Snarestone - Shackerstone

Today's Canal - Ashby

Mike's Birthday

Although we have been close to the former Ashby - Nuneaton Railway several times already, this was the first time we actually crossed it - or rather it crossed the canal. Only a short central section forms the preserved Battlefield Line. Again, it was another hot, sunny day - although Later in the afternoon a decent breeze arrived - perhaps the forerunner of the predicted thunderstorms tomorrow.

We passed the newish Market Bosworth Marina - although we are getting down on fuel we left filling until tomorrow when we will decide which place to use.

At Bridge 44 we entered an SSSI - the new notice (which replaced one that said much the same!) generally amuses boaters. Firstly, it says to keep to the centre of the channel - in which case how do we pass boats coming the other way? In many places the extensive reed margins leave little room other than for the two to squeeze past. Secondly, grey water - if you are staying here other than for a  very short time how do you deal with washing water? Showers? Dishes? And thirdly, only stay at designated places - there are very few marked mooring spots even though there are enough sections where the bank is kept clear for mooring. Does that count as 'designated'? It all sounds as if the 'rules' were written to appease those keener on the SSSI than keeping the canal open to boaters. Of course, without the boaters the canal would soon return to a stagnant ditch.

The remains of a medieval motte and bailey fortification can still be seen close to the canal. The site has seen various changes over the centuries - at one time it formed part of the gardens of a large residence. During WW2 an air raid shelter was formed here.

So far the canal has run through open countryside and the further up we get, the shallower and narrower (and greater reed growth) the canal becomes. However, towards the last section before Snarestone there are several  long sections are wooded on both sides. It is noticeable that the canal is much wider, and deeper with very little reed growth, presumably because of the reduced sunlight.

Just before Snarestone Tunnel we pulled in to  a (rare) designated mooring for a long lunch break. When we set off again a breeze had arrived and the rest of the afternoon was much milder as a result.

The tunnel is quite short - just 226 m in length - but there was clearly a problem with setting out the headings from each end, with the result that there is a significant kink in the middle. This was most visible when looking back from just inside the north end. However we missed taking that photo and later found that in the reverse direction the light was less helpful.

We continued to the end oif the navigation, expecting to have the option of going though  the swing bridge to the more recently restored section. Alas it has had to be close as the result of a collapsed culvert which created a significant breach. Only the quick thinking of some of the Trust volunteers avoided a much worse effect  - the absence of locks along the whole length means that a breach can drain the whole of the canal.

We used the facilities and then winded before setting off back on the return journey. A boat ahead of us took the last space on the moorings opposite the motte and bailey but just under the next bridge and around a corner there was plenty of room on the 2 day moorings there.

 14.5 Miles - 0 Locks