Wrekin ahoy

I've been watching the radar weather site to try and see what rain is coming our way. Certainly this morning we were right in the middle of an orange patch of heavy rain. So, on with the eggs and bacon and let's cheer ourselves up with that.

Although it was still drizzling we set off and said goodbye to Wheaton Aston.

We had a slow crawl past moored boats for the first half mile but then we saw these two well protected C&RT people making their way along the towpath strimming one side first and the other side on the way back. They certainly do a good job, even in the pouring rain. 

The mileposts on this canal are quite fancy. The only problem is that, like all canal mileposts, they don't tell you how many locks there are before your destination. One lock can add 12 to 15 minutes to your journey.

Ahead of us is Cowley Tunnel. It's only 81yds long. Originally it was 690yds long but had to be opened out because of dangerous faults in the rock. All of this was dug out by hand. 

Having passed through Gnosall we come to our next man-made wonder, Shelmore Embankment. We're just passing one of the floodgates that they closed each night during World War II as a precaution against bombing. The embankment is a mile long and took 5½ years' solid work to complete because the bank slipped and collapsed time and time again. 

And through a gap in the trees we can see all the way across to the Wrekin. 

At the further end of the embankment is Norbury Junction where the Newport Branch used to lock down from the main line. Even though it's overcast people are still coming out for tea. 

Now this must be the most photographed bridge on the system, High Bridge with its telegraph pole in the middle arch.

We did consider stopping near Loynton Moss, a floating bog, but the mooring places were all shady and gloomy, so we carried on.

We're passing the Anchor Inn, one of the few remaining front parlour style of pubs. We've never managed to visit this pub as it's always been closed when we are around. Also we didn't want to stop here just to go in the pub. 'Why not?' you ask. 

Well, just up the cut is the Shebdon Embankment with a lovely old working boat and some lovely views.

Here's the view from beside the boat.

And here's a close-up. Another view of the Wrekin and views further across into Wales. Marvelous.