Overwater Marina to Chester and back to Tattenhall Marina

We stayed in Overwater Marina for 4 nights and made good use of having an address for deliveries.  Less than 24 hours after ordering a television from acdc it was plugged in and we were watching it, a very efficient service.  Our afternoon walk frequently took us into Audlem village, home of the Shroppie Fly pub named after the express delivery boats on the canal.

Looking over the lock gate to the Shroppie Fly pub with Audlem Mill in the background

On Saturday morning we pulled out of Overwater Marina but didn't go far, we joined Chris & Geoff at Coole Pilates.

Leaving Overwater Marina

The next day we sailed the short distance to Hack Green and, on foot, followed the signs to the Secret Bunker.  The drab concrete building was part of the early warning and communications network in case of a nuclear attack during the Cold War.  The displays and rooms of equipment demonstrated the gravity of the situation. 

Communication boards in the bunker

There as also a small dormitory of uncomfortable looking beds.

The sparse dormitory

On Tuesday we moved on to Nantwich where the narrow Shropshire Union widens into the broad canal to Chester.  We stocked up at Morrisons because the canal continues through open countryside and our next grocery shop will be Chester.  We did however stop at Countrywide farm supplies and one of our purchases was a splitting maul which I soon put to good use when we stopped for the day.  

On Friday we came to the first broad locks, 3 of them in a staircase at Bunbury. 

The old stables at Bunbury top lock

The next morning we awoke to a hard frost and fog so the view was hidden as we sailed passed Beeston Castle.

Frost and fog and some smoke from our chimney!

On Sunday Chris and I took turns to walk ahead and set the 5 locks into Chester where we moored near Cow Lane Bridge.  On Monday we enjoyed a visit to Mum and Dad and on our return found the city centre cordoned off with a lot of police on duty; it was the memorial service for the Duke of Westminster.  Later we went for a drink with Geoff & Chris, tomorrow we will be going our separate ways until the New Year.  

Monday night had been bitterly cold freezing the canal over.  Brent III's bow crunched noisily through the ice as we turned round and sailed out of Chester.  We moored up outside Waverton and during the night the canal froze over again.  This time the ice was an inch thick and took some breaking through to leave the bank.  Kev got us on our way but progress was slow and very noisy as we broke the ice in our path.  

Breaking the ice 

  
Luckily some other boats were also on the move and it was easier going where they'd broken the ice but when we reached Tattenhall Marina it was obvious we were the first through.  Kev had to ram Brent III back and forward to open a route to the jetty and end our travels for 2016.  During the year we've sailed 1043 miles and come through 713 locks. 


Our travels in 2016

Wheaton Aston to Overwater Marina

As the days are growing shorter and the sun is lower in the sky our solar panels aren't always producing enough electricity so we're now relying on the engine to recharge our batteries.   To make the most of running the engine we decided to travel a short distance each day.  We left Wheaton Aston behind and sailed into open countryside.  There was a price to pay for the rural scenery, our broadband and phone signals were non-existent for much of the time.  The canal is crossed by a variety of bridges, the first unusual one being a turnover bridge that also incorporated a road bridge. 

The turnover bridge takes the towpath across the canal and incorporates a road bridge

Bess and Brinny enjoyed their afternoon walks along the wooded canal sides especially when they saw a squirrel to chase. 

Did you say squirrel?

On Saturday morning it was bright, blustery and bitterly cold; out came our hats, gloves and scarves as we set off for Norbury Junction.  On the way we sailed along the narrow cutting which leads through steep sandstone cliffs to Cowley Tunnel. 

Trailing plants hanging over the southern portal of Cowley Tunnel

We stopped for a couple of days at Norbury Junction where, after a spark of life from the wi-fi, we ordered an Asda delivery.  

On Monday we set off and the canal took us under a well known landmark, High Bridge on the Grub Street Cutting.

A telegraph pole in a bridge at Grub Street Cutting

The next day we sailed along the high Shebdon Embankment which is a mile long and towers over the surrounding countryside.  Sadly the views are obscured by trees growing either side of the canal.   We stopped out in the open near bridge 49 and that night the heavens opened.  

On Wednesday the weather was dry as we set off and sailed through the narrow Woodseaves Cutting which is carved through red sandstone.  The banks are steep and look precarious in places with loose rocks and fallen trees.  The heavy rain during the night had washed sandstone into the canal turning it orange.  At Tyrley Wharf we spotted the smallest narrowboat we've seen. 

The Spirit of Phoebe, a small boat floating on an orange canal

The visitor moorings at Tyrley made a good place to stop because the rain had started again. 

Attractive wharf buildings at Tyrley 

The next day we sailed down the Tyrley Locks to Market Drayton where we dodged heavy rain to go shopping.   OnFriday we were surprised to find a heavy frost had frozen our ropes which took some untying and were still stiff when we moored up a short way out of town. 

From here the canal changes its character, we've seen the last of the high embankments and deep cuttings but it is still rural and we still had only an intermittent broadband signal.  On Sunday we sailed down the 5 Adderley Locks and on Monday tackled the 15 Audlem Locks.  

Looking down the Audlem Locks.  On the Shropshire Union the balance beams are painted grey and white instead of black and white.

At Audlem I called in the mill which now houses a shop, the first floor of which is dedicated to needlecrafts.  It is always a pleasure to buy some colourful embroidery silks. 

Audlem Mill 

On Tuesday morning we turned into Overwater Marina and were given a mooring next to Geoff and Chris on Geordie Spirit.  We're going to stay for a couple of days to make use of the facilities, especially the tumble dryers. 


Our journey from Wheaton Aston to Overwater Marina

Parkgate Lock to Wheaton Aston

On Monday we returned to Penkridge where we stopped for a couple of days and Kev turned his attention to the new hob.  Unfortunately we needed a longer copper pipe so out came the bike and Kev cycled the short distance back to Midland Chandlers.  He then fitted the new hob which is a vast improvement on the old one. 

The new hob, the big ring on the right makes short work of boiling the kettle

It was half term and there were plenty of boats on the move as we retraced our route south. After descending Gailey Lock we were in a long pound all the way to Autherley Junction.

Gailey Lock is on the left under the bridge with the towpath arch to the right.  The round tower is an interesting landmark on the canal as it used to be a toll house.

It's the season for mushrooms and toadstools and at Calf Heath we spotted some bright redcap toadstools.

A bright redcap toadstool emerging at the side of the canal

On Friday we arrived at Autherley Junction and initially moored up close to Morrisons so we could go for a big shop.  Then we moved onto the visitor moorings but not for long.  Geoff & Chris on Geordie Spirit sent a text; they were 3 miles ahead on the Shropshire Union.  It didn't take us long to join them on the moorings at bridge 8.  It was good to catch up and we all stayed put until Tuesday. 

  

The view of the moorings as we return from our walk

One of my afternoon walks took us into Brewood, a large village with several shops.  One of the houses was all decked up for Halloween.

A spooky house in Brewood

At its southern end the Shropshire Union consists of a series of embankments and cuts with very few locks; its also very rural and pretty in autumn.

Autumn colours on one of the embankments

On Tuesday we were ready to move on but didn't go far before we spotted some large logs in the undergrowth.  Geoff & Kev soon had their chainsaws out and neatly sliced the logs into discs for stowing on board.  With our bows slightly lower in the water we continued to an open spot near the Stretton Aqueduct.  Once moored up we were all busy splitting logs and stacking them on our front decks.

Stretton Aqueduct crossing the A5

The next day we sailed into Wheaton Aston where we stopped at Turners Garage for diesel.  Geoff & Chris sailed on, heading for Market Drayton.  After fueling up we stopped on the visitor moorings and walked into the village for some shopping which included free-range eggs from the hens we'd seen in a field next to the canal.


Our journey from Parkgate Lock to Wheaton Aston

Kinver to Parkgate Lock, Penkridge

As we left Kinver the red sandstone ridge through which the canal has been cut is still in evidence; red cliffs line the canal and rocky outcrops protrude creating sharp bends on the narrow waterway.  Near Hyde Bridge the sandstone has eroded and brick pillars have been built to hold up the remaining outcrop.  

Brick pillars holding up the sandstone outcrop

Further on the short Dunsley Tunnel had been cut through the sandstone.  

Dunsley Tunnel takes the canal through the sandstone

An unusual feature of the Staffs & Worcs Canal is the circular whirlpool overflow which can be seen at some of the locks. 

The whirlpool overflow at Stewponey Lock

Dredgers had been busy at work on this section of the canal and the water was noticeably deeper as we headed north.  We passed long lines of fishermen and an interesting looking garden which had been planted alongside the canal.

An interesting display of plants in the large garden

We moored up at Hinksford  where some bright nasturtiums, climbing over a low hedge, made a cheerful display. 

A splash of colour from the nasturtiums

On Monday we prepared to leave Hinksford and the day started off badly; Kev tossed our best windlass towards me but it bounced off the bank into the canal.  Luckily the water was shallow enough for him to retrieve it but a passer-by commented that it was going to be one of those days.  Too true.  

Shortly after setting off we stopped at Sainsburys for some groceries.   When we untied the ropes to leave we found one of the mooring chains had been jammed fast and could not be freed by hand.  A tug from Brent III did the trick and we started to set off only to hear the engine struggle as something wrapped itself around the prop.  It was a fisherman's shelter, well and truly twisted around the prop shaft.  After 45 minutes of cutting with a knife and snipping with my sewing scissors we eventually removed it and at last were on our way. 

A volunteer assisted us with the unique system at the Bratch Locks.  There are 3 locks which almost form a staircase but not quite; a small pound between the lock gates siphons off water to a reservoir.  The gate paddles need to be worked in the correct sequence to save water. Once through the locks we were pleased to moor up for the day.

The Bratch Locks, the top gate of the bottom lock is in the foreground with the bottom gates of the middle lock above it.  The small pound with its blue paddle to let water into the reservoir is between these 2 gates.

On Tuesday we had a much better day travelling through quiet woods until we found a spot in the sun near Mopps Farm Bridge.  On our walk we saw a heron watching the canal intently from the shadows. 

A heron watching the canal

The next day we continued north and had a lucky find of more logs as we waited for another boat at a lock.  It's surprising how much our little stove burns now it's on most of the time. The canal then passes through the outskirts of Wolverhampton and and is crossed by high bridges between Aldersley and Autherley Junctions. 

Bridges crossing the canal at Wolverhampton

At Autherley Junction we pulled onto the Shropshire Union Canal just to fill up with water. Then we reversed back through the stop lock and moored up for the day.  On Thursday we continued north on the Staffs & Worcs Canal sailing along a very narrow cutting. 

A view of the narrow cutting taken on our walk

After passing under the M54 bridge we were back in the countryside and found a good mooring near Moat House Bridge.  

On Friday we sailed into Penkridge and had a walk into the small town.  Since our last visit a large farm supplies store has opened, very useful for chainsaw spares and other bits and bobs.

On Saturday we sailed the short distance to Parkgate Lock and a Midland Chandlers shop.  We needed some spares and while looking round saw a hob we liked.  Our current hob is not the best, it was bought for one reason, it was the only one that fitted in the available space. After checking all the measurements Kev decided the new hob would fit and so we bought it. At the moment it's still in it's box awaiting the purchase of a tile cutter disc for the necessary alterations to the worktop. 

Our journey from Kinver to Parkgate Lock

Worcester to Kinver

We left the River Severn at Worcester and sailed through the suburbs on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.  At one of the bridges workman stood on a precarious looking raft to carry out repairs on the arch. 

Workman manoeuvre their raft out of the way so we can come through

After ascending 7 of the narrow looks we pulled over near Blackpole.  On Friday we continued along the canal which had narrowed down with weeds growing on both sides and was also shallow in places.  We kept going to the moorings at the junction of the Droitwich Canal.  

The Droitwich canal branches off to the right

The Droitwich Canal was reopened in July 2011 following extensive restoration and our Nicholson's guide gives little detail because at the time of publication the canal wasn't navigable.  We used our afternoon walk to have a look at the short 1.5 mile stretch into Droitwich and found it had a variety of features.  All the locks into Droitwich are deep narrow locks drawing a lot of water.  The first 3 locks had side pounds to store water emptying from the locks which is then re-used to fill the locks when required.  Further along was a staircase of 2 locks and then a single lock took us onto the river section.  A new tunnel was constructed under the M5 but it is very low; a warning board hangs across the canal so boaters can check their clearance before entering the tunnel.  

Looking down at the low motorway tunnel, we went through with inches to spare

In Droitwich a broad lock takes us off the river back onto the canal and into Vines Park.  3 swing bridges cross the canal in the park before we reached the moorings at Netherwich Basin.  

Netherwich Basin is in Vines Park but  is surrounded by tall reeds so it is secluded from the park

Droitwich is a small town with a good selection of shops and charity shops for books and DVDs.  It has some impressive black and white timbered buildings and a modern shopping centre with attractive ceramic friezes depicting the town and its history. 

One of the ceramic friezes in the new shopping centre

On Monday a ground frost sparkled on the grass as we left the basin.  Another new tunnel took us under the A38 as we travelled westwards back to the River Severn.

The view through the A38 with its flat roof.  

We turned north on the River Severn and after working 8 broad locks on the canal we were pleased the river locks were manned.  

The elegant Holt Fleet Bridge crossing the River Severn with Holt Lock in the distance

At Stourport-on-Severn the river pontoons provided a good mooring.  Stourport is an odd little town; it has a permanent fun fair and a street of fish & chip shops and amusement arcades which wouldn't look out of place at a seaside.  I was amused to see a collection of carousel horses looking out from a roof top balcony. 

Carousel horses overlook Stourport Canal Basins

On Wednesday we sailed through the maze of locks and basins at Stourport.  A staircase lock took us up into the first basin and another took us into a second basin where we took a channel through moored boats into a third basin.  Here we took a left turn and up a single narrow lock onto the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. 

The first staircase lock where the top lock feeds directly into the bottom lock.  

As we sailed out of Stourport Kev spotted some old logs left in the undergrowth at the side of the canal, very handy now the weathers turning cold.  Out came the chainsaw and we soon filled our wood locker and part of the front deck.  

Queen of the woodpile

The next day we sailed into Kidderminster where we stopped briefly for shopping before continuing our journey.  We wanted to be at Kinver on Friday because Kev's chair had broken and the makers, Wilsons of Kinver, are going to supply a spare part.  Wilsons are no longer at their original canalside premises but Mr Wilson offered to bring the replacement plate down to the canal, an excellent service.  With the new plate it didn't take Kev long to restore the swivel to his chair.  

Our journey from Worcester to Kinver

Sharpness to Worcester

As we set off to leave Sharpness cloud hung over the Severn estuary and we were glad we could leave the wheelhouse up to protect us from the drizzle.   On the approach to Purton we saw a small but pretty sailing ship had been tied up on the moorings.  

A small sailing ship near Purton

We stopped for the day at Shepherds Patch near the Slimbridge Wildfowl & Wetland Centre.  On Wednesday we continued our journey north but hadn't gone far when a bridge-keeper told us a bridge ahead would be closed for a couple of hours.  We pulled over to wait but as it was a nice spot we decided to stop for the day; we don't take much persuading!  A group of bird-watchers were looking out for a hen harrier but we weren't lucky enough to see it.  

The next day we continued our leisurely journey with the bridges being opened for us along the way.   

One of the many swing bridges open for us

On Friday we returned to Gloucester and stopped on the shopping mooring outside Sainsburys.   As we returned with our groceries a sailing ship passed on its way into the docks. 

The bridge is lifted for a sailing ship to sail into the docks

After putting away our shopping we followed the sailing ship, we didn't need the first bridge opening but Llanthony Bridge is low and had to be lifted for us.

Llanthony Bridge up in the air so we could pass through

We stayed in Gloucester for a couple of days and then returned up the River Severn on Sunday morning.  Initially we were pushing against the flow but a high tide came up behind giving us a hand.  The day was bright and sunny and the Lower Lode pub, near Tewkesbury, looked busy.

The Lower Lode pub near Tewkesbury

At Tewkesbury we didn't go through the lock but stayed on the River Severn moorings, the first time we've stayed on these moorings and we found they were very quiet.

On the River Severn moorings at Tewkesbury

Tewkesbury is an interesting little town and I always enjoy a look round the "Antique Centre" but I rarely buy anything.  On this occasion I was pleased to spot an embroidery hoop which will come in useful.

Bric-a-brac in the Antique Centre, the photo was taken from a balcony.

On Tuesday we set off up the river to Upton-on-Severn and thought we were lucky to find space on the pontoons as there are only 4 moorings.  We had a walk into the quaint little town and I went for a haircut.  When I arrived back at the pontoon a neighbouring boater had his music on full volume with all his doors wide open.  Kev was sat on Brent III with all the doors shut.  One advantage of boating is that you can move if you don't like your neighbours so we did.   A couple of hours sailing upstream took us to Worcester and we arrived at the manned Diglis Lock just in time to go through.  

The next day we had a look round the town and in Worcester Cathedral which has some of its old bells on display.  

A line up of Worcester Cathedral's old bells

The cathedral also has some interesting architecture in the Chapel in the Crypt.

Pillars and arches make interesting shapes in the Chapel in the Crypt

Our journey from Sharpness to Worcester