Stretton and Autherley

The day started wet, once again, but there were only two locks on today's agenda. The route continued the classic Shroppie cuttings and embankments - very pretty but equally wet on the towpath. Numerous high bridges cross the canal, including the noted Avenue Bridge, part of the Chillington Hall estate.



At one point we were held up for a few minutes by a maintenance team who were clearing extended undergrowth and trees that were reducing the width of the canal.



We also stopped for diesel at the garage alongside bridge 19 - the first time we have had self-serve boat diesel! It was a very friendly place with a small range of chandlery. We hoped at first that we were going to be able to buy a better replacement for our bow rope but it turned out not to be large enough. We did however learn that the original was cotton, not hemp or plastic.

We passed through Wheaton Aston lock where the disposal facility was still out of order, but the notice indicated that there would be facilities at Autherley Junction.



At Stretton Aqueduct the canal passes over the A5 and Christine took to the towpath to take some photos. We hoped to find a lunch stop in Brewood but there was nothing possible - also the canal is very much in a cutting that a broadband signal would be difficuly anyway. So, we had to press on a bit further until we found a bank where we could moor.



After lunch we continued to cover the final stretch of the Shropshire Union Canal, arriving at the stop lock at Autherley. The staff at the Napton Boats hire base said that they have been trying to negotiate with BW for a replacement but it does not seem to be a priority, despite promises to do something.

Just around the corner we moored at the same site as we stayed on the way up (then whilst we waited for a piece of glass for the stolen window) Christine walked to Morrisons for a few items. Later we tried to set up the satellite dish but without success. No broadband signal and only a weak analogue TV!