By the fishing ponds, outskirts of Stoke

From Barlaston we progressed towards Stoke on Trent. The canal passed by the Wedgwood factory and we saw signs for Trentham Gardens. Dad and Sarah had toured Wedgwood visitor centre the previous week. It would have been good to visit both venues but Vicky isn't well enough to walk that distance at the moment.

We tied up to shiny new mooring rings near an out of town logistics warehouse. Trees on the offside surrounded a series of fishing lakes. There was access via the footbridge just behind us. We and the dogs really enjoyed taking a round route for once and there were surprisingly few people there considering it was Easter Sunday. They may have given up and gone home, as the fishers we spoke to said they weren't having any luck. The peaceful environment suited us and we even caught sight of a kingfisher; always a treat!Read more