Shropshire Union Canal - "news"

Monday, 15 March 2010 17:21

We set off towards Brewood and Wheaton Aston this morning

We were the last to leave the lovely moorings between Hunting Bridge (7) and Park Bridge (8) - we are not in a hurry, nor are we early birds!

Brewood (pronounced "Brood") was next. The village and church is visible just before the Shroppie enters the cutting and as usual I took a photo!

Brewood Village over the fields

The visitor moorings were pretty full before Brewood Bridge (14), although there was a space if we had planned to stop. But we carried on and passed over the A5 on Stretton Aqueduct.

After the aqueduct is a boatyard that specialises in restoring old narrowboats. John remembered that the Town Class Large Woolwich motor boat Chertsey was being worked on here. It is owned by Sarah, who we have met, together with Jim, at a couple of Boaters Banters we have been to.

Sarah has a blog which is recording the restoration of Chertsey. The history of this lovely boat is on her blog - clickety click. We hope all continues to go well, Sarah. Work was in progress as we passed - we shouted to check it was indeed Chertsey!

Chertsey at Stretton Wharf Industry Narrowboats

Wheaton Aston Lock was set for us and for once it was not too breezy, so getting in and off the BW Services below did not cause us too much trouble. It was lunch time too ....

In the lock, looking down the cut, services on the right

The good news - despite what we had read - is that Turners' garage is definitely accessible for diesel from the canal. Narrowboats can moor against the barge, but crew should not step onto the bank. One of the Turners' brothers handed John the nozzle and we filled up. We then went across to the towpath side and John crossed the bridge to pay.

Turners' current access

It is still the best price for diesel we have found (57.9/litre, before propulsion tax) and the Turners' staff are so friendly and helpful. The work will give them a wharf and it will be much easier to moor for diesel. Sadly they are having to pay for the work, but it will be worth it we are sure.

Piling work

We carried on, through lovely agricultural land. In many places the canal is above the level of fields and the land is dotted with farms. Church Eaton village is a mile away, NE of High Onn Bridge (25). The canal plunges into Cowley cutting and through Cowley Tunnel to Gnosall.

Exiting rough hewn Cowley Tunnel

A few minutes later we moored up at Gnosall. It had been a good cruise, but we were ready for a cuppa and cake!

Shropshire Union Canal, Hunting Bridge (7) to Gnosall

5 hours 10 minutes, 9.94 miles, 1 lock