Today proved to be a very fine day with no rain at all - although it continued very wet through most of the night and everywhere was rather wet when we started out.
Before leaving Gnosall, Mike took a look at the former railway bridge, close to where we had moored. When still in use, this was the Shropshire Union Line of the L and NWR company. This ran between Shrewsbury and Stafford, originally built by the Shropshire Union Railway and Canal Company. It finally ceased operation in 1969. Ironic that the canal which was almost put out of business by the railway should have so outlasted.
For a boater, the bridge seems surprisingly large for a normal two track line. Across the canal it is perhaps three times what is seen normally but is the result of the line crossing at a very oblique angle.
Today the track bed has been converted into a long country trail for walkers and cyclists - and innumerable dog walkers and several fishermen going down onto the towpath.
Just after we set off we spotted Tyseley, the boat which is at the heart of the Mikron, a well established touring theatre group. Their next show is tonight at Maryport on the Cumbrian coast. Guess they are no going to be there by boat!
Just outside the town we came to Cowley Tunnel, around 70 m of rough hewn sandstone tock.
However, then the canal was planned, this was to be a much longer tunnel, some 630 m but when they started construction it was found that the rock was too unstable and a deep cutting had to be used.
At High Onn is another typical Shroppie wharf but this property is alongside the canal separated from the wharf just by a country road. At first it had us fooled into thinking it must have had a commercial original and then converted to a dwelling. However, looking at various maps it seems that it was built in this style in relatively recent times.
We stopped at Turners Garage in Wheaton Aston to fill with diesel and to replace a gas bottle that ran out just as last night's meal was finishing cooking. We then moved the short distance to the service block for a full change.
After that we realised that there was nowhere to moor below the lock - this lock can get very busy at times with lengthy queues so a number of water taps have been installed and a long lock landing with no intervening gap. As a result we had to go up and then moored above.
It was quite late when we re-started - our main concern was to find an overnight mooring in Brewood where we aim to go to the village church in the morning. Normally, it is necessary to arrive early afternoon otherwise all the spaces will be taken.
It should take us under an hour - on the way we passed over Stretton Aqueduct which Telford designed to carry the canal over Watling Street - he also was responsible for turning the remains of the Roman Road into a modern long distance highway.
We thought that the only designated Visitor Mooring was full so stopped just after passing Brewood Wharf (home to Countrywide Cruisers hire company) and before the main bridge where our guide indicates an informal mooring spot. Late afternoon we walked up to the village to buy one or two items from the local shops.
8.5 Miles - 1 Lock
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