Congerstone

Since our last post we have spent most of the time playing around on one of our favourite canals, the Ashby. After departing from friends at Polesworth on Monday 30/7. we set off towards the Atherstone flight of locks. Stopping for water at the service point, several boats passed by going the other way. This was good news as the locks should have been in our favour. So it was for the first five of the flight, however at the point the volunteers were operating everything came to an abrupt halt, and we joined the queue of about five. What the hold up was we never found out, but it added an hour or so to our ascent. Once at the top we pondered stopping for lunch, but we needed a pump out and wanted to make sure we reached Springwood Haven Marina in plenty of time. Pushing on we passed our intended mooring spot near bridge 28, and winded in the entrance of the marina. Following the pump out which is done for you by the staff at this marina, we headed back to our intended spot, a couple of hundred yards away. Now facing the wrong way, it was not a problem as there is a winding hole very close to this spot. The next morning, we winded and headed off towards Marston Junction and the Ashby Canal. Turning left, we soon arrived at Marston Jabbett where we stopped for the day. After securing the boat, we headed off to the nearby pub for lunch. Part of a well known chain of pubs, it was adequate but nothing special.

 

Moored at Marston Jabbett

 

 

Wednesday 1/8. we set off for Stoke Golding about 8 Miles away. We soon passed the spot of our collision with a hire boat earlier in the year, this time without incident. Approaching bridge 23 we decided to stop for lunch. It was also close to the farm shop we like to support, so the crew went shopping, not for very much it turned out as the stocks were low. After lunch we had about one more mile to go to our aimed for spot, just beyond the marina entrance at Stoke Golding. Later in the evening, we wandered up into the village for our appointment at the Mango Tree indian restaurant. Thankfully the walk back is all down hill. Thursday 2/8. We cruised to a new mooring spot for us, about a mile beyond Market Bosworth Marina close to bridge 46. Friday 3/8. We headed for the end of the canal at Snarestone. After passing through the crooked tunnel, we took a mooring on the 48 hour section and secured the boat. Unfortunately this area does not afford much shade, an important requirement for four legs with his furry coat. Walking up to the wharf to see if there was anywhere more shady, we spoke with Michael who looks after the area for the Ashby Canal Association. He pointed us towards a spot on the wharf beneath a large tree, and this was to be our spot for the next few days.

 

 

Snarestone Wharf mooring

 

Michael the warden operates a pair of working boats, Draco and Success. Success is an original horse drawn butty, and was built in 1893. It is the boat which is moored directly behind us on the wharf. The other boat in the picture is a Hudson like ours called Diligent Too. After securing the boat in our new spot, we wandered off to the village to reacquaint ourselves with the Globe P.H. for lunch. We also booked in for a Sunday roast. Later back at the wharf we got the comfy chairs out and relaxed in the dappled shade watching the world go by. Whilst here we met the owners of Diligent Too, who were undertaking some voluntary work on the wharf. The work being done was repainting some large beams, which had originally been located in the nearby pump house. Sunday 5/8. we went to the Globe for lunch and the roast was excellent. Back at the wharf, the owner of Diligent Too informed us he was leaving the next day, and that the beam painting would be unfinished. I offered to finish it off. Monday 6/8. I donned a pair of overalls, and began a day of scraping and painting. Unfortunately for me, the beams were not afforded any shade from the nearby tree. After about six hours of work, the paint finally ran out which my excuse for stopping for the day.

Hard at work

After a long day of work in the heat of the sun, it was only right to cool down, with a tub of ice cream purchased from the wharf. Quite what four legs had done to deserve his I don't know, but he got one anyway, and after scoffing his down, he preceded with an attempt to scrounge some of mine. He was out of luck.

 

 

Ice Cream for Four Legs

 

 

Tuesday 7/8. We manoeuvred from the wharf onto the water point, to refill the tank, then after saying our goodbyes, set off for Shackerstone. Wednesday 8/8. We took four legs for a walk, and then took lunch at the Shackestone Railway Station tea rooms. After lunch, we purchased some cake to takeaway for later. Thursday 9/8. We had a run down to Market Bosworth Marina, for diesel and a pump out. The crew nipped up the hill into town for some supplies, then we set off on a return journey as far as Congerstone. On route we spotted a hare playing in the fields.

 

Hare playing in the field

 

Friday 10/8. We walked into Shackerstone to post some letters. Saturday 11/8. We cruised the boat up to the winding hole in Shackerstone, and then return back to Congerstone, to the same spot we had departed forty minutes earlier.

 

 

Mooring at Congerstone

 

Today, Sunday 12/8. The weather today is a bit wet so four legs only got a short walk. Then it was off to the Horse and Jockey P.H. for Sunday lunch. Tomorrow we begin our journey off the Ashby Canal.

• Totals Monday 30/7.    6 Miles 11 Locks
•         Tuesday 31/7.    5 Miles
•         Wednesday 1/8. 8 Miles
•         Thursday 2/8.    7 Miles
•         Friday 3/8.         5 Miles 1 Tunnel
•         Tuesday 7/8.       3 Miles 1 Tunnel
•         Thursday 9/8.     6 Miles   
•         Saturday 11/8.    2 Miles
• Running totals 418 Miles 186 Locks 11 Tunnels

 

 

Shackerstone

Knowing fine weather was forecast for the next week or so, and it being a Bank Holiday Weekend, we expected it to get busy on the canal. With this in mind, we decided we wanted to be settled in our chosen spot well before the chaos ensued. We were also approaching the end of our 48 hour limit at Snarestone, although, we could have taken a mooring just beyond the small footbridge for a further seven days, being members of the Ashby Canal Association. So, on Thursday 3/5. we slipped our lines at about 9 am, and moved up to the water point. We had a nearly empty tank, so even with a fast filling tap, it would still take forty minutes or so to fill up. We said our goodbyes to the staff at the Wharf and winded, just as the first of two boats arrived. Back through the crooked tunnel, and then on towards Shackerstone, about three miles away. The sun was up and there was a gentle breeze so it felt warm even by mid morning. Not wanting to end our cruise too soon, we chugged along just above tickover, taking nearly two hours to cover the three miles. We passed beyond our usual spot, this time opting to moor opposite the festival field. This side of Shackerstone is much quieter with foot traffic on the towpath, it seems. On Friday 4/5. we walked four legs to Congerstone, to visit the Horse and Jockey PH for lunch. Today, Saturday 5/5. the glorious weather arrived. On waking there was not a cloud in the sky, and it has remained that way virtually all day. After our morning walk, we wandered up to the railway station to see the steam train which is running this weekend, and also to take lunch in the station tearoom.

  

Mooring at Shackerstone

This afternoon it was time to tackle some of the more onerous tasks, polishing the mushroom vents. The portholes have already been done, but the mushrooms hadn't been touched since last summer, and to say they were heavily tarnished would be an understatement. In circumstances like this, Google is your friend. I googled tarnished brass and got a multitude of results. One however caught my eye, as it had pictures to support its descriptions. To cut along story short, the web page had conducted many tests on tarnished brass, with various substances. The overall winner for ease of application, and the lack of elbow grease required, was tomato ketchup. I half imagined an individual somewhere in the world, laughing his head off, at the prospect of dozens of people smearing their brass with ketchup. Anyway, hating the task enough to try anything, here is the result of a small test area.

Patch test

I was amazed, a small dollop, left for ten minutes then wiped off. It really was that easy. Next was to tackle a whole mushroom.

Before tomato ketchup

After ketchup applied

  As can be seen above, a mere ten minutes of ketchup with no rubbing required, most of the tarnish has been removed and it is now ready for finishing with Brasso. Credit to https://www.littlehouseonthecorner.com/ultimate-guide-how-to-clean-brass/

The finished result

It was in fact so easy, that the whole process from the initial application of the ketchup, to the final buffing of the last of five vents, took no more than half an hour, including the ten minutes of doing nothing, with very little exertion. What is even better is, it does not have to be premium Heinz tomato ketchup either, this was done with Tesco own brand. One member of the crew thought even this amount of work unnecessary, and found himself a nice shady spot in the grass to watch the proceedings.

Oscar being lazy

Now all that is left to polish is the Houdini hatch and the fairleads. Just one final benefit of this glorious weather is the amount of power we now generate from our solar panel. Today we achieved 100 amp hours for the first time this year, which is approximately two thirds of our daily consumption, and its free.

• Totals Thursday 3/5. 3 Miles 1 Tunnel 
• Running total 82 Miles 19 Locks 5 Tunnels 

Snarestone

Following our roast dinner at the Rising Sun PH on Sunday, we had another wet day to endure on Monday, although we did manage to give four legs a walk into Shackerstone before the rain arrived. Tuesday 1/5. the weather finally turned, and got to see the sun once again. We set off after breakfast for the end of the canal, a little over four miles away. As we passed through Shackerstone, we noted that there were not many boats visiting, and so it would be at Snarestone as well. We trundled along at just above tickover in the warm sun, the wind however, was still biting.

Cruising towards Snarestone Tunnel

  The tunnel at Snarestone is fairly short but very crooked, and as such only single way working is permitted. We approached slowly, as it is not until the final few yards prior to the entrance, before you can see through to the other side. It was all clear so in we went, remembering to duck as we proceeded, due to the roof lowering towards the northern end. 

   

Cruising the final section beyond the tunnel

Once beyond the final bridge, we found the mooring empty so had our choice of spot. Several boats did arrive after us, but did not stop long, so we have had the place to ourselves.

                        

   

Mooring at Snarestone

We are moored about 50 yards from the winding hole at the end of the canal. There is a Wharf here run by the Ashby Canal Association, and beyond the winding hole is a newly restored section of canal. We disposed of some rubbish, and popped into the association office for a catch up. Last year we took out membership, and we have since updated this to become life members of the association. The next major project in the restoration, is to build an aqueduct over Gilwiskaw Brook, which is hoped to be commenced this year. Once that is done there is only the small matter of two miles of canal to reinstate, some of which, is having to take a new route to that of the original cut. I was told that they hope to be in Measham in about five years. Today we wandered off to the Globe PH for lunch. I had the steak and ale pie, with proper shortcrust pastry. I can definitely recommend it. Our plan tomorrow is to fill the water tank, wind, and head back to Shackerstone settling for the Bank Holiday Weekend. We expect it may get busy as some fine weather is forecast.

• Totals Tuesday 1/5. 4 Miles 1 Tunnel 
• Running total          79 Miles 19 Locks 4 Tunnels

 

Dadlington

Tuesday 26/9, we stayed put at Snarestone waiting for family to arrive on their hire boat. The weather was warm, so we decided to take four legs for a walk. We headed off towards Shackerstone, and on route decided that we may as well aim for the Rising Sun for lunch, a distance of three miles. On arrival we found the pub shut, so we ended up walking a total of six miles without refreshments, unlike four legs, who had regular drinks from the canal. Later in the afternoon the family arrived, and moored just ahead of us. In reward for our exercise earlier in the day, dinner was take at the Globe P.H. where I enjoyed an excellent steak and ale pie. We will be returning in the future. Thursday 28/9, marked a turning point for us. Each day we move now, we will be heading closer to our winter mooring at Yelvertoft. First stop was Bosworth Marina for services, during which time we we took lunch in the cafe there. After lunch, we continued heading south, and on reaching the village of Dadlington we found a nice spot to moor.

The mooring is a quite rural spot although a little shallow, and is nicely placed for our trip on Sunday, to the Dog and Hedgehog P.H. for our roast dinner. Saturday 30/9, we took a walk to the farm shop located by bridge 23 to top up with supplies, including meats, cheeses and bread. We also could not resist some of their savoury and fruit pies. Today we visited the Dog and Hedgehog and were not disappointed with the cuisine. Three courses later and it was back to the boat to relax. The weather is currently a bit wet and windy but hopefully this will settle down overnight.

• Totals 12 Miles
• Running total 192 Miles 41 Locks 9 Tunnels

 

Snarestone

Since our last post we have been somewhat busy. We spent a whole week at Shackerstone, and took full advantage of the events and hospitality the village had to offer. On Saturday 16/9, we departed Shackerstone railway station by steam engine, heading to Market Bosworth. The reason was the annual 1940s event, taking place in the railway yard over the weekend. We were joined on the platform by some German soldiers, although, as the only ones to make it here in reality were prisoners of war, they seemed to be missing their guards.

  The trip to Market Bosworth from Shackerstone takes a little over 15 minutes, and unlike our last steam hauled journey, this time we did not travel in luxury. In fact the carriage was marked third class on the door. Oscar was most unimpressed. On arrival at Market Bosworth, the station was teaming with people dressed of the era, some in military uniforms, and some wearing civilian clothing. It was like stepping back in time. The railway yard was effectively divided between the allies and the axis forces in their respective encampments. Although it appeared as if the German forces had all the heavy weapons.

 

After looking around the various stalls and exhibits, we decided to walk up to Market Bosworth town for some supplies. The walk is uphill all the way, but worth the effort as most of the shops are contained within a small square. Another benefit is, that when laden with shopping, the walk back is all downhill. We had a spot of lunch back at the railway yard, but decided not to hang around for the battle re-enactment, as the bangs and smoke would upset the furry crew member. Sunday 17/9, we returned to the Rising Sun P.H. for a roast dinner, followed by some rest and recuperation back on the boat. Most of the remaining days involved taking four legs for a walk, although on Tuesday 19/9, we did find ourselves at the Horse and Jockey P.H. in Congerstone. I knew the following day I had a particularly onerous job to do, so treated myself to a fillet steak. Wednesday 20/9, in preparation of impending winter, it was time to service the Morso solid fuel stove. This is our main source of heat during the cold winter months, and rarely goes out between November and March. For this reason we wanted to ensure it was clean and fit for purpose. The stove itself needed little work other than a bit of a clean, and polish. The flue however was a different story. The diameter of the flue is approx four and a half inches, however due to a build up of soot etc. this had been reduced to two inches, at the bottom end of the flue nearest the stove. The soot was not the nice soft soot, easily removed with a flue brush, it had set like concrete. After various different attempts were made to loosen the said deposits, the answer finally presented itself in the shape of our heavy, metal spiked boat hook. Half an hour later, we now had a flue back to its original diameter. Friday 22/9, we set off in glorious sunshine for the end of the canal at Snarestone. It was a very pleasant cruise, and not very busy which is always good.

In the second picture above, during our cruise to Snarestone, a heron photo bombed the picture and can be seen flying to the right of the chimney. On arrival at Snarestone, we passed through the tunnel and reached the end of the canal. The visitor moorings were empty, but the new section beyond the footbridge did have several boats moored. We opted for the 48 hour visitor moorings, and secured to boat.

Heading off in the direction of the Globe P.H. for lunch we looked back to see the boat all alone. It wouldn't last. Whilst at the pub we booked in for Sunday lunch. It was very nearly fully booked, so just as well we did not turn up ad hoc. This morning having enjoyed our stay, we needed to move off. Not very far though, as we are due to meet up with family tomorrow. We set off back through the tunnel, and found a nice open spot on some fourteen days moorings, we will wait here.

The photos above are us emerging from the crooked tunnel, and the view of our mooring. We will stay put till Wednesday when we may need services at Bosworth Marina.

• Totals Friday 22/9.   3 Miles  1 Tunnel
•          Monday 25/9. 0.5 Mile 1 Tunnel 
• Running total 180 Miles 41 Locks 9 Tunnels 

Shackerstone

Thursday 24/8, as planned we departed Snarestone. We have enjoyed our stay at the top of the Ashby Canal, and during our time there, we met several of the members of the Ashby Canal Association. The aim of the association is to maintain, and ultimately complete the link, between the current terminus of the canal at Snarestone, and its historic terminus at Moira. The first step to this restoration is to reach the town of Measham, just under three miles away. It is hoped that with fundraising efforts by the association, and some money from lottery funds, this first step could be achieved in three to five years. So, having enjoyed several weeks on this canal, we have decided to become members of the association and support the restoration efforts. Whilst filling the tank with water we had breakfast, then forty minutes later set off for the crooked tunnel. An hour later we arrived at Shackerstone, and were amazed to find that the spot we had vacated a few days earlier was empty. We slipped into our spot, and after securing the boat made our way to the pub for refreshments. On Friday we walked along the canal to the next village, Congerstone. The canal towpath was by now starting to fill with trading boats, in advance of the Shackerstone festival next weekend. In Congerstone we did our bit supporting local business, by having lunch at the Horse and Jockey P.H. The food was very good and the pub is dog friendly. The weather over the past few days has been very warm and sunny, and unusually for a bank holiday weekend is going to remain good. Today it was back to the Rising Sun P.H for a Sunday roast, which we can thoroughly recommend. Tomorrow we plan to head off for Market Bosworth or beyond.

• Totals 3 Miles 1 Tunnel 
• Running total 153 Miles 41 Locks 7 Tunnels 

Snarestone

Since our last post, we have spent a week on a very pleasant mooring in the village of Shackerstone. We departed Market Bosworth, on Wednesday 16/8 on the four mile journey. The top end of the Ashby Canal, is by far the best for scenery, and we could easily spend weeks at a time, just meandering up and down. On arrival at Shackerstone, we found the mooring spot we were after and secured the boat. It was by now lunchtime, so a short stroll took us to the Rising Sun P.H. and liking what we saw, we also booked in for a Sunday roast. The next couple of days had been forecast to be fair and dry, so it was an excellent opportunity to sand down and varnish, a few areas of weathered wood, by the rear doors and side hatches. All went well, despite the fact that the good old Met Office, as usual got their forecast wrong. We encountered several showers, some heavy, but were able to protect the newly varnished wood from the rain. We had always planned on spending at least a week in Shackerstone, only moving when our water tank needed a refill. During our time there, we also met fellow bloggers from nb Freespirit, whose blog which is far more extensive than these ramblings, can be found in our blog list at the side. ( It was nice meeting you again, there was space at the end ). Since Saturday a few trading boats have started arriving at Shackerstone, presumably for the canal festival in a couple of weeks. It appears as if Shackerstone is going to get busy, so our plan to return to the same spot, after spending a few days at the canal terminus is looking doubtful. We also want to avoid encountering too much traffic, on our return if we can, during the upcoming bank holiday weekend. With this in mind, we set off today for the end of the canal at Snarestone. Trundling slowly for the final three miles, we met only one oncoming boat, just as we were preparing to enter the crooked Snarestone Tunnel. The tunnel is single way working only so, after they emerged it was our turn. The tunnel is fairly short at 250yds, but due to a serious kink in the middle it is also fairly dark. Still this would be no problem for the Francis searchlight to illuminate. Pressing the switch for the tunnel light, and nothing. Note to self, check tunnel light actually works, and not just looks pretty on the front of the boat. Once through the tunnel, moorings are fairly limited, and we had been told it was full. Fortunately the newest section of the canal which has been recently restored, also has moorings beyond the small swing bridge. Our boat at 60 feet is too long for the winding hole at the terminus, but we were able to wind before the swing bridge and then reverse a 100 yds or so onto our spot. We can stay here for 48 hrs for free, and then extend our stay if we wish for a fee of ten pounds a night thereafter. As is usual for us, it was lunchtime again so we walked over the top of the tunnel to The Globe P.H. taking the furry crew with us.

Snarestone mooring, new section

We are currently planning to move off on Thursday and hope to be settled somewhere before the bank holiday. It is possible this will be back at Shackerstone, but we are expecting it to be busy there, so who knows.

• Totals Wed 16/8. 4 Miles
•           Tue 22/8. 3 Miles 1 Tunnel 
• Running total 150 Miles 41 Locks 6 Tunnels 

Shackerstone

Last night as I put the bungs into the potholes, I saw the evening sky foretold the fine weekend weather ahead. Red sky at night, shepherds delight, as the saying goes.

Sunset at Snarestone

This morning not a cloud in the sky. After breakfast and disposing some rubbish, we got underway. It was 10 am, and the cruise to Shackerstone would take little over an hour. First it was through the crooked tunnel, before emerging back into the warm, glorious sunshine.

Inside the tunnel

As the weather was so nice, I reduced the engine revs below our normal cruising speed, in order to extend our relatively short journey time. This also allowed the opportunity to take some photographs of the Leicestershire countryside.

Views across Leicestershire

All to soon we arrived at Shackerstone. The mooring spot we had identified on the way up was vacant, so we slotted into position. The time 1130, the sun was now high, in the still cloudless sky. This will ensure that the batteries receive a good charge from the solar panel today.

   

Mooring at Shackerstone

After securing the boat, we went off in search of the battlefield line steam railway. It was easy to find, by simply following the sound of the engine whistling, and the huge puffs of smoke, bellowing above the trees from the smoke stack. This was to reintroduce Oscar, to the noise and smells of a hissing steam train. The first blast on the whistle woke him up, but after that he was fine. More about the trains in tomorrow's exciting instalment.

• Totals 3 Miles 1 Tunnel
• Running total 84 Miles 19 Locks 5 Tunnels 

Snarestone

Yesterday our journey took us through 'the stones', Congerstone, Shackerstone and finally the terminus of the Ashby Canal, Snarestone. This final stretch of the canal is the most rural and peaceful, so the best has been saved till last. We set off in cloudy conditions, but it was not long before the sun made a appearance. Passing through Shackerstone, we noted the best mooring spots, as our intention is to return here on Saturday, and take a trip on the steam railway. About an hour after passing Shackerstone, the tunnel at Snarestone appeared in the distance. This tunnel is very crooked, and therefore is subject to one way working only.

Crooked tunnel at Snarestone

Once through the tunnel, we travelled the final few hundred yards of canal to the winding hole. Beyond this is a swing bridge, and a section of newly restored canal. This is only a few hundred yards long, and the winding hole at the end is restricted to boats up to 53 feet, 7 feet to short for us. This restoration is the first part of an attempt by the Ashby Canal Association, to restore the canal to its original terminus in Moira. They have about five miles of canal to restore, taking it through the village of Measham. After securing the boat it was lunchtime so a visit to the Globe P.H. was the order of the day. Today after breakfast, we set off on a walk towards Measham, following the route of the original canal bed part of the way. The newly restored section, includes a bridge which although built to look like an original structure, has in fact had to meet modern day standards of construction, and can therefore withstand far more weight than the old bridges could.

 

New bridge over restored canal

 When the Ashby Canal was originally built, one of the main products transported was coal. As we followed the footpaths over the fields towards Measham, evidence of the former coal works could be seen. At one point, we must have been directly over the former seams, as indicated by an information marker.

            

   

Coal seams and depth below ground

Our magical mystery tour, also took us through a stretch of woodland where we had to play hunt the footpath, however we eventually found our way through, with the help of the iPhone gps feature, and arrived in Measham. The village is known for its Measham Ware or Barge Ware, usually earthenware teapots with a dark brown glaze, traditionally associated with canals and narrow boats.

Where is the footpath

Following refreshments in a local pub, our return journey was slightly shorter in time and distance, as we now knew where we were going. The furry one however found a new fun game to engage in, called chase the bunnies. Back at the boat, the afternoon was spent servicing our hurricane diesel heater. We normally use this just to provide hot water in the mornings, and rely on the solid fuel stove for heat. Now the warmer weather has arrived, it is too warm for the stove, so we will now use the hurricane to take the chill off if need be.

Mooring at Snarestone

We will stay here until tomorrow, after which we will have used our allotted 48 hours here. This is however a picturesque canal, and so I expect we will return in the not too distant future.

• Totals 6 Miles 1 Tunnel
• Running total 81 Miles 19 Locks 4 Tunnels