Passing Anchor Bridge and its associated public house we noted the moorings here were very nice and with refreshments close by its the perfect location. The prime spot was currently taken by another blog writer, nb Armadillo who can be found in my blog list. Once we had passed over the Shebdon Embankment we crossed from Staffordshire into Shropshire. Looking out to the West we could see the Shropshire plain with its solitary hill ' The Wrekin ' some 15 miles away.
We entered Woodseaves Cutting, 100 feet deep in places, and very steep sided. There were strange looking ferns and mosses clinging to the sandstone. Very narrow but with a few passing places, we were fortunate not to meet any on coming boats. I would not want to have been one of the navvies having to dig my way through that.
After emerging from the depths of what seemed like a tropical forest we arrived at Tyrley Locks. There were five to navigate, before reaching the bottom of the flight, and the final run into Market Drayton.
On leaving the bottom lock there is a very strong by wash as can be seen from the turbulent water on the right of the photo. A shield has been placed over it presumably to prevent it washing away the sandstone as can be seen on the left, where a small hollow has been cut into the rock.
As we passed out of this final cutting it felt as if we were being watched.
A mile later we arrived at the visitor moorings for Market Drayton. We will probably explore the town tomorrow and then depart on Saturday as the mooring here is for 48 hours only. We have been told of some good rural moorings by the next flight of locks at Adderley, only two miles away.
Totals 11 Miles 5 Locks
Running total 262 Miles 106 Locks 11 Tunnels
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