locks the sulphur hit us with a vengeance! Reversed back up canal to moor and investigate. Paul rang Ian who immediately said a battery had gone. Paul lifted the lid of the battery housing - smoke seeping out through a hole which had melted into the casing - it was very hot. Paul disconnected the negative terminal and we ate lunch while it all cooled down The damaged one is under warranty - Ian will remove it when we get back and send it off.

Worked eleven locks quite quickly a lot of luck with several hire boats coming up.

Moored at Grendon bridge. Hoped that wedding DVD was finished but the service will not play on this version!



Day 16 - Grendon to Tamhorn Farm near Whittington

Wednesday 24th September - 11 miles, 2 locks

Nice to cruise without the added aroma of sulphur! Much cooler today - still bright but a north west wind.

Cruised through Polesworth and Tamworth - lots of back garden watching.

Painted wall at Fazeley Junction

Stopped at Fazeley Junction for water, rubbish disposal and lunch. Lovely pictures of Kingfisher and Robin on one of the buildings.

The Kingfisher's neighbour

After lunch - well mid afternoon we cruised on eventually stopping for the night after Tamhorn Farm Bridge. DVD of Lucy and Kieth's wedding finished - hoorah!







Day 17 - Tamworth Farm to Fradley Junction

Thursday 25th September - 7 miles



Fradley Junction viewed from our mooring at the end of the Coventry

Quiet day cruised from our overnight mooring to Fradley Junction. A dull day with a bit of rain in the air at times - the wind has died down though.

Our route up the Trent and Mersey

Decided to stay at Fradley overnight as Paul wanted to secure the hatch with screws. Wandered around the junction. The gift/canal shop was closed so couldn't look for a horse brass. Had a coffee and lovely cake at the CRT café. Able to sit outside.

Went to the Swan for dinner - our first meal out this trip and this is day 17! Saw a poster for a Thursday folk night but it turned out to be a session rather than performers taking turns so disappointed.





The Trent and Mersey from Shardlow

Day 18 - Fradley Junction to Little Haywood

Friday 26th September - 11 miles, 4 locks, 1 swing bridge

A beautiful sunny morning. Got off just after 9.00am quite busy at the junction. Three locks and a swing bridge met people to chat to at all of them.

Cruised into Rugeley moored next to Tilly Mint our old neighbour at Warings Green. Spoke to the new owner who is gradually refitting her. Marcus had ripped fittings out and bought Ikea furniture.

I went into Rugeley very poor town with cheap shops. Stocked up in Morrisons. Power station very dominant.



Crossing the River Trent above Rugeley

Cruised on through lovely countryside to Little Haywood where we moored for the night avoiding two Anglo Welsh boats which had three barrels of beer on board. We later found out they were occupied by Tarka morrismen.











Tarka Morris at the Red Lion in Little Haywood

Walked up to the village went to the Red Lion a pub covered in flowers. The Tarka morrismen entertained us with tunes and songs so we had a good singalong.






Day 19 - Little Haywood to Acton Trussell

Saturday 27th September - 9 miles, 3 locks



Shugborough House viewed from the canal

Set off as the day brightened up - it had been dull and misty when we woke up. Cruised past Shugborough estate.













Approaching the entrance to the Staffs and Worcs at Great Haywood

Through Haywood lock at the junction we stopped to get rid of the rubbish. Turned on to the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal we are going to cruise it's whole length all the way to Stourport.












Moored in Tixall Wide

First highlight was the Tixall wide - very nice wide expanse of water with a grand gatehouse opposite our mooring spot we stopped for coffee and lunch. Paul doing some outside jobs while I cleaned inside.

Leaving Tixall

Continued cruising - saw Magnus moored along the way - Tarmac's old boat.

Spoke to another boater who suggested mooring opposite the moat house but when we got there the moorings were busy and a band were setting up for a do so we sailed past. Moored in the middle of nowhere below Shutt Hill lock.




Day 20 - Acton Trussell to Hatherton Branch

Sunday 28th September - 7 miles, 10 locks

Cruised through several locks hoping to moor at Penkridge visitor moorings - however it was not to be as there was a fishing competition on. We moored opposite Otherton boat haven and walked back into the village. The gaol and shops were closed apart from the co-op but the village was very pretty.



Taking on water at Gailey Wharf

Continued cruising after lunch arriving at Gailey top lock where we visited the roundhouse canal/gift shop. I bought a puzzle and two horse brasses - Fradley junction and Coventry canal.













Gailey Lock

Cruised on for a short while mooring at Hatherton marina for the night. It has been a really warm day - Paul's shorts came back out and tee shirts all the way.



Day 21 - Hatherton Branch to Wombourne

Monday 29th September - 13 miles, 10 locks

Approaching Autherley Junction - straight on to Stourport

Set off under grey skies around 9.30am - towards Auderley junction and the Wolverhampton flight. Passed a lot of working boats luckily not in the rocky single lane section.

As we cruised by those landmarks I made a delicious, even though I say it myself, banana walnut date and honey cake.

Stopped near Wightwick manor for lunch a NT property - we did not visit as I had been before.







The Amazing Bratch Locks

After lunch a few more locks to do including the Bratch locks a flight of three locks but with side pounds and nowhere to pass a boat coming the other way - it is manned by a lock keeper during daylight hours.












Descending Bratch Locks



Sue posing at the top lock






Descending the locks

Moored at Wombourne which Rachael says if you live in Wolverhampton is equal to Knowle if you live in Solihull.

Had a couple of drinks in the Round Oak before dinner.



Day 22 - Wombourne to Kinver

Tuesday 30th September - 8 miles, 11 locks



Botterham Staircase

Left the mooring under grey skies, very misty after last night's rain - couldn't see the top of pylons.

















Swindon Lock!

Cruising towards Kinver with the odd lock along the way. Canal varied woods, rocks, etc. Went through Swindon - past a huge housing estate which used to be an iron foundry. By now sun back out and in tee shirts. Stopped for lunch in the middle of nowhere - cupboards are looking bare.










Dramatic tree near Kinver

Cruised into Kinver - beautiful visitor moorings.

Walked up into the village more of a town with everything you may need - including an authentic Italian restaurant where later we had an excellent three course dinner.











Our mooring at Kinver



Kinver High Street



A drink in Kinver