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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20101010
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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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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20101009
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.
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.
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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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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20101008
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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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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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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20101005
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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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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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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20090721
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.
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.
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.
20090711
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.
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.
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.
20090710
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.
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.
20090708
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.
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.
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.
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.
20090705
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.
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.
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.
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.