Keadby Lock

The lock keeper at Torksey said that high water would be at 12:30, so we should set off at twelve, then push against the rising tide for about an hour. This would give us a bit more time to get to Keadby. The lock at Keadby can only be used for about 5 hours either

Torksey

Yet another day of unbroken sunshine, but this time with a chilly wind to accompany it. We had planned a late cooked breakfast today, but that didn’t work out. On the river the only stopping places are at locks. The first one was too early. The lock keeper at the next lock told us that

Gunthorpe

We are now on the river Trent, the non-tidal part. We left Shardlow at about eight o’clock and shared the locks through to Nottingham with a couple going to watch an England vs South Africa game at Trent Bridge . A stop at Sainsburys to top up the fridge & grocery cupboard and then onto

Shardlow

We are now at the end of the Trent & Mersey canal where it meets the river Trent, though this part is the non-scary, not-tidal part. The scary, tidal part is yet to come! A really great day today, the weather lovely and sunny.

Branston Water Park

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

Handsacre

A really great day today. Only four locks, but got our exercise by going for a 5+ mile walk through Cannock Chase and then back via the Shugborough Hall estate. The footpath goes right through the estate, so we didn’t have to pay (though we couldn’t go round the house itself !). Then back across