30th August

The first obstacle after setting off from Newbold is its tunnel. (It's not really an obstacle as it's only 250 yds long.) In the old days, when money wasn't a problem, the tunnel was lit with a number of coloured lights - there may even be a picture on one of the old blogs, I'll have to take a look. The light fittings are still there but just gathering dust (and dirt and spiders webs). 

Then a short run to Fall's Bridge where the Armada boats are based. They are lovely boats and always look well turned out. 

Next, near Harborough Magna, a line of boat moorings, one of which is being used for a Shepherd's Hut.

I'm sure there's a regulation against that.

We then wind round towards Brinklow, passing alongside All Oaks Wood. 

You can see why we love being on the canal. Not so good when it's cold and wet but on a sunny day, perfect.

Just past Brinklow is the cause of the problems that closed the canal earlier this year. Two landslides about 100 yds apart.

We kept to a moderate speed past all of that. The towpath was also closed but you could see where some folk had tried to scramble round. Hope they got through OK.

After that, just around the corner, Stretton Stop with the dreaded swing bridge.

Mind you, not so dreaded this year since it swung open and closed quite easily. Times in the past when we have both had problems getting the thing to move at all. It has to be kept closed because the Bridge is in constant use as it is a working boatyard and home to Rose Narrowboats. 

We stopped here to take on water.

Here's the captain, water monitoring.

About a mile further on another line of moored boats, another slow plod!

These moorings used to have an uninterrupted view across to Coventry but someone has been building since then. A shame really, I always enjoyed looking at the church spires in the centre of the City. 

It was a lovely afternoon just motoring along a further 5 miles to Hawkesbury Junction, passing through Ansty on the way.

Managed to find a good mooring and took all our rubbish along to the facilities at the junction itself.

Just look at the Greyhound, a Friday evening and already packed out at 6 o'clock. Good for them.