Snarestone and Moira

As forecast, the weather was a lot cooler today - although it did become quite warm at times. We continued up the Ashby until we arrived at Snarestone where we moored just before the tunnel (On the way, Mike did some more tweaking of his software)

At Christine's suggestion, we opted for a long walk today in order to see the detached final section of the canal. Just after 11:30 we set off with a packed lunch and followed the Ivanhoe Long Distance Path, passing a brick and block works to join the railway track through Measham. The old station building is now a museum but it was closed for a long lunch break when we were there. However, a good picnic area was available on what were probably old sidings.

A Millennium project had provided an outdoor sundial and a small planted garden. It was sad to see that it has received little attention in recent times - perhaps never since it was created. Why spend all that money and not look after it?

We continued along the railway track, looking out for the occasional sign of the former canal bed - there really is little to see in most places and we wondered how it would be possible to undertake any sort of

At Donisthorpe the track passed through the land which was once one of the coal mines that the canal served, now landscaped to make it difficult to believe that it was once industrial. We arrived at the southern end of the canal section that has water and were quite astounded. Little over a mile in length, it has received some very expensive restoration - a large number of mooring rings are set into the concreted canal edge. No doubt this was part of the reclamation of the colliery land but it now makes a useful walking park for local people.

About half way along we reached Moira Furnace now a museum. At the weekend there had been a big canal and steam festival here, but it seems that it finished off all the staff as too many had rung in sick to be able to open today - Christine was especially disappointed that this meant no cup of tea!

Mike walked to the end basin on his own, passing Moira Lock, also restored. The gates are in excellent condition, only rarely used by the single trip boat. It strangely has an extra set of gates to operate a shorter length. At the end is Conkers Centre - lots of children enjoying the adventure play equipment.

We returned mainly by road for a quicker route but also so that we could pass the shops in Measham. There were several food shops, including a Tesco Express where we picked up some milk and jacket potatoes for tonight's meal.

After returning to the boat we set off through the tunnel to reach the current head of navigation where we used the facilities and found that we had an internet signal. We opted to moor just after turning around although, alas, a large tree obscured the satellite signal! At least it gave us a chance to catch up on email and blogs!