Spinneybank Farm Shop, Stoke Golding

After all the wind, rain and gloomy weather came a glorious sunny day to travel. The Ashby wended its way past Trinity Marina and the Triumph motorbike factory which Will hopes to visit on the way back. Mostly though, the scenery comprised of agricultural fields, paddocks and bare young woodlands.

Will pulled in just before Bridge 23 but Vicky smiled sweetly and he obliged by pulling Rainboat back so that she was in the sun and Vicky could look out the window and watch the black and white cob grazing the field opposite. Most cars beeped as they approached the humpback bridge so we were glad to be further away from the noise too.

Spinneybank Farm Shop had a canalside entrance between us and the bridge and Will popped in soon after we arrived, returning with a haunch of beef, burgers, carrots for the dogs, a homemade mince and potato pasty for himself and a cherry flapjack for Vicky. He became familiar to the woman running the shop over the coming days as it was just the sort of place we like to support, with everything so local. The cows were kept organically although if a c-section was required they were given antibiotics to avoid infection so they weren't certified organic.

15 minutes along the towpath was Ashby Boat Company which hired boats, sold diesel and ran a chandlery. We visited in search of a stove top fan, which they didn't have in stock but the owner said he was popping to Lidl that evening and would pick us one up if they had any left. He made 5p profit but we'll be sure to fill our tank with their diesel on our return journey.

Just up the hill from the boat company lay the little village of Stoke Golding; an affluent place with a Co-op, another farm shop with a wider range of products and two pubs. The Three Horse Shoes didn't open until 4pm but Will frequented the George and Dragon a few times as it was a really good pub. Dog friendly with a small simple menu and a great choice of draught ales. Vicky really hopes to have more energy on the way back so she can visit too.Read more