Queen's Head

Today's Canal - Montgomery

Before leaving our overnight mooring (and yes our rather untidy attachment to the bank did not create any difficulties) we took a walk along the towpath to come around and back through the tiny village of Maesbury Marsh.

Immediately opposite the visitor mooring is the former wharf and warehouse, once a busy all-purpose trading centre. The building is now a pub - but we shall see it closer a little later.

Just under the bridge is another small wharf with a rare example of what was once a common sight - the wharf crane, that took some of the hard work out of loading and unloading the trading boats.

Back in the village we took at look at this imposing building, designed on similar lines to the main Canal Company office at Ellesmere. It was called Sycamore House, according to an information panel by the canal, but now goes by the name of Wharfingers House. Certainly the Company's agent who lived here was an important person and must have made a good living.

Seen from the road, the Navigation Inn looks rather different. 

We took a closer look from the bridge and could see just how the structure has evolved over many years and different uses.

Opposite our mooring stands this former mill, currently unused but the stacks of bricks suggest that someone has plans. According to an old map we think that this was once a bone manure works.

We set off to complete the remainder of the navigable section. Just before the end yet another lift bridge - this one about 63 turns to open it. Although we were only going through in order to turn around (not possible  before it) we had to close and open it twice!

The winding hole, and limit of navigation, is at Gronwen Wharf  - which is perhaps why there is a place to turn here.

On the way back we called at a small cafe and activity centre - as we went down some walkers just coming away told us that the scones were fresh and delicious. Christine went to see if they could sell us a couple as 'take away'.

As well as the cafe they have some canoes to hire and a small family were preparing to go for a short trip. There is also a good sized miniature railway but no trains seemed to be running today. As soon as we set off one of the scones was set to work along with a fresh mug of coffee. We can report that the reputation was justified! Hopefully it "will not spoil our lunch" . . . 

We went up the first of the three Aston locks as we planned to visit the nature reserve which is accessed from the next lock. We moored for lunch just below Lock 2.

The nature reserve seems to have either been recently created or perhaps given a makeover. Much of the tree planting is obviously new as well as the information boards. Also, the main feature seems to be an Otter Holt Hide, built in 2021 but only really been in use since the start of this year.

Alas, we could not see much to report, save for a lone swan in the reeds on the far side!

The inside is designed to give a feel for the life of an otter nesting in its Holt.

Up through the final lock and just around the corner we came under the A5. Would there be room to moor where we stopped before? Although the first mooring was empty it was a little noisy as it is close to the main road. The far side is a  bit more restful. Christine went ahead to check out (after being rescued by a nice man out walking his dog, as she slid back down the steep bank) and soon was beckoning Mike to come ahead.

Eventually we were back where we had lunch yesterday. The idea is that we might look for a bus into Oswestry (never been before so no idea if it is worth it, but at least it males good use of our bus passes!) We could not go today as it is a Bank Holiday, for the Queen's Jubilee, and local buses have no service.

3.7 Miles - 3 Locks