Witchurch

We dealt with the 6 Grindley Brook locks efficiently. Three in short succession then a staircase of three meant Vicky could stay on land with Tiger and walk quickly between them.

Stopping at the top to fill with water and empty bins and elsan we let both dogs have a run up and down the towpath and swapped a book at the little library on the windowsill of the CRT service building.

We all hopped on board for the stretch to Witchurch. The plan had been to moor along the short Witchurch Arm to give easy access to the town. Vicky opened the lift bridge just before the junction using her windlass to wind the hydraulic mechanism. The turning was too tight for boats to enter from our direction so Will took Rainboat on to a winding hole and swung her round while Vicky walked the furries up the arm to scope out mooring spots. Unfortunately for us it was packed, the only space being beyond the winding hole, meaning we would have to turn, then back into it between the boats on either side. It would have been very difficult and we were all beginning to tire so Will just winded at the end of the arm and we carried on along the main line finding a spot between open fields, although with a little road noise.

We stayed a couple of nights and woke to hard frost both days. The diesel stove is brilliant for staying at a constant output when left overnight and thankfully the temperature only dropped to 11°C indoors.

It was a fair hike along the Witchurch Arm and beyond into town. There was plenty of signage and a footpath ran all the way, although we were glad to be wearing boots that kept our feet dry through the muddy puddles.

In Witchurch itself we found the fantastic 'Refill your Boots' shop and came away with goodies such as crystallised ginger, nuts, seeds and spices. The townfolk were friendly and the main street characterful with well preserved historical buildings being used as shops. Business seemed to be doing well as there wasn't any unused space. We grabbed a bite to eat at The Wheatsheef, one of the many traditional pubs, then trawled the charity shops before Will picked up some wild venison from the butchers and we returned to walk the dogs and warm up.Baca lagi