Off to the Ashby

We're still not sure whether or not to go up the Ashby (full name Ashby-de-la-Zouch) Canal. Passing boaters have commented about the low water levels and bouncing on the bottom. 

Because of some smelly fish packaging from last night's supper, together with an empty (non-smelly) waste bin, we walked along to the stop lock to check the water levels and gets rid of the rubbish. Usually the difference in levels is about 4 ins. but today it's more like 8 ins. Quite a difference. 

Came back over the two bridges - the left hand canal leads off the way we will be going and the other leads back the way we came. So you can see that when we do set off we are going to have to make a complete 180° turn. That'll be fun. 

Well, we made it! We set off through the stop lock and then executed a perfect 180° turn under the bridge without having to reverse or push off the side. Whoop, whoop, whoop! 

Following that there is a slow stretch past moored boats and then a long dog leg around Bedworth. It's not at all unpleasant, just long and straight. 

The monotony is relieved at Charity Dock. 

See what I mean!?

At Marston Junction, once again a nearly perfect turn onto the Ashby Canal. This particular turn is awkward because the canal has a narrow entrance under a bridge. 

We went up the canal about 4 miles and, granted the canal is shallow, but we didn't bump along the bottom and we moored easily at Burton Hastings.

We even took a walk up to the village to have a look around and check to see if there was a morning service on Sunday. 

I think it's something about being on holiday but 8.30 am communion and a half mile walk to get there didn't work for us.