Compton to Between Bridges 7 & 8 (Shropshire Union Canal)

 

We are finally leaving Compton today, we have had a nice few days here but time to go, so headed off, it was a bit overcast but not raining, yet!  Through Compton lock and off up the canal. 

Saw a heron in the tree, he seemed to be following us, I think he is our guide!

Our Guide

Past the junction with the locks up to Wolverhampton and on to the junction with the Shropshire Union Canal and we turned up there, our guide was there again to show us the way. 

Our Guide Showing us the Way!

So, now we are on the Shropshire Union Canal, known as the Shroppie and yes Jane, Malc, Dave and Anthea, we are coming!!!

Stopped for lunch by the nature reserve and then on up the canal, there was a narrow bit and we didn’t see the boat coming down until the last minute, we got over, Kev put the boat in reverse and the front of the boat went across the canal blocking it!  Got ourselves straight again and the boat went past and we had to get ourselves off the side, managed that and on we went up the narrow bit and saw another boat coming down, he was in the wide bit and we thought he would wait but no he didn’t, as we had just got stuck, we had no intention of getting stuck again, so Kev just stayed where he was and the boat had to get in the side, as he went past, he said "sorry, I didn’t realise how narrow it was"!

We chugged on and moored between bridges 7 & 8, it’s a lovely spot in the middle of nowhere.  There is lots of mooring there with rings to tie up to.  There were a few boats moored.  We shall now have a couple of days here, then chug on. 

Dimmingsdale Lock to Compton ( Staff and Worcs Canal)

It wasn’t raining, just a bit overcast  as we set off for Compton, through the two locks and we were there, just a short journey today, more than enough for us!  There was a space on the end of the first moorings as you come into Compton, so tied up there.  Went and did a reckie of the bus stop for our trip to Wolverhampton tomorrow, then just chilled out.  Had a really nice roast dinner while watching the Grand Prix.  Staying here for a few days as I have to go to to Swindon for a family funeral.  Will chug off on Thursday and up onto the Shropshire Union canal, looking forward to that as it’s a really nice canal.

From Swindon to top of Dimmingsdale Lock (Staff & Worcs Canal)

We stayed in Swindon yesterday (Thursday) as the forecast was not good.  Had a leisurely morning, then walked up to the next lock, then went up to the pub which had the Thai restaurant.

They were doing a two course lunch for £5.50 and so we thought we would give it a try.  Well, it was fantastic, one of the best Thai meals we have had and the portions were very generous.  We also had dessert, traditional Thai sweets, I had pancakes which were green and had coconut in it, and Kev had a sort of steamed pudding.    The whole meal cost less than £20, what a find.  It was a really nice place and you’ll be pleased to know Steve that in the evenings they have linen napkins!

We thought  this was a real find and was going to make sure we stopped here again, then the waitress told us that they were having to move out in a few month’s time as the pub was being pulled down and a block of flats and houses were being built in its place, what a blow. Apparently they are moving a few miles down the road.  We are really glad we went as we would have missed a real find.  

It was a bit overcast as we set off through the first of the two locks at Swindon, up through the first lock and there was a boat moored up, but as soon as they saw us, they quickly untied and went in front of us so they could get the lock first, oh well, never mind, we are in no rush!

Botterham Staircase

Up through the next Swindon lock and onto the Botterham staircase,  the boat in front of us was just going through, so by the time I had emptied the bottom lock, they had gone and we proceeded through.

Top of Botterham Staircase

We stopped up round the corner from there as there is a Sainsburys for some supplies, it was surprisingly close to the canal, a few minutes walk. 

Going into the Bratch Locks

Got our shopping, then headed off through the next lock and onto the Bratch locks, went up to see the lock keeper and there was a voluntary lock keeper on, so he helped me with the first lock, then the lock keeper came down and he helped as well, so we got through there nice and smoothly, it had been dry up to that point but then a few rain drops started falling, but not heavy though.  

Half Way up the Bratch Locks

At the Top of /the Bratch Locks

 We moored at the top of the locks and had lunch.

Suitably refreshed and with the rain stopped, we chugged on through the next three locks and moored above Dimmingsdale lock.  There are some nice moorings there on the non tow path side, there was another boat there but plenty of room for us.  Just as well we were stopping, as the rain had started and it rained for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

Staying here tomorrow as well as the forecast is not good again, but will chug off on Sunday to Compton, about two miles away, what a life we lead!

From Caunsall to Swindon (Staff & Worcs Canal)

 Well off we go again, travelling for most of the day today, gosh that’s unheard of, but want to get on today as according to the forecast, rain is coming tomorrow and we don’t want to get wet.

On up the canal and past the Staffordshire and Worcestershire border  marker, we are now on the Staffordshire side of the canal.   Up through Kinver, not stopping here this time as we have stopped here several times before, it is a nice place though.  

Through Dunsley Tunnel, all 25 yds of it, its so small that we were coming out the other side before all of our boat was in the other end!

On up the canal and past the junction with the Stourbridge Canal, we will be turning off and going up there next year.  Around the corner, then stopped for lunch.  Suitably rested, we chugged on and moored at Swindon as we haven’t moored here before and thought we would give it a try.  

 

It was a nice chug from Caunsall to Swindon, we did 7 locks and 1 tunnel and it all went smoothly.  Met a few boats,but  the canal is very quiet.

Staying here in Swindon tomorrow as well so we don’t fancy chugging along in the rain!  We will then move on again on Friday.  Had fish and chips for tea tonight, as we were told by several people that they were really good and we should stop and try them and those people were right, they were really good.

There is also a pub 'The Greyhound' with a Thai restaurant here in Swindon, so we are going to give that a go tomorrow.