We had an early start and were away by about eight. There were lots of boats about, but we got through Fradley without having to queue for long. A stop was taken in Arlewas for a late breakfast (Full English). It’s a lovely village and we used to stop here years ago when we had a share in a boat based at Barton Turns Marina.

For a short section after Arlewas the canal joins the river Trent, we have navigated part of the Trent now, though it was very placid, well in the “green”. It may not be that way further downstream.

We stopped earlyish, about 3 o’clock, by Branston Water Park so that we could clean one side of the boat. The evening was really warm and sunny, so a barbecue was called for.

An evening walk of twice round the water park rounded off an excellent day.