It rained quite a bit overnight but was dry by this morning. We were in no rush to get going, as Turner’s Garage, where they sell red diesel down on the canal, doesn’t open until 9 — and I spotted that a boat coming the other way was already waiting on the service mooring. I spent some time getting leaves off the roof and using the rainwater to clean the towpath side of the boat. The owner of the boat ahead was doing the same, and left before we did. I assumed he’d also been waiting for Turner’s to open, but in fact he went straight past, so we set off about 9.15, stopping a minute later through the bridge.
Diesel was £1.32 basic here, so good but not quite as good as Shobnall! We didn’t need a huge amount, although we are getting through more now the stove is alight quite a lot of the time. We were soon on our way again, with the next section on one of the Shroppie’s embankments.
We’ve ways liked the conversion of the old Cadbury building at Little Onn. There’s a long line of offside moorings after that, with the last one having put on quite a Halloween display.
The embankments and cuttings alternate all along here, but the most impressive cutting is the one that leads to Cowley Tunnel. Although there’s a brick arch at the southern end, it’s unlined rock inside.
We moored up just through the bridge by The Boat pub, and were surprised to find we were the only boat here. We chose the sunniest spot! After lunch, we went for a walk through the village to check out the shops, and came back via the Newport to Stafford Greenway, a foot and cycle path that follows an old railway line.
It comes back to the canal over a bridge just just ahead of us.
This afternoon we had a lovely visit from Sharon and John, who, we met way back in 2015 when we did the Hatton flight together. They live in the village and moor their boat right outside their back garden, and we had a really nice catchup. It’s also been Macc’s ten month birthday today.
I thought we might get wet today but we didn’t. Looking at the forecast, I don’t think I’ll be saying the same tomorrow.
5 miles, 0 locks. (312 miles, 194 locks)