The Ashby Canal - Stoke Golding to Shackerstone

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The Ashby Canal - Stoke Golding to Shackerstone

Monday, 02 March 2009 22:29

We left the Ashby Canal today after saying goodbye to our friends from Cornwall. However, there is so much more to say about the Ashby that I will continue with the story of our cruise.

After the Ashby Company hire base the canal begins its approach to the area that the Battle of Bosworth took place. Along this section are some good moorings. Sutton Cheney Wharf has boaters' facilities and cafe and trip boat.

The feeling of cruising through history is palpable. However, the canal was not here in 1485 when the Middle Ages finished and the Tudor years began. The canal takes a couple of huge bends around the Battlefield. On our way up we stopped for lunch at the Battlefield moorings and then continued on to Shackerstone.

We were amused by the dress of the skipper of this day boat as we hung back to let them pass through Deakin's bridge (39). At least he was going slowly.

Perhaps the hat comes with the boat?

Market Bosworth is a small town to the right of the canal with best access at Bosworth Wharf Bridge (42)

There are some permanent moorings and temporary moorings which are beyond the bridge. Like all the villages, it is a bit of a walk if you need to re-provision or just soak up the atmosphere of an historic Leicestershire market town. There is plenty to see here if you have the time to stop. Unfortunately, this trip was too short for us to explore.

The Battlefield Railway Line runs from Shenton to Shackerstone April to October. The line can occasionally be spotted as it comes near the canal.

Bridge 51, Bate's Wharf Bridge announces the approach to Shackerstone

We chose to moor just past the aqueduct before the 48 hour moorings. There are official moorings just before and after Turn Bridge (52) which changes the towpath from the left to the right of the canal.

We took a wander into the village, renowned of course for the canal festival in September. This festival combines the various societies in Shackerstone, combining water, rail and village events very successfully.

We wandered up to the Battlefield Railway Station. This is well looked after with shop, tea room and museum. The rolling stock was silent and empty and made us wish we were here later in the year to experience the hustle and bustle of the steam and diesel locomotives.

Victorian Tea Room

Our destination for the evening was The Rising Sun pub. Like a "proper" village this was opposite the Church! Sadly the church was locked but we enjoyed our meal and would recommend it for a good nosh!

The Rising Sun