We were glad to be back on narrow locks, though we had two more of the hard, deep T&M wide locks to do first. We are very familiar with this stretch of the T&M. Our share boat Symphony used to be based here. Also we came this way to and from York two years ago.

The stretch up to Burton is quiet, pleasant and rural,but from then on the busy A38 comes very close and is quite intrusive. We had thought about stopping at Burton and going to the large Morrisons, but it’s quite a walk with the shopping. Instead we decided to go to the butcher in Alrewas, who is always excellent, other stuff we can get from the local Coop.

We arrived about 4 o’clock, so tied up in the first space just above the lock and headed off shopping. We caught the butcher as they were closing up,but he didnt disappoint.

Alrewas is a lovely village it makes the most of the canal and is very welcoming to boaters.