Kings Heath

Naming this footprint was difficult as we've now entered the Birmingham conurbation where all the individual areas meld into one. The cruise here thankfully had no locks and only one lift bridge, which was opened via a push button control panel. Steering was difficult though as the wind was blustery and the water level had dropped. It is always more difficult to navigate in shallow water and poor Rainboat grounded often.

We pulled up opposite a line of permanent moorings with tall grey metal hoarding separating them from retail units. Will took off after lunch and returned with a backpack full of Lidl goodies and a can of petrol for the generator. We've begun running it on the days we don't travel because our solar power is diminishing as the days contract and the sun's arc flattens.

Almost as soon as he'd returned Will was off again, using his Freedom Pass to get the bus to a fishing shop, where he bought a replacement rod and maggots. He's making the most of any September sunshine by sitting out on the stern.

The pebble topped tarmac towpath here is wide and many people use it to walk to and from work or the shops, though it isn't too busy. We were grateful it wasn't muddy as we huddled down for two days of heavy rain.

When the forcast was clear again we used the small marina that ran the permanent moorings to top up with diesel and water. Inside the chandlery there were eggs for sale from the chickens kept by one of the boaters, as well as knitted items made and sold in aid of Macmillan.Read more