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!