Saturday 22nd June

Ocker Hill to Walsall

We set off and turned right at Tame Valley junction onto the Walsall canal. Quite a bit of this was shallow and slow going.

At Walsall junction we turned right into the town arm and moored in the basin at the end. This was not easy as we had to turn around and back in alongside the other boats. Soon the basin was full and three boats moored just outside.

We went for lunch in the Rose and Crown near the top of the locks. They only had rolls for lunch and the beers were disappointing apart from the Strawberry one that the landlord recommended.

Later we went for an early dinner in the Black Country Arms which used to be in the GBG. Then we went shopping in Tescos.

After that we returned to the same pub, then Martin and I tried the Red Lion where we had a short measure Banks bitter. Finally we went to the Lyndon House Hotel.

Friday 21st June

Longwood Boat Club to Ocker Hill

Four Paws was off to a very early start and as there was a very narrow gap between us and the boat opposite I decided that we should get out of the way and move onto the lock mooring to be the first to fill up with water. 45 minutes later at 815 we were full and went into Rushall top lock.

There were no problems with these locks and at Rushall junction we turned right onto the Tame Valley canal.

The mooring was just before Tame Valley junction and we moored alongside the bank.

We set off on foot to the Waggon and Horses for lunch. This is the brewery tap for the Toll End Brewery which can seen in the garden. They don't do food apart from the usual snacks including some very nice local Pork Scratchings. However you can buy your own food in the chippy next door and eat it in the conservatory or garden. So we went and bought some kebabs there.

Back at the moorings Kellylea had moored alongside us. Later we gathered at 4pm for a guided walk. We were taken up Ryders Green locks along the Swan Arm and back via the original Brindley canal which is now gone.

After dinner on board we returned to the Waggon and Horses for the evening.

Thursday 20th June

Anglesey Basin to Longwood Boat Club

Back down the Curly Wyrley to Birchills junction and then left onto the Daw End branch. Some of this is very shallow so we were too late for lunch at the Manor Arms, but we did still have time for a pint to check the beer for tonight.

After that we carried on to Longwood junction where we moored inside the Longwood Boat Club.

For dinner we had ordered fish and chips and we ate these in the clubhouse with the other boaters. After that we made the one mile trek back up the towpath to the Manor Arms for beer.

Ian had arranged to borrow a card to get us back in to the boat Club, which was fortunate as it was locked when we got back.

Wednesday 19th June

Pelsall to Anglesey Basin

In the morning we turned left at Pelsall junction to explore the Cannock Extension Arm. Unfortunately we had been asked to turn at the old colliery basins rather than go as far as we went before and wind at the boatyard.

Back on the Curly Wyrley we passed many of the other boats who had stopped at Brownhills Tescos and we carried on past Catshill junction and stopped at the Anchor Inn for lunch.

After that we carried on to Anglesey Basin where turned round and went back to moor alongside Kershez. We had dinner on board then we walked into Chasetown to the Uxbridge Arms with Stuart.

Tuesday 18th June

Wolverhampton to Pelsall

The first day of the explorer cruise. We were one of the last to set off as Andy went to the post office to get some first day issue stamps.

Turned left at Horseley Fields junction onto the Wryley and Essington canal. We stopped for a pint at the United Kingdom Pub where two other boats from our convoy had stopped. There is a secure mooring for one boat there.

During the the afternoon we stopped at Sneyd wharf to fill up with water and empty the toilet. Our mooring for the night was just before Pelsall junction where we moored alongside Arcturious.

We had dinner on board and set off to find beer. We had been warned that the Finger Post pub by the canal did not have any real ale, but we had found 3 pubs in Pelsall within one mile.We went first to the nearest one, the Old House at Home, then to the Railway Inn which has Cask Marque approval. On the way we looked at the Queens but didn't go in.

Monday 17th June

Compton to Wolverhampton

Decided not to start as early as last year to go up the Wolverhampton flight but when we got to Aldersley junction there was already one boat waiting for another boat to come out of the bottom lock. However once we got going after them we made quite fast progress.

When we got to the top there was still space to moor on the visitors moorings towpath side before Broad street  bridge. As it was now gone 2pm we went to the Moon Under Water for lunch.

When we got back to the boat, Kellylea was moored alongside us and more boats had appeared to gather for the BCN Explorer cruise B.

After dinner on board we headed to the Great Western for the evening social with the other boaters. We stayed there all evening.

Sunday 16th June 2013

Wombourne To Compton

In the morning we only went as far as Wightwick bridge on the outskirts of Wolverhampton so that we could  visit Whightwick Manor.

On the way the Manor we stopped for a pint at the Mermaid Inn. They were fully booked for lunch so we had lunch there in the old stables at the Manor, which are now part of the new and bigger cafe. After that we went round the house then round the gardens. There was quite a bit more to see inside the house than last year, however the gardens weren't as good, as apart from the Rhodedenrons there weren't as many plants in flower.

After that we moved on through the next 2 locks to Compton bridge for the night. We walked up the hill to the Westacres, an Ember Inn, where we ate. After that we went to the Swan.

Saturday 15th June

Stourbridge to Wombourne

We moved down the Stourbridge Town arm and moored by Chubbs bridge so that we could go to the Red House Glass Cone museum. This is now a free museum unlike my last visit.

On the way back to the boat we went to Tesco express. Then we carried on to the end of the arm, turned left at Wordsley junction and down to Stourton junction, having lunch on the move.

At the junction we turned north onto the Staffs and Worcs canal. We moored for the night before Houndel bridge 45 where one other boat was ready moored. Another boat moored behind us.

After dinner on board we avoided the Round Oak pub by the bridge and walked up the hill towards the GBG pub. On the way we noticed that the Mount Pleasant had been refurbished and re-opened as a pub again, so we tried that. We were pleasantly surprised to find a few interesting guest beers. Then we carried on to the New Inn which is still in the GBG. They have quite a few beers on but all from the Marstons stable. It was also karaoke night.

Friday 14th June

Windmill End to Stourbridge

830am start. Good run down Delph locks in 1 3/4 hours despite them all being empty. At Leys junction we turned up the Fens branch and winded at Brockmoor junction. We had no problems this time as the branch has been dredged since my last attempt.

We moored for lunch on board below lock 2 of the Stourbridge flight. We also went to sample the beer in the Samson and Lion.

At Wordsley junction we turned left towards Stourbridge. At the end of the arm we winded and went back and moored next to the other two boats moored outside the secure compound.

We went to eat in the the Edward Rutland which is a Lloyds No. 1. There was music playing but they had a good choice of beers on the front bar. After that we moved on to the Duke William which was very popular. Here we were able to sample several of the local Craddocks beers.

Thursday 13th June

Black Country Museum to Windmill End,  Netherton

We moved over to the facilities on the other side of the arm to fill up with water and empty the toilet and rubbish bin.

Set off and continued along the old main line towards Factory junction. On the way we spotted a Londis in Tipton. Another boat was already moored there and we pulled up in front of them and I went to get some milk.

At Factory junction we turned right and down Factory locks onto the new main line. At Dudley Port junction we turned right onto the Netherton tunnel branch and through Netherton tunnel.

At Windmill End junction we turned left on the Dudley no. 2 canal. We could see no sign of the pub that we had visited last time. As we approached Gosty Hill tunnel we could see a headlight at the other end so we moored. Eventually a pair of working boats appeared presumably on their way to the Pelsall rally. After passing through the tunnel we moored and had lunch on board. After that we carried on to Hawne Basin where we moored in a downpour. After the rain had eased we filled up with diesel. Then we set off back to Windmill End where we moored on the offside.

Later we went to the Old Swan. We had one pint downstairs then went upstairs to the restaurant in the old function room where we had a three course meal with beer.

Wednesday 12th June

Cambrian basin to the Black Country Museum

We set off via the Oozells street loop so that we could get some gas at Sherborne wharf. Then back on the main line up Smethwick locks onto the old main line to the Black Country Museum.

Lunch in the Bottle and Glass pub in the museum then a wander round the rest of the museum, unfortunately it rained some of the time. Back to Jacob before the back gate was locked at 4.45.

We ate on board then walked up into Dudley where we went in the Court House and the Lamp Tavern.

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Tuesday 11th June

Cambrian basin

Lazy morning. Oil change. Shopping in the Chinese supermarket. Met up in the Old Fox then dinner in the Malaysian Delight restaurant, followed by beers in the Lamp, the Post Office Vaults and the Old Joint Stock.

Monday 10th June

Bodymoor Heath to Birmingham

Early start to get into Birmingham. At Salford junction we turned sharp left onto the Grand Union canal. We moored for lunch on board above Garrison locks in Bordesley.

Turned right at Bordesley junction. We made a detour into Typhoo basin then up the Digbeth branch to Aston junction. Up Farmers Bridge locks and moored in Cambrian basin at 4pm.

In the evening we went for a pint in the Fountain then for dinner in Shanghai Shanghai restaurant. Then more beer in the Anchor, the Shakespeare and the Wellington (in the new upstairs bar as the ground floor was being refurbished).

Sunday 9th June

Hartshill to Bodymoor Heath

Arrived at Atherstone top lock just as another boat was ready to go down. So we followed them down with some assistance from the boat behind.

We had lunch on board but we stopped at the Samuel Barlow for a pint and took advantage of their water point while we there sitting outside on leather sofas and chairs!

At Fazeley junction we turned left onto the Birmingham and Fazeley canal. We moored for the night one lock above the Dog and Doublet. We had booked a table for 730. They wouldn't take a later booking as they close early if the can on a Sunday, however we were not the last to leave. We have a long day tomorrow.

Saturday 8th June

Brinklow marina to Hartshill

Set off at 9 to get to the Greyhound for lunch. The restaurant there was fully booked but there was one table free in the bar. The food and drink were excellent as usual.

After lunch we turned right at Hawkesbury junction onto the Coventry canal towards Fazeley.

For the evening we decided to avoid Atherstone and stop at the Anchor near Hartshill to check it out now that it has changed hands. It's still an Everards pub and hasn't changed much with 2 Everards beers and a guest or seasonal Everards beer. After a light dinner on board we walked up the hill into Hartshill. We found a shop to get some more provisions and checked out the Stag and Pheasant but decided to give it a miss and go to the Malt Shovel which is in the GBG.

Friday 7th June 2013

Brinklow Marina

Arrived at the marina after 3pm due to traffic delays which we had avoided by taking the A road between Bedford and Northampton. Ian had beaten us there.

Fitted the new shower pump to replace the very noisy original which would seize up if left unused for more than a month.

We decided to stay in the marina and take advantage of the recent dry weather to walk across the fields to the Golden Lion in Easenhall. We had dinner on board before going there. The pub was quiet with only one group eating. They had two beers on.

Saturday 14th July

Hawkesbury to Brinklow

Cloudy but at least it's not raining.

Passed through the bridge at Ansty which the owners of the pub had to pay to be demolished. Rather than demolish the whole thing, only the centre span has been removed and the two ends now have neat vertical walls. Maybe so they could put a flat bridge on top later?

Stopped briefly at Sutton stop so Andy could try again to get some IWA calenders, without success.

Had lunch on board at Brinklow then took Andy to the station to catch the express train that he actually had a reservation for.

Friday 13th July

Atherstone to Hawkesbury

The boat moored in front of us had set off up the locks while I was still asleep, but another boat had already come down them. We set off by 9am and didn't meet any boats coming down.

Moored for lunch in Nuneaton by the low footbridge. Had lunch on board then walked to the Crown for beer.

After that we carried on south to Hawkesbury junction where we turned through the stop lock and moored for the night. The Greyhound was very busy but we managed to share a table so that we could eat.

Thursday 12th July

Bodymoor Heath to Atherstone

Summer's here again, at least until until the evening.

Set off at 845. At Fazeley Mill marina we got a replacement gas bottle and emptied the loo.

Stopped briefly at Fazeley for essential supplies then we turned right at the junction.

Decided to stop for lunch at Alvecote marina to try the Samuel Barlow, which is quite new. It's run by an Ozzie with a long list of rules. No sandwiches, closed Mondays except Bank Holidays, closed most of January..... But he had 3 real ales and some interesting food, so we decided to have our main meal there.

After lunch we went to the priory nearby, but there's not much left of that. Then we carried on, stopping briefly at Polesworth so that Andy could post his postcards.

Moored for the night at Atherstone. Had a light meal on board then went to the Dolphin. It's in the GBG now and just been awarded Warwickshire pub of the year for the second year running. They had 2 beers from the Beowolf brewery which is now at Chasewater. The first was good but the second was not perfect. On the way back we popped into the Market Tavern to try a half of some Warwickshire brewery beer. Both beers that we had were in good condition, unlike my previous visit.

Wednesday 11th July

Birmingham to Bodymoor Heath

Showers and sunny spells.

Missed a heavy shower by not starting till 820. Made fast progress
down Farmers Bridge and Aston locks to Salford junction, which is better known to most people as Spaghetti junction. Turned right there onto the Birmingham and Fazeley canal.

Stopped for lunch on board at Minworth top lock. Then we carried on to get to Bodymoor Heath for the night. Moored near the Dog and Doublet where we ate and drank.

Tuesday 10th July

Compton to Birmingham

Rain all day until the evening.

Set off at 8am and we were at Wolverhampton bottom lock by 9am. Unfortunately someone else must have been up before us as all the locks were full. However sooner than expected we crossed another boat coming down. Then at 1030 Andys friend Andrew arrived having walked down from the station. This speeded our progress and we were at the top lock at noon. Unfortunately the locks have severely damaged the front fender, as the water holds the boat hard against the top gate and then is dragged up it. When I realised this was happening I started to use rope to hold the boat back. It's only 2 years old and hardly used.

Decided not to stop for lunch and press on so that we got to Birmingham City Centre tonight.

We had decided to take the new main line but when we got to Factory locks there was one boat in the top lock and another waiting, so we changed plans and took the old main line. This was quite weedy though most of it was cut weed.

Decided to go down Brades locks and take the Gower branch to get back onto the new main line. When we got to the end of that we found that we had overtaken the boat that had been waiting at Factory locks!  We were now in between the two working boats all the way to the centre.

Moored in Cambrian basin on the floating pontoons. Andrew left us on arrival.

Andy had a voucher code, 2 main courses for the price of one at Strada, so we went to the
one by the canal at the ICC. I had an excellent dessert, Figs poached in red wine and cinnamon.

After that we went to Digbeth to visit the pubs in the National Inventory, unfortunately the White Swan was not open but the Anchor was. I had Marble chocolate stout and Marble mild 6%!

Monday 9th July

Wombourne to Compton

A very nice dry sunny day.

Set off at 9am to get to Wightwick. Moored at the 48 hour moorings and walked to Wightwick Manor which is a National Trust property. After our tour of the house we had lunch in the cafe there.

After looking round the gardens we went back to the boat and set off to do the short hop to Compton, where the moorings were very popular. Went to eat in the Hollybush and then we for the better beer and more interesting atmosphere in the Swan.

Sunday 8th July

Caunsal to Wombourne

Set off at 815. I was thinking of doing a long day so that we could go up the Wolverhampton flight tomorrow morning, however it soon became busy and there were delays at most locks. So we stopped for at Greensforge and went for lunch in the Navigation Inn.

After lunch we carried on and stopped by the Round Tree at Wombourne. Although this pub has cask marque approval the New Inn 1/2 miles away is in the GBG so after eating on board we went there.

Saturday 7th July

Stourport upon Severn to Caunsal

Set off to get to Kidderminster in time to catch the 1115 train on the Severn Valley Railway. Unfortunately the train was hauled by a diesel locomotive which was not what was advertised in the timetable. The braking seemed rather abrupt and when we got to Arley station, by which time we were already very late, they decided to wait for a rescue locomotive. Eventually another class 50 loco appeared and took us all the way to Bewdley.

At Bewdley we walked up the hill into town to the White Lion for lunch. They only do pies from the local butcher and homemade Scotch eggs, I had a Black Pudding Scotch egg. Then we had a quick look around town and went back to the station as we had no idea when the trains were running due to the chaos caused by the breakdown. Although there was a train just leaving we wanted to have another pint in the station buffet and wait for the next one.

On the way back Andy and I got off at Highley to go to the Engine shed exhibition, leaving Ian to get back to the boat to collect hus luggage and make his way home.

We caught the second train after that which was steam hauled. On arrival back at Kidderminster we got  take away pizzas and went to the Olde Seven Stars to enjoy them with a pint.

I had already decided that I wanted to get out of Kidderminster as it was Saturday night. When we got back to the mooring there were no other boats around so that confirmed my decision.

Set off for Caunsal, arriving at sunset,  and went to the Anchor Inn for a pint.

Friday 6th July

Droitwich Spa to Stourport

Cast off at about 8am and continued down the Droitwich barge canal to Hawford junction. There we turned left to go downstream on the Severn through Bevere lock and moored at the Camp House Inn. When they opened at noon we went in for lunch. Although they had 4 ciders of which 3 were Thatchers, they all seemed to be keg, but they had a few good beers.

We noticed that the river level had risen by a couple of inches while we were having lunch. We set off going back upstream through Bevere lock.

After Holt Lock we came across a narrowboat which had broken down. So we took him in tow. After a mile or two we came across a good floating jetty at the Hamstall Inn so I was relieved to be able to leave him there as we were making less than 2 mph.

At Stourport we went through the narrow locks up to the top basin where I emptied the loo. Then through the lock out of the basin and moored for the night.

Went to the Angel to eat but they weren't doing food so after a pint there we moved on to the Hollybush where they had a very limited menu but a good selection of beers.

Thursday 5th July

Worcester to Droitwich Spa

Set off before 830 and made swift progress up all the locks to Tibberton. We had decided to carry on to Hanbury junction but then found on Google that the pub there closed in March, and we thought that the one at Dunhampstead was closed too due to flooding. So we moored at Tibberton and went to the Speed the Plough. This was a good move as the pub has been refurbished and had three beers along with food.

After our early lunch we carried on to Hanbury junction where we turned left to go down the Droitwich canals. To get under the M5 we had to remove the horn and exhaust despite the level indicator being well in the green.

Moored on the secure pontoons Netherwich basin. Filled up with water for the first time since day 1.

Went to the only Cask marque pub in town, the Castle, to eat. Then to the 2 GBG pubs, the Ring of Bells, and finally the Hop Pole.

Wednesday 4th July

Lower Lode to Worcester

Set off at 9am.

Stopped on the floating pontoon at Upton upon Severn. The boat we had been following from Tewkesbury unfortunately moored before us and we had to breast up outside them. We waited till they had finished their lunch on board and left, then we remoored and set off to walk to Hanley Castle. Had lunch in the Three Kings, a lovely old pub in the national inventory, very cheap sandwiches too. After lunch we couldn't find the bus stop so we walked back again.

At Worcester we turned off the river onto the Worcester and Birmingham canal and moored after bridge 2.

Went to the Firefly in the hope of getting something to eat there but no luck. So after a pint there we moved on to Wetherspoons to eat. From there we went to meet Andy J at Foregate Street station. Then we went to the Dragon Inn and finally the Plough.

Tuesday 3rd July

Parkend bridge to the Lower Lode Hotel

Set off just after 8pm with the aim of getting to the Boat Inn at Ashleworth for lunch. However on arrival in Gloucester dock I rang the lock keeper and was told that we could not go upstream because the spring tides had gone over the weir. So we moored and went to try and look at the weir. We found Llanthony lock, which is filled in but there is still a right of navigation through it! We could not get to see the weir because of the wet ground.

Then we went for an early lunch in the Fountain Inn. On our way back we checked the level below the lock and it was now in the amber. Then 3 narrowboats appeared from upstream and we watched them lock up. The lock keeper said we could go when they were out.

Locked down just after 1pm with Mr Sweep. Very slow progress up the east channel, speeded up a bit when we rejoined the main river and eventually got up to 4mph. Our average speed from the upper parting was 3.2 mph.

Moored for the night on the BW floating pontoon at the Upper Lode Hotel. We were the only boat on it apart from the ferry.

The hotel got very busy shortly after we went in but we had got our food order in by then. They had 5 beers for us to choose from.

When went back to the boat there were signs the high tide had arrived. Then a while later it was flowing normally again.

Monday 2nd July

Patch bridge to Epney

A miserable day, very different to what it was like 10 years ago. Set off after coffee time for Sharpness. Moored there and went exploring the old dock. Noted that Balmoral and Waverley do trips that call here, must go on one.

It was too wet to walk to the pub that we had planned to go to so we ate on board.

After the rain had eased we headed back up the canal, stopping to empty the loo at Saul, and moored for the night just short of Parkend Bridge.

Walked into Epney and went to the Anchor Inn to eat and drink. It's right by the river and we saw the tide flow and ebb.

Sunday 1st July

Gloucester to Patch bridge

Left Gloucester at 825 so that we got to the swing bridge before the wind became strong again.

Stopped at Saul junction. We walked up the Stroud canal as far as the first bridge. Then we walked through Saul down to the Severn and back up the old canal to the Ship Inn where we had a nice lunch. After that we walked back on the footpath along the old line of the canal.

After lunch we moved on to Shepherds Patch where we spent the evening in the Tudor Arms.

Saturday 30th June

Up at 8 and went to see the lock keeper. Everything is okay now and Upper Lode lock on the Severn is open again. A Napton hire boat was keen to go after filling with water alongside us. So we decided to lock down with them even though they were going the other way.

We turned to go down the Severn to Gloucester. At Lower Lode lock the gates shut behind us but then reopened. The two narrowboats that had been moored below Tewkesbury lock had caught up with us. One of the women on board was not impressed to be told by the lock keeper that the river level was in the red.

After getting out of the lock they soon overtook us. Later when I phoned Gloucester lock from the upper parting he said that he was holding the other two boats in the lock until we got there.

Once in the docks we moored on one of the short pontoons. Went to the Pig Inn The City but this has closed permanently. So we went instead to eat at the Dick Whittington which had 4 beers from the Forest brewery in Mitcheldean. Then we tried the Fountain where we noted that they had a more interesting menu.

In the afternoon we set off to get to Saul but when we got to Hempstead bridge the keeper told us that it was too windy for him to open it! After waiting for a while he told us that he would open it at 530. However that would have been too late for us to get to Saul as we would not be able to get through Parkend bridge before 7pm. So we turned around and went to moor on the visitors moorings south of Llanthony bridge.

In the evening we went to the Fountain to try some of their interesting menu choices. We both had Sussex smokies as a starter. Then we went to the New Inn which had karaoke. Then we popped in the Cross Keys but that was noisy and only had one beer. So we went to the Dick Whittington again to try some more Forest beers.

Friday 29th June

Evesham to Tewkesbury

I was woken up very early by various cleaning operations in the gardens.

During the night the water level rose a bit and just started to go over the quayside, but by morning it had  dropped back to the level it had been at 11pm last night. So we set off as planned at 8am.

The cable for Hampton Ferry was raised so I blew the horn three times and nothing happened. I tried again and still nothing happened so I had to turn around to face the current and wait. I tried the horn again and this time the cable dropped and we carried on.

When we got to Fladbury lock the indicator below the lock was showing 1ft of flood. After a bit of deliberation we decided to carry on.

At the next lock the level indicator below it was well in the green! So we carried on and moored at Pershore recreation ground. Went to the Brandy Cask for lunch.
 
On the way back to the boat we got some essential supplies.

When we got to Strensham lock the level indicator was amber. I rang Avon lock at Tewkesbury and asked if it was safe to proceed to Tewkesbury. He said it was in the amber there too and he had one mooring space left. So we carried on to Tewkesbury and moored on the water point for the night as instructed.

Went to eat in the Nottingham Arms. After that we checked out the Bell Hotel but decided to skip that and went to the Royal Hop Pole Hotel, a very interesting Wetherspoons. Finally we went to the Olde Black Bear.

Thursday 28th June

Billington lock to Evesham

Today we just went as far as Evesham. On arrival we moored at Packington Gardens and headed off to catch a bus to Bretforton where went for lunch at the Fleece Inn.

In the evening we went to eat in the Old Red Horse. Then to the Trumpet which is now run by Hook Norton and had three of their beers. After that we went to Bar 24 to sample some beer from the Evesham brewery. They just had one beer which was cheap but disappointing.

When we got back to the boat the river had risen and wasn't far below the level of the quayside. We checked the EA website and that showed that the level had risen but was levelling off. So we loosened the lines a bit and retired to bed. I was kept awake by people in the park talking till gone 1.30am.

Wednesday 27th June

Set off at 830 and we were the first boat going south.

Stopped at the boatyard on the outskirts of Stratford. They don't sell river licences but I did fill up with diesel there. They are now part of Valley cruisers.

There was one space left in Banford basin so we occupied that and purchased a 7 day licence for the Avon. Went to the West End pub for lunch.

After lunch we locked down onto the river and headed downstream. Although we wanted to get to Bidford we thought that the moorings would be full so we stopped at the last lock upstream.

There were 2 narrowboats moored there already and a guy on one of them confirmed our suspicions about Bidford as they had come upstream and been unable to moor there.

Walked into Bidford and went to The Frog to eat, it was steak night and there was a rock academy competition taking place. After that we checked out the New Saxon but their one beer pump was full of cleaning fluid. So we went to the Old Bull which has cask marque approval.

Tuesday 26th June

Through the Lapworth link and turned left to go down the Stratford canal, stopping briefly at the sanitary station.

Moored at Preston Bagot and went for lunch at the Crabmill, which is part of the same small group of Lovely Pubs gastropubs as the Boot Inn.

Moored for the night at Wilmcote. Went first to the Masons Arms which only had one real ale. We ate there and then moved on to the Mary Arden Inn which had three national real ales.

Monday 25th June

Set off in time to arrive at the bottom of Hatton locks before 9. No boats in sight behind or ahead so we started up the flight. Unfortunately all the locks were full so someone must have been up before us. After a while we started meeting boats coming down so then they were all empty.

Moored after the top lock and walked back to the Hatton pub, which has recently been refurbished and renamed, and is now more upmarket. They had a choice of 4 real ales.

After lunch we pottered on to Kingswood junction. Here we moored immediately past the junction so that we could back up and turn into the Lapworth link.

Went to the Navigation Inn which has just been refurbished so was not doing food yet. They had a beer called Lapworth Gold from Byatts, the new Coventry brewery. Then we went to the Boot Inn which has a choice of 3 real ales and the food was still excellent.

Sent from my android device.

Sunday 24th June

I found the source of last nights leak. It's where a screw goes through.

Set off by 930, dry and sunny spells.

At the first lock, Bascote staircase, we were joined by hotel boat Periwinkle, and we shared locks all the way to Leomington Spa.

In Leomington we had a small lunch on board and then went to the Talbot Inn, where we were the only customers for a while. Then we moved on to the Somerville Arms.

After that we continued our cruise to Warwick. I rang ahead to the Saltisford Arm and booked a mooring there. However there were plenty of moorings near the Cape.

After mooring in Saltisford we walked back to the Cape where we discovered that we were too late to eat there. So after one pint there we moved on the Thomas Lloyd to eat and then on to the Old Fourpenny Shop.

 

Saturday 23rd June

Set off shortly after 8. Dry and windy with sunny spells. Passed through Braunston junction without any delays due to the historic boat show.
We turned right at Braunston towards Napton. Moored at bridge 102 and walked up the hill to Flecknoe where we had lunch in the Old Olive Bush.

After lunch we turned right at Napton junction.

At Stockton locks we took advantage of help from a family and make quick progress down the 9 locks.

Moored just past the bridge near Long Itchington. We went to the Harvester pub to eat, no not one of those! It's been in the GBG for a very long time. Then on to try the Green Man which I have not been to before but is now in the GBG. This was busy with locals.

We had already checked the beer range in the Buck and Bell which is now sporting a Les Routier. plaque. We decided not to try the Duck on the Pond as it is a Charles Wells pub as is the Two Boats which is in the GBG.

We checked out the Cuttle Inn, but a live band was about to play so we went to the Two Boats instead.

Friday 22nd June

Departure from home delayed by UPS delivery which arrived just after 1pm. Shopping in Sainsburys, Rugby. On arrival at the marina I tried to drain water tank prior to refilling it, but failed and set off for the water point in Rugby.

Made good speed due to the high level of water and lack of moving boats. Ian met me at the water point where we filled up in record time.

Then moved through the bridge and moored opposite the visitor moorings. Walked into town using the rebuilt footbridge over the railway and went to eat in the Lawrence Sheriff. After that we went to the Raglan Arms which was quiet, the Merchants Inn which was busy, and the Alexandra Arms, also quiet. The Merchants no longer has dual spout handpumps.

I was kept awake by the revellers on the hire boat near us.

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Sunday 10th October

Hawkesbury to Brinklow

Set off after 9 and we were back in the marina by 1pm. Stopped en route at Stretton to replace both gas cylinders.

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Saturday 9th October

Shackerstone to Hawkesbury

Left at 815. We heard some activity and saw some smoke from the Battlefield railway but did not see any trains. Stopped to empty the loo at Sutton Wharf.

Moored at Stoke Golding on the offside moorings north of the village and walked to the White Swan for lunch. They were selling off the beers from a beer festival they had held at £1.50.

Stopped at Trinity marina to try to get gas but with no success. I did buy some wood Fuelogs to try.

At Marston junction we turned south for Sutton stop and when we got where we turned off through the stop lock onto the Oxford canal and moored for the night just round the corner.

Went to the Greyhound to eat where we both had the Chicken Bacon and Mushroom Pasta which I had so enjoyed last Sunday.

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Friday October 8th

Hinckley to Shackerstone

Before setting off I adjusted the stern gland to try to reduce the water ingress. Also put the 2 gallons of waste oil into the diesel tanks.

Set off at 845 and stopped at Market Bosworth for lunch. Walked into town to the Red Lion where they had a beer festival on so all 10 handpumps were in use.

After lunch we carried on to the end of navigation where there is a short section on newly restored canal in water but blocked off with a temporary bridge. Winded there and headed back to Shackerstone.

Only the one pub here, the Rising Sun, and although it is in the Good Beer Guide, most of the beer was disappointing. The restaurant was quite good and we had 2 courses for a change.

Thursday October 7th

Atherstone to Hinkley

Had a later start today. It was misty all morning until the sun broke through.

Up the last 5 locks at Atherstone stopping at Spring Haven marina to buy engine oil, then stopped for lunch in Nuneaton. Went to the Globe, which sounded the best of the 3 GBG pubs, and it was well worth the walk. On the way back to the boat we popped into Gregs for food and bread, and another shop for milk.

South of Nuneaton we turned onto the Ashby canal. We passed Gosty Hill near bridge 15. In Hinckley we moored just past bridge 16.

Walked into town for a curry in Wetherspoons then on to the New Plough Inn. As they only had one guest ale to supplement the obligatory Marstons choice, we decided to try the Black Horse which has cask marque approval. We had a nice pint of fresh Jennings there before heading back via Wetherspoons.

Wednesday October 6th

Whittington to Atherstone

Left early to get to Polesworth for lunch. However I later decided to stop early to avoid Polesworth and try the Gate Inn by bridge 69. We were able to moor right outside. They had Banks Mild and were doing 2 meals for £8.

After lunch we carried on and up the first 6 locks at Atherstone. Once again we were able to make use of the side pond at lock 6.

In Atherstone we went to the Kings Head to eat then to the Market Tavern where the Warwickshire beers were cloudy. After that we tried the New Dolphin and finally walked out to the Bear and Ragged Staff, which is also now owned by the Warwickshire brewery.

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Tuesday 5th October

Carried on up the Birmingham and Fazeley onto the detached section of the Coventry canal and stopped just short of Bradley junction. Went for lunch in the Swan, I had belly pork stuffed with black pudding.

After lunch we winded at the junction and headed south again stopping for the night at Whittington. The Swan near the canal had closed for good on September 11th. There are two other pubs, one of which does food, but we decided to catch a bus into Lichfield to sample some of the pubs there.

In Lichfield we went to The Bowling Green to eat then on to the The Duke of Wellington, sampled the Backyard Brewery 'The Hoard' at the Horse and Jockey then finally to the Duke of York.

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Monday 4th October

Woken at 7am by the quarry workings but we had decided to leave at 8 anyway to make it to Polesworth for lunch.

On the way down Atherstone locks we were able to make use of the side pond at lock 6 which had been restored last year.

Polesworth was disappointing as usual. The Fosters Yard Hotel didn't appear to have any real ale so we went to the Bulls Head where we had a pint but they weren't doing food. So we went to the Royal Oak where we had another pint but they weren't doing food either. After lunch on board we set off again.

Moored in Fazeley for the night. Walked into Tamworth where we ate in the Globe Inn. After that we went to the Sir Robert Peel, The Silk Kite and back to the Robert Peel.

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Sunday 3rd October

Rain all day but not heavy. Passed Draco towing Success shortly after setting off.

Stopped at Sutton stop for lunch at the Greyhound where the evening menu was in force. Very cold pint of Theakstons again as last year but the Chicken, Bacon and Mushroom pasta was very good.

After lunch we went through the stop lock and up the Coventry canal through Nuneaton and on to the Anchor Inn near Hartshill. This has been removed from the GBG due to a change in landlord but its still an Everards pub and had Everards Beacon, Tiiger and Original plus York Centurion Ghost as a guest. They stop serving food at 4pm on a Sunday so we had a snack on board.

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Saturday 2nd October

Arrived at the marina at 1645. Ian arrived shortly after and we set off after filling up with water.

Only went as far as Brinklow for the choice of 3 pubs and the chance to walk along a section of the original canal still in water.

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Sunday 12th July

Ansty to Brinklow

Final day and a short morning to get back to the marina. My car wouldn't start and the brake on one of the rear wheels was stuck on, so we got back to Hertfordshire later than hoped.

Saturday 11th July

Coventry to Ansty

A gloomy start to the day. Gavin and John went to the Motor museum then we met up for lunch in the Windmill. After that we set off out of Coventry.

Held up at Hawkesbury as there were 3 boats already waiting to go through the lock. Carried on as far as Ansty. Couldn't get a table in the pub till 8.30. Had to reject the London Pride, but the IPA was OK.

Friday 10th July

Hartshill to Coventry

Rudely awoken at 6.30am by noise from the works behind the pump. Set off at 9am and stopped for gas at Valley Cruisers. Also there was a dutch barge style narrowboat called Chedworth, which I learned had been across the channel!

Stopped for lunch at Hawkesbury junction for lunch in the Greyhound. Carried on into Coventry for the night. Ate in the Tumeric Gold restaurant which I have been in before, then for a drink in the Windmill and the Gatehouse.

Thursday 9th July

Hopwas to Hartshill

Stopped in Polesworth for an early lunch in the Royal Oak and provisions.

Stopped for the night at the Anchor near Hartshill. This time the pump on the offside was running continuously, so we moved on just past the old railway bridge.

Wednesday 8th July

The Plum Pudding to Hopwas

Going through the locks at Fradley I spoke to a guy who had a similar horn on his boat. He said he had found 100psi was too much and had reduced it to 60. It was still very loud. I really must do something about mine. Stopped for water by Fradley swing bridge then carried on to Autherley junction where we had lunch in the Plough

After lunch carried on to Hopwas where we moored near the Lazy Otter. Went to eat in the Red Lion then for a drink in the Lazy Otter.

Tuesday 7th July

Great Haywood to The Plum Pudding (Armitage)

Lie in this morning waiting for Shugborough Hall to open at 11am. I went round the house and servants quarters this time plus another visit to the farm after lunch. Got back to the boat and set off for The Plum Pudding. They only have one beer now, Black Sheep, but it was good. It is also now an Italian Brasserie and I was worried when I realised that we were the only customers at 8pm! However more customers did turn up and the food was very good.

Monday 6th July

Coven to Great Haywood

Early start at 8am to get to Penkridge for lunch. A lot of rain today on and off. Went to the Star for lunch then got some more bread in the Co-op.

Long afternoon to get to the next GBG pub, the Clifford Arms in Great Haywood.

Sunday 5th July

Gnosall Heath to Coven

Stopped for lunch at Brewood in the Bridge Inn.

Carried on down to Autherley junction where we turned left onto the Staffs and Worcs and went as far as the Fox and Anchor. Mediocre beer and food but there's nothing else around.

Saturday 4th July

Gnosall Heath

Andy left at 7am to catch a bus into Stafford to catch a train home. Later on Justin and I caught a bus to Stafford, where we had lunch before he caught a train home too. To get some change for the bus back, I went shopping in M&S, then the bus I wanted didn't turn up so I got the next one half an hour later. By this time John and Gavin had been brought by Paul and Andrew in Johns' car. We all went for a meal in the Navigation. Later on after Paul and Andrew had gone we also tried the Boat pub.

Friday 3rd July

High Offley to Gnosall Heath

After the rain had stopped we moved on to Gnosall Heath which has a good bus service to Stafford so that Andy and Justin can get trains from there tomorrow. Two of the pubs here were in last years GBG but no more.

We checked out the menus in all three pubs and decided on the Royal Oak to eat, but when we went back later they couldn't' fit us in till 830 so we had a hours wait. Although the menu looked good the food was disappointing.

Thursday 2nd July

Audlem to High Offley

A long day to get to an old favourite. Completed the Audlem flight and then stopped for brunch. On through the Adderley flight to Market Drayton where we filled up with diesel. Pressed on again and through Tyrley locks and finally stopped near the Anchor. The only change at the Anchor is that Olive, who is now 73, has handpumps for the 6X, to save having to go up and down the cellar steps all the time.

Wednesday 1st July

Church Minshull to Audlem

Very hot today. There were many boats going the same way as us so there was a short delay at the first lock. Moored for lunch near Nantwich.

As there was one free mooring in the shade in the Shroppie Fly pound, we stopped there for the night. Went to the pub in the village to eat then finished off with a pint in the Shroppie Fly.

Tuesday 30th June

Anderton to Church Minshull

Filled up with water at the new service block at Anderton. Stopped to have lunch near Rudheath. Stopped again in Middlewich for provisions then carried on to Church Minshull. We were hoping that the Badger would be open by now, as after 4 years of closure it is being brought back into use. However work on it seems to have stalled.

Monday 29th June

Higher Walton to Anderton

At Preston Brook we turned right to go to Runcorn. We winded and moored at the end and had walk to find the course of the locks down to the Weaver navigation. Back to Preston Brook and through the tunnel and on to Anderton where we moored for the night. After eating on board we went for a drink in Barnton cricket club.

Sunday 28th June

Manchester to Higher Walton

Left Manchester but stopped in Hale for lunch in the Wetherspoons and some shopping in Tescos.

Stopped for the night just past Higher Walton.

Saturday 27th June

Salford Quays and The River Irwell

Short cruise back to Pomona lock ready for our 9am booking. Three men turned up slightly late but none of the Worseley cruising club had turned up yet, so we were on our own for the moment. At the end of no. 3 lock we turned upstream to see how far we could get. The lockies had not been encouraging, but we managed to get to the limit of navigation at Hunts Bank near Victoria station and winded with no problems. On the way downstream however we scraped over a shallow on the inside of the bend near Trafford Bridge, which was to catch one of the boat club boats later on.

Stopped briefly to pickup Andy on the waterbus mooring and continued round to lock where we moored for coffee. After that we went back upstream going close to the Lowry footbridge. Locked back up onto the Bridgewater canal at 1230 and went back to Castlefields.

Went for lunch at the Knott again, after which Ian left us to go home. Later on I went to collect Justin from the coach station. Then we went to eat in Livebait.

Friday 26th June

Leigh to Manchester

Just a morning to get into Manchester again. The Knott bar was open this time so we had lunch in there.

In the evening we went to Livebait again to eat, then to the Marble Arch, Bar Fringe and the Castle Hotel.

Thursday 25th June

Adlington to Leigh

 

7.15 start to get to Wigan top lock for 9am. There were two boats just going down that lock, and we followed assisted by the lock keeper off and on. Met two single boats coming up. Completed the flight in about 4 hours. Moored by Wigan junction and went to the Berkeley to eat then to the Swan and Railway.

After lunch we paired up with another boat for the two locks down on the Leigh branch. The owner had had a bad year, his wife had died in February, and his dog had gone blind in one eye, but he went ahead with the trip to Liverpool that they had been planning. As we we passed him mooring by the Flashes we learnt that his boat had a Ruston and Hornsby engine, but it was not on show, sounded very different and was a different model to Jacobs.

Moored for the night in Leigh again. Went to the the Bowling Green, but were too late for food and they only had one beer on despite the large banner outside advertising their entry in the GBG. Went to the Thomas Burke to eat.

Wednesday 24th June

Chorley to Adlington

Short hop this morning as far as Adlington where we moored opposite the White Bear marina. Went to catch the 11.56 train to Blackpool North for a day out. In Blackpool we went to eat in the Pump and Truncheon then we caught a double decker tram to Fleetwood. There we arrived just as a ferry from Larne was coming into port. Tried to get a drink in The Steamer but they only had one beer on, so we went to the Thomas Drummond instead. After a long wait for a tram back we eventually walked back to the terminus where a tram replacement bus appeared. Apparently there had been an accident. Stayed on that bus as far as he took us, south of Pleasure Beach then had a look at the front. By this time trams were running again but they were turning them round near there to avoid the south section of the line. Then we saw one tram run through so we caught the next one south and stayed on it until we were thrown off at Riley road where it went out of service to go back to the depot. They take all the double deckers out of service in the evening, and we followed the tracks to the depot which is not far.

Then we walked down to the Blackpool South station to catch the 18.44 to Lytham. There we went to we eat in Hastings. This used to be a club with lots of beers and food, but is now not a club, has fewer beers but very good food. They had one of the Lytham brewery beers on, which we tried and I had two excellent courses of food. After that we had a quick look at the front and then popped into Taps before catching a train to Preston. We had a half hour change there to catch a train back to Adlington.

Went to the Spinners Arms which unfortunately was having a Bingo night, but this soon finished and we were able to get a seat and enjoy a pint in peace.

Tuesday 23rd June

Riley Green to Chorley

 

Stopped for water at Johnsons Hill top lock. Then moored below the top lock and went for lunch in the Top Lock pub.

After that we carried on down through the rest of the locks and on to Chorley. There we moored on the permanent mooring near the M61. Walked into town to the Malt and Hops, then to the Swan with Two Necks which had spotted in Ale Cry. There we had a meal and some Lancaster beer before returning to the Malt and Hops.

Monday 22nd June

Burnley to Riley Green

 

Stopped in Blackburn for lunch at Eanam wharf. The pub here was closed down but the rest of the building was still in use as offices. Went to the St. Johns Tavern for a pint of the local Thwaites, ten to the Adelphi which had no beer on. So we went into Morrisons to buy something for lunch back on Jacob.

Stopped for the night on the moorings of the Boatyard Inn but walked up the road to the Royal Oak to eat. Then a mile walk near Hoghton Tower to the Sirloin in Hoghton. This is the village where Sirloin steak gets its name when a king knighted a piece of meat.

Sunday 21st June

Barnoldswick to Burnley



After three long days, finally a lie in. Set off at 9.45 and arrived at Foulridge tunnel just too late to go through the tunnel, so we were delayed by 45 minutes. After we did get through we moored above Barrowford locks and walked into Barrowford to the the George and Dragon. As we expected they had no food so on our return to Jacob we had a Bacon sandwich.

Passed through the centre of Burnley and moored for the night at the BW yard which is secured by an anti-vandal key. We hurried to catch the 1853 train from Rose Hill station into Burnley, as the next train was 2 hours later. Went to eat in the Wetherspoons, where I had the Lamb shoulder for the first time, and it was very good. Next we went to the Ministry of Ale, home of the Moonstone brewery. Then we went to the Coal Clough, in the hope of finding some Masseys beer, but there were some pump clips turned round and a Karaoke was in progress so we didn't stop there. Finally we went to the Gannow Wharf pub on the way back to the boat on foot.

Saturday 20th June

Cononley to Barnoldswick

Set off at 7.35. Stopped at Snaygill boats to fill with diesel. Only managed to get in 77l. Also exchanged the empty gas bottle.

No sign of Leah in Skipton, but on the way out a man on the towpath said he had designed a 37ft tug on which Jacob and Leah are based. The engine that came out of Leah is at Pennine Cruisers, and Leah is now at Sawley. The 37ft tug, Gill Thorne, has been extended since then.

Had lunch while waiting for a lock near Gargrave in order to be sure of getting through all the locks by 6pm, as all the locks between Skipton and Burnley are locked at night.

Stopped for the evening at Barnoldswick. We went to the only restaurant that we found, which turned out to be good. Then to the Rainhall Cellar Bar. This is in the cellar of an off licence and the way in is through the shop while it is open, or round the back if they are closed. Only open Thursday to Sunday they had two beers on. None of the the other pubs in town looked inviting.

Friday 19th June

Field locks to Cononley

The lock keeper turned up at 8am and told us that all the staircase locks are locked at 4pm, which was news to us.

When we got to the Bingley 3 rise a boat was waiting there and we shared with them through the 3 and the 5 rise. Stopped for lunch above the Bingley 5 rise and walked to the Brown Cow.

Moored for the night near Cononley and caught a train from the station there into Keithley where we ate in the Livery Rooms, then went on to the Brown Cow and the Boltmakers.

Thursday 18th June

Leeds to Field locks

The boat I thought I had arranged to share with starting at 8am, set off at 7.45am. We left at 8.15 but they were waiting for us at River Lock. So we shared locks all the way up to Newlay where we moored. Went for lunch in the Abbey Inn.

After lunch we carried on hoping to get to Saltaire and catch a train into Bradford for the evening. However when we got to top lock of Field triple, we discovered that it was locked. We decided to stay on board for the night and use up some of my emergency rations, and have a night without real ale!

Wednesday 17th June

Wakefield to Leeds

Tuesday 16th June

Brighouse to Wakefield

Left Brighouse just after 8am after making use of Sainsburys recycling facilities. Didn't go up the Dewsbury arm this time, instead we stopped further on near a disused railway bridge and walked to the Brewers Choice on the outskirts of Ossett. Once again we were faced with a vast array of beers and our plans to also try the Ossett brewery tap were abandoned.

After lunch carried on as far as Wakefield where we moored near the residential moorings near Fall Ing lock. Went to the Six Chimneys to eat then to Henry Boons, Harrys Bar and finally the Fernandes brewery tap where their stout seemed as good as I remembered from 3 years ago.

Monday 15th June

Sowerby Bridge to Brighouse

Sunday 14th June

Todmorden to Sowerby Bridge

Stopped for lunch in Hebden Bridge. Went to Moyles which had a good selection of ales and and interesting menu, so I ended up having three courses.

Arrived at Tuel lane lock just before 5pm expecting to moor there overnight and go through at 8am tomorrow. The lock keeper was still there but was officially off duty at 4.30. Later the narrow boat and the wide boat we had seen on the move earlier arrived and moored behind us.

Went to check out the Works pub. They had an impressive selection of beers but, as we were expecting, no food on Sunday evening. Went back to the boat for a bacon sarnie, then took a wander down the canal to the canal warehouses and then to the Shepherds Rest. This too had a massive range of beers. Later on we went back to the Works.

Friday 12th June

Mills Hill to Summit

In order to make it to Summit in one day we left fairly early, but none of the other 3 boats decided to join us and we were on out own for the day.

Failed to find a suitable pub for lunch and evntually stopped in Littleborough for lunch on board. Carried on after lunch as far as the West Summit lock where we moored for the night. One of the pounds near the summit was empty and we had to fill that.

Went to eat in the Summit Inn, then went to check out the other pub nearby. As this had no real ale we decided to walk a mile to the Moorcock, which is in the GBG and was worth the walk.

Saturday 13th June

Summit to Todmorden

Thursday 11th June

Manchester to Mills Hill

We were in the second pair of boats to start off in the morning. A few locks up the boat we were sharing with came to halt with something round its prop. After they had tried to get it off, I then had a go and manged to get off a large thick plastic sheet. The only only other problem we had was when I ran aground when I went too near the towpath side in one of the poorly dug out sections.

The wife on the other boat decided that the best thing she could do was make lunch for the crew of both boats. So at 12 sandwiches appeared and we were able to carry on without stopping.

We moored for the night by the pub in Chadderton. We decided to catch a train from the nearby Mills Hill station into Rochdale. After a pint in the Flying Horse Hotel we went to eat in the Baum. Then we went to the Merry Monk and finally the Regal Moon, another Wetherspoons cinema conversion.

Wednesday 10th June

Leigh to Manchester

Stopped at Bridgewater marina for fuel, but only managed to squeeze in 80l.

On arriving at Castlefield we explored the arm off the south side and moored near the end of that for lunch. This is now the more popular mooring and should be quieter. Found the Knott Bar, but it was closed due to work on the railway over it. Went to the Font Bar instead for lunch, only one draught beer, but cheap, especially the cocktails. After that we walked to Ducie Street basin to check if there were any other boats there waiting to go up the Rochdale tomorrow. There were 2 boats there so we decided to go up the Rochdale 9 and join them for the night. Shortly after we arrived there the fourth booked boat arrived.

Another visit to Live Bait to eat was followed by the Ape and Apple, City Arms and finally the Unicorn.

Tuesday 9th June

Burscough to Leigh

Caught up with another boat at the first lock and we shared with them all the way into Wigan where they stopped for the day and we stopped for lunch. We moored behind the hotel boats and went to the Belvedere for lunch. They had two beers from the Prospect brewery. The dark mild was excellent and the Gold Rush was good too.

After lunch we went up the next lock then turned right down the Leigh Arm to Leigh where we moored for the night. Went to the Thomas Burke (Wetherspoons) which was converted from the Hippodrome. We ate there and then went to try the beer in the Boars Head.

Monday 8th June

Eldonian Basin to Burscough

The hotel boats had arranged to have a later start than normal and we were able to take advantage of this. We set off after them but they stopped briefly at Litherland services to allow passengers to get between the 2 boats. After we had been through bridge 9 they sent a crew man ahead on a bike to operate all 5 swing bridges and we were obliged to take advantage of this!

Stopped at Lydiate for a liquid lunch at the Scotch Piper followed by a sandwich on board.

Stopped for the night outside the Farmers Arms near Burscough where we were joined by Andrew for a meal. After that we walked to the Splipway for some more beer.

Sunday 7th June

Salthouse Dock to Eldonian Basin

Andy and his crew of 4 arrived to join us for the Pier Head link. Peter went to catch a train before we left.

The hotel boats left well before 11am, apparently without being summoned. We were given permission to leave at 1130 and headed round through Albert Dock to Manning Island Lock. We were on our own through the locks this time. Unlike yesterday it was quite a nice day and I was able to take some pictures.

Caught up with the hotel boats at Stanley locks and we moored behind them on the offside of Eldonian basin.

Went for lunch in the Ship and Mitre. Dave had been due to arrive at 1430 but was delayed by 3 hours, so we went for a look at the Bluecoat school. Met Dave at Lime Street station then we got a taxi back to Jacob.

Met Steve in Thomas Rigbys for a drink then went to Zizzis for a meal. Finished off with a pint in the White Star.

Saturday 6th June

Eldonian basin to Salthouse dock

Up and ready for a 9.30 start but when I spoke to the guy on the other boat I discovered that they had been told 11am. At 10.55 we moved round to the top of the locks for 11am. Two men were there to help us down the four Stanley locks. It was cold and raining and a few hailstones too.

Passed through the disused locks to Princes dock were we had to hang around in the wind whilst two boats were coming up in the new lock. After locking down we passed through the tunnel and out in front of the Liver building. Two more short tunnels later we arrived at Mann Island lock. Locked a few inches down into Canning dock then round through Albert Dock and into Salthouse Dock and backed onto our allotted mooring.

Went for lunch in the Baltic Fleet where we had an excellent dark beer at 3.5%. Collected Ian from Lime Street station at 1630 followed by another visit to the Baltic Fleet. This time they had a different dark beer on which tasted very similar but was 5.5%.

Went to MaBos in China town to eat. The food was good but we had to ask for chopsticks and thy did not give us rice bowls. After that we went to the Roscoe Head, The Dispensary, and the Crown.

Friday 5th June

Lydiate to Eldonian Basin

Up early for a 5am start to be at bridge 9 near Aintree for 7.30. Had a good run with no problems at the 5 swing bridges and arrived at the bridge in plenty of time to have breakfast. There was only one other boat there, and they had not had any trouble apart from inquisitive kids.

The BW team of three arrived at 745, which is what another bit of paperwork said. Arrived at bridge 6 at 830. Boats coming out were already waiting there but we sailed straight through first when the bridge was opened.

Stopped for water at Litherland services then carried on to the canal terminus at Eldonian basin. Boats were gathered at the top of Stanley locks ready to go down, but we had to turn round and back into the basin where we moored on the towpath side.

Walked into town for lunch in the Ship and Mitre. Had a good wander round round town before heading back to the boat for a rest to catch up from our early start.

Later we went back into town for a meal in Wagamamas followed by a drink in the White Star and the Lion.

Thursday 4th June

Crooke to Lydiate

Another lovely day, only 2 locks this morning. Moored alongside Gargony in Burscough and waited for Steve to arrive to show me progress inside.

Steve joined us for the rest of the day. We moored outside the Slipway pub for lunch.

Later we stopped at Haskayne where Andrew joined us. We hoped to get an evening meal in the Kings Arms, but they only had baps. So after a pint there we walked back to the Ship, where I had a Rag Pie. I enjoyed it but it was heavy going later in the night. Its a meat suet pudding cooked in a rag.

After that we moved on to Lydiate where we went to the Scotch Piper. A pub that has changed very little in 30 years. There are some improvements to the toilets and there is a choice of beers but it does not come in jugs any more.

Wednesday 3rd June

Manchester to Crooke

Set off at 8am and soon turned right to north towards Wigan. Stopped at Bridgewater marina to empty the loo then stopped in Leigh for lunch in the Boars Head.

After lunch we carried on towards Wigan, which we passed through to avoid spending the night there. Noticed that the pier is still closed. There were 2 locks up to Wigan junction and 2 locks down again to go east towards Liverpool. The area between these last two locks look like the best place to moor now.

Stopped for the night at Crooke opposite the Crooke Hall Inn. This is now an Allgates brewery pub and their brewery is in Wigan.

A long day but only 6 locks, and we can look forward to some shorter days now.

Tuesday 2nd June

Ashton Under Lyne to Manchester

Set off at 8am and turned left Dukinfield junction onto the Ashton canal. When we got to the first lock it looked as though a boat had already been down this morning, as the locks were empty and some of the bottom getes were empty. Slow progress made due to all the paddles being locked up with a hinged plate secured with an anti vandal key operated screw. After a while another boat with a bigger crew caught us up, which meant we could leave all the security locks open. Also came across about 4 boats coming the other way. It took 6 hours to get to Ducie street junction where we moored for lunch.

Unfortunately there were no other boats waiting to go down the Rochdale 9 so we went down on our own. There was too much water around which made it slower to operate most of the locks. The last two were really bad. We had to wait ages before it was possible to open the bottom gates using the chain system. This was probably because by this time there was another boat following us down bringing even more water with it. It took 3 hours to do this flight.

Moored for the night in Castlefield. Went to Livebait to eat. Unfortunately as we were there after 7pm we were too late for the early bird menu, however due a delay with the desserts, which we hadn't noticed, we didnt have to pay for those. I had 3 excellent courses.

Monday 1st June

Strines to Ashton Under Lyne

Started down the Marple flight just after 9. Despite the very stiff bottom paddles we made good progress, helped as we were by a man on a bicycle with a windlass.

Moored just north of the Marple aqueduct for lunch.

Carried on the Dukinfield where we backed into the entrance to Portland basin marina for the night.

Walked into Ashton and found a Chinese restaurant. After that we walked out to find the Oddfellows Arms. This was a Robinsons pub which had their Hatters mild.

Sunday 31st May

Bollington to Strines

A very easy day, only 2 hours to get to High Lane for lunch in the Royal Oak. We were looking forward to some innovative food but we were dissapointed.

After lunch carried on to Marple where we stopped to fill up with water. Then we turned right at Marple Junction to go a little way up the Peak Forest Canal to moor, after winding, for Strines. We walked up the hill to the viewpoint where we found a pub that I think I may have been to in the past. However we went to the Sportsmans Arms back down on the main road.

Saturday 30th May

Congleton to Bollington

Early start to get to Macclesfield. Arrrived at the Bosley flight of 12 locks just another boat was starting up. They soon left me behind and I had another boat on my heels, but they were of little assistance to me.

Arrived in Macclesfield about 2pm in time to collect Peter from the station where he had arrived on a train replacement bus from Wilmslow. Set off again for Bollington where we moored for the night on the embankment.

Went to eat in the Vale Inn, which is the tap for the nearby Bollington brewery. Then we had a good walk around town finally returning to the Vale. The two beers from the local brewery that I had were good. The pub itself was noisy due to the stone walls.

Friday 29th May

Kidsgrove to Congleton

Short hop this morning to get to bridge 86 where there are some moorings, and its the place to moor to walk to Little Moreton Hall. Its a mile away over the fields but it was a beautiful day. The hall is owned by the National Trust and is a moated half timbered building, notable for having a long gallery at second floor level. It was quite busy due to half term and the good weather. I was unable to get in the restaurant and had lunch back on Jacob.

Carried on to Congleton where I went to eat in the Queens Head then down to the Beartown Brewery Tap for a beer or two. I finished off with a pint of Pandamonium, which was excellent, nectar. Sarah Hughes may have something to worry about.

Thursday 28th May

Barlaston to Kidsgrove

Set off early on a warmer day with little wind. At the first lock I discovered I was not the first boat going north, and was following them all day, ending up mooring behind them for the night.

Stopped for gas at Etruria then carried on to Longport where I moored on the 24hr moorings. The pub I chose no longer does real ale, one pub was boarded up, and the other was closed and up for sale. So I ended up having lunch on board.

After my late lunch I carried on to Harecastle tunnel. I had to wait an hour, but was the first in the queue to go through in a convoy of three. I got through in about 35 minutes despite having to slow down to lower the exhaust a few times.

Moored for the night just east of Poole aqueduct. Went to the Red Bull pub to eat. They had an extensive selection of fish dishes. I went for the Smoked Haddock and Leek sausages! with mash and veg. Excellent. I could have stayed for another Robinsons beer but the sweet menu didn't inspire me and the Blue Bell was calling. I don't think I have ever been in this pub despite its presence in the GBG for years. It never does food and is not open weekday lunchtimes. However it is well worth visiting, even if it isn't folk night.

Wednesday 27th May

Salt to Barlaston

Grey and cold this morning and it rained most of the way to Stone. Fortunately it stopped raining before I got to the locks in Stone. I went through three locks before stopping. Went to The Swan for lunch, a Stones house. The old Stones brewery is by the canal, not sure where the beers are brewed now, or by whom.

After lunch carried on up through the Meaford flight and stopped for the night at Barlaston. Here the Crown and Cushion is by the canal and had a cask marque plaque outside. They had a beer and curry offer on tonight so that made my choice easy.

After having eaten I walked round the village. There are some very expensive houses round here.

Tuesday 26th May

Rugeley to Salt

Short run this morning to Great Haywood. Went for lunch in the Clifford Arms. After that I went to the Shugborough Hall estate. I went round most of the gardens and the farmhouse and watermill, but didn't have time to see the walled garden or the house itself.

After that I made the short trip up through Weston to Salt Bridge. One of the boaters I met on the way had just come from there and highly recommended it. He forgot to mention the the canal is right by the railway there, and that the moorings are not very deep and gravelly, so there were strange noises all night.

Went to the Holly Bush Inn to eat. The car park was full, as was the pub. However one of the waitresses managed to find me a table. Its won various awards for food, which was good, and the staff are really good.

Monday 25th May

Fazeley to Rugeley

Left early to get to Fradley for an early lunch. Arrived there about 1215 and moored south of the junction. Went to the Swan for a quick pint, but decided not to eat there as they were quite busy.

Fradley was not too busy with boats when I passed through but I did get the swingbridge worked for me. At the first lock the fender got dragged down out of the way and the front deck got flooded with leaks from the top gate, but not enough to cause a problem. I foolishly went through the second lock without adjusting the fender and I now have more room in the glasses cupboard. I stopped after that to adjust the fender.

I was thinking of stopping at the Plum Pudding near Armitage, which is now an expensive Italian brasserie, but when I got there there was loud music blaring out from the pub across the road, so I decided to press on. It had started to rain by then but only drizzle. Looked at the Ash Tree pub but it was a 2 for 1 pub, which is not much use for one person, and the moorings are that nasty piling that goes in and out.

Carried on to just before the first visitor mooring in Rugeley where there were several other boats moored, apparently without problems.

There are no GBG pubs so I walked to the Plaza which is a Wetherspoons conversion of a cinema. Also checked out the other two pubs with cask marque approval, but was not impressed enough to go in either.

Sunday 24th May

Harsthill to Fazeley

Left about 9am. An even better day than yesterday, clear blue sky.

Arrived at the Atherstone flight where the top lock had the requisite 6 bollards, including 3 new square wooden ones designed so that rope will not slip on them. The rest of the flight only had 5 bollards, disgraceful. Initially not much help from other boats down the the Atherstone flight but it got better.

Stopped for lunch above lock 10. Set off again just in time so that both locks were set for me. I was disgusted that the locks at Bascote only had 3 bollards.

Initially I moored for the night on the 7 day moorings just before the junction, but after some kids had thrown some stones towards Jacob, I decided to move further on, past Peel wharf. On my way out to find something to eat I received a text from Mike and Rosie who had just passed Jacob on his neighbours boat. I jumped on at the junction and we went on into Fazeley Mill marina. Unfortunately they were just out for the day and had to get back home. I went to the Bulls Head in Two Gates for a drink then on the way back I got an Indian takeaway.

Saturday 23 May

A beautiful day. Set off at nine to be at the Greyhound at Hawkesbury junction for lunch. Had a cold pint of mild, but wasn't inspired by the menu so I retired to Jacob to eat.

Set off again at 1.30 just as the lock got busy. Headed north up the Coventry canal. Passing through Nuneaton I noted that it had improved with new housing by the canal. As there are now two pubs there in the GBG it might be worth stopping there again someday.

Stopped for the night by the Anchor Inn near Hartshill. This is an Everards pub in the GBG. I overheard one customer ask for smoothflow. He was told that they only had real ale and he was persuaded to try some Tiger. I ate in the pub with another pint of mild, then retired to Jacob before the entertainment started.

Friday 22nd May 2009

Arrived at the marina at 4.30 having been shopping in Daventry.

Eventually I was ready to leave at 8.15 and got as far as the 14 day moorings near Brinklow.