Usually we do the car shuffle at the end of each trip just in case we end up somewhere other then planned. In this case we are committed to leaving the boat for four weeks at Hilmorton Marina and they agreed that we could leave our car there this week. (The previous marina also charge substantially for the privilege - the first time we have encountered that)
So, Mike set off at 8:30 to drive down to the marina. The rush hour traffic around Nuneaton made for slow progress at first but on the motorway, apart from a slow patch around one of the intersections, it was reasonably clear.
Mike was welcomed at the marina and shown where our berth will be. He was advised that if he walked a little way up the hill he would have a more frequent service than just outside (which was where he planned to catch a bus into Rugby). As he had a little time, he followed this advice but in the end it was the same bus that he caught - and that was 10 minutes late!
At Springwood Haven Marina |
Grey and Blue skies |
Site of Griff Arm |
A little before Marston Junction we stopped for lunch - we recalled that the first part of the Ashby is not easy for mooring.
Martson Junction |
Alongside the junction bridge we spotted the first milestone. Each canal has a different design of milestones, in this case they are very simple and indicate the distance from either end. However, the present terminus is short of the original as a section was lost through mining subsidence, although work is in progress to link up with the detached portion which is in good condition. As it stands we can cruise for about 22 of the original 30 miles.
There are some designated mooring spots but much of the towpath bank is inaccessible through the weed growth. However, we continued to enjoy the sunshine!
Most of the Ashby Canal is rural and avoids towns - villages are quite sparse. However we did go close to Hinkley. The start of the town is marked by the short arm to Hinkley Wharf - now used as private permanent moorings.
Hinkley Wharf Arm |
By the time we found a suitable spot we were back out into the countryside so we will have to think again about newsagents! At least we should be able to watch the new Doc Martin episode later tonight.
11.2 Miles - 0 Locks
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