Willington – Weston – Kegworth

Homeward stretch on familiar territory, although we went to the Coopers Arms at Weston for the first time and was very impressed. We were going to stretch it out another day, but as the weather was so nice and we were so close we decided to press on back to Kegworth.

Heading towards Weston

Weston Lock

Aston Lock

Not quite ready for a shower

Lockgate Stoves, Shardlow

A lovely calm day on the River Trent

Back in our home mooring at Kegworth

Total lock count: 629 locks

Total miles: approx 825 miles

This may be the last blog until we head north in March 2011. Many thanks for all the comments from friends and family, it has been an amazing time out and we have enjoyed sharing it through the blog. Also thanks to the company and friendships of Pip & Rog (nb Windsong), Lindsay & Paul (nb Teapot), Joan & Duncan (Alarch Wen), Jo & Paul (nb Repent at Leisure) who we have cruised along with, shared plenty of laughs, food and drink !! 

Happy Cruising, Karen & Ian – nb Serenity

Fradley – Alrewas – Branston – Willington

Said goodbye to mum and dad as they got a taxi to take them back to Armitage. It was also great to see Paul and Lindsay (nb Teapot) whilst we were at Fradley. We set off from Fradley in lovely sunshine to Alrewas, getting there in plenty of time to visit the butchers. Left Alrewas, another sunny morning, to moor the night at Branston, where Claire and Jason came over for an evening meal at the Bridge. We are now moored at Willington, it seems we are fast approaching the end of our epic journey.

Taking on water at Alrewas

 

The river section towards Wychnor

The weir barrier

Approaching Tattenhill Lock

 

The Bridge, Branston

Wolseley – Armitage – Fradley

Left Wolseley to make a dash to Armitage before the rain. Mum and dad were joining us later for a meal at the Plum Pudding, which was excellent value as we were treated to entertainment and a cookery demonstration. Waited for the rain to stop before setting off for Fradley the following day.

Moorings at Wolseley, looking towards Rugeley

Former site of Armitage Tunnel

Moored outside the Plum Pudding, Armitage

Approaching Fradley junction

Full circle, last here in March !!

Tixall Wide – Gt Haywood – Wolseley

Just a short cruise to Great Haywood, stopping at the junction for water, loos and gas. Moored just above the lock and went to the Clifford Arms for the first time, food and service very good (portions were huge). Set off the next day missing the showers again and mooring at Wolseley just in time.

Haywood Junction

Essex Bridge, a packhorse bridge leading to Shugborough Hall

Looking back at Haywood Junction, always a queue at the water point

Moored at Great Haywood

Ornate cast iron bridge

waterside vegetation

Looking back at Colwich Lock

Acton Trussell to Tixall Wide

Left Acton Trussell for a short cruise to Tixall Wide, passing through the outskirts of Stafford. Luckily we managed to moor before the weather turned very windy.

Approaching Deptmore Lock

 

Meadow Bridge No.99

Tixall Lock

A feel of Autumn approaching

A favourite spot, moored at Tixall Wide

Moored for the night opposite the Elizabethan Tixall Gatehouse

Gailey – Penkridge – Acton Trussell

A short cruise from Gailey, found moorings at Penkridge and had a walk into the village. We have passed through on many occasions but never stopped. Enjoyed a lovely meal at the Littleton Arms with Paul and Jo, it was certainly worth the little walk to get there. Left Penkridge cruising past a national fishing match, then into total mayhem as we came across an orienteering event. It is not often we feel sorry for fisherman, but mountain bikes were racing on the towpath and canoes were zig zagging on the water.

Leaving Penkridge, approaching Longford Lock

Canoes coming from all directions

Moored near Acton Trussell

Coven to Gailey

A short run today from Coven to Gailey, now back on familiar waters. At Gailey it made a change to gongoozle at the lock as we sat and enjoyed an ice cream.

Reflection from our mooring at Coven

 

Gailey roundhouse, originally a toll clerks office now a canal shop

Charlie waiting patiently for the last of the ice cream

Brewood to Coven

Having spent a pleasant evening in Brewood we turned around and headed back on course. Stopping for water just before Autherley Junction. Then passing through the narrows of ‘Pendeford Rockin’ and mooring overnight at Coven outside the Fox & Anchor.

Leaving Brewood behind

Passing under the ornate balustraded Avenue Bridge leading to Chillington Hall

Heading back towards home (spot the heron)

Entering Pendeford Rockin

Glad we didn’t meet anyone coming in the opposite direction

Bratch Locks to Brewood

Left Bratch in lovely sunshine enjoying the open countryside, but didn’t manage to miss a heavy shower early afternoon. We decided as we were so close and looking for somewhere nice to moor and eat that we would detour onto the Shropshire Union canal and stop at Brewood.

Awbridge Lock

No health and safety in those days

Approaching Compton

The former Great Western Railway, now a public footpath

Just passing Aldersley Junction

Autherley Junction, only a small detour up the Shroppie