We sett off in good time this morning as we were not very sure about the weather forecast. Despite the warnings about the continuing effects of Storm Brian, we actually had a pretty good day for the time of year. It was at times a little chilly but that was principally wind chill factor as the breeze was quite hefty at times. Nevertheless, it was sunny spells throughout and almost always there was some blue sky in one direction or another.
As we passed by the maintenance yard in Market Drayton we could see several CaRT workboats with a couple of them already loaded with new gates ready for the start of the closure season after the end of the month. These were two top gates which we believe are destined for a couple of the Adderley Locks.
Andrew walked to the start of the five Tyrley Locks. The flight is approached along a very narrow rock cutting made all the more spectacular at the moment with the mass of fallen autumnal leaves. Our rate of progress through the flight was slowed right down at the middle lock as we had to wait for a very slow boat coming down - quite a lot of crew but not at all sure what they should be doing!
This canal is noted for its long straight sections, some in wooded cuttings and others on open embankments. The latter gave us great views of the sky and surrounding scenery but it was often an effort for the steerer to keep somewhere near the middle of the canal!
The cuttings and wooded sections are more sheltered but, at this time of the year, provide a lot of leaf soup for the prop to cut its way through.
The wharf at Knighton is no longer used for loading boats but is quite a landmark. A sign says, "This wharf was used between 1911 & 1964 for the processing of locally collected milk products and the shipment of chocolate crumb by canal to Cadbury Ltd Bourneville"
There is a long line of permanently moored boats around Shebdon - amongst them we saw another Alchemy.
At Bridge 44 we were a bit non-plussed by this barrier that can be swung across the towpath and canal. There is also a stop gate - most of the embankments have one at each end so that water loss can be contained in the event of a breach - but if this barrier was across the canal it would need some clear signage further back to prevent boats running into it as it would not easily be seen.
A few more photos:
We called at Norbury Junction as we were short on milk. It was quite expensive but it would be sad if we ran out before finding a supermarket - nothing before Autherley Junction.
Although diesel was available at a good price we decided to leave filling until Turner's at Wheaton Aston. We have wanted to fill here on several occasions but each time we passed wed were not in need.
Alas, when we reached their mooring we found that they are closed on Sundays! Just as well we were not desperate. Nothing now until Oxley Marine.
A little further and there is a single lock which often sees long queues of boats. Today we only had to wait - in bright sunshine - for one up and one down before it was our turn.
The former lock cottage is barely visible from beside the lock - a glimpse through the hedge a bit further back shows that it has been much extended and gentrified since ceasing to be a home for a lock keeper.
We continued until just before five. We opted to moor just before the Watling Street Aqueduct as there was a possible tv signal - further on it is wooded again. Within minutes the chimney was on, the satellite dish aligned and smoke coming out of the chimney - hopefully a warm fire before long!
Christine picked out these late evening sunshine scenes alongside the canal.
20.7 Miles - 6 Locks
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