Monday 4th March 2019



The wind had largely abated although it was still a breezy, overcast day with a promise of rain later. Our water tank was getting low so we decided to move, we had been in Alvecote for 5 days anyway.

We just cruised slowly down the canal, it was so windy that controlling the boat was a challenge. Shortly after passing Alvecote boat yard we passed from Warwickshire into Staffordshire again. 

The canal passes through Amington on the outskirts of Tamworth with some very nice housing with well-maintained gardens although the canal became narrow in a few places.

Just before Glascote Top Lock is Glascote Basin, one-time home to Steve Hudson boat builders. Hudson’s had a reputation absolutely second to none before Steve died a few years ago. His boats are very distinguishable and are all registered in Tamworth.

We watered up before the locks and did a wash while on the water point which was very slow. Glascote Locks have changed no end since we were last here with a lot of new build housing. The three-wheeled Robin Reliant factory used to be located at these locks although all signs have long disappeared. 


                                                            Watering-up at Glascote Top Lock


We had wanted to moor beyond the locks but could not find any suitable moorings. Kettlebrook Wharf is the home of the Tamworth Cruising Club and they have blocked the winding hole at the wharf with a barrier across and signage preventing winding. Like Alvecote, naughty.

We crossed the River Tame aqueduct and moored just beyond. We walked into Tamworth alongside a dual carriageway. After calling into a supermarket, we decided to head back but couldn’t find the footpath and finished up, again, walking alongside roaring traffic on the grass verge of yet more dual carriageways. It was not a nice experience.

We were to remain at this mooring for a few days to explore Tamworth but, after the walk, have decided to move on tomorrow and possibly turn around.

I had bought a garden lawn rake with a wooden handle in the supermarket and started to paint it in the same colours as the other roof top tools. Lawn rakes are invaluable for dredging for anything dropped in the water. Also gave the tiller another coat of black paint but it came on to rain so it might possibly have to be done again. Brenda stayed inside and watched the last episode of The Last Kingdom she fell asleep during last night.

After feeding Harvey, I took him out to see Fazeley Junction. The junction of the Birmingham and Fazeley and Coventry Canals. Again this site has changed a lot since our last visit. For the better. It used to be a grotty place.



Weather: overcast and breezy. Rain in the afternoon.



Day Total: 2 locks; 4 miles; 0 Tunnels; 0 Swing Bridges; 0 Boat Lift; engine running hours 3.2

                                                                                                         (including running for hot water etc)                                                                                                                 

Overall Total: 344 locks; 745 miles; 32 tunnels; 7 Swing Bridges; 2 Boat Lifts; engine running hours 472.7

  

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