Return to The Shady

We had four double locks ahead today but as we were entering the first, we were happy to spot another boat coming up behind us. It's always easier with two and the extra crew takes the strain off working the larger gates. As an extra bonus, the other boaters were accompanied by 3 dogs! Vicky was feeling a little stronger so helped with the paddles while keeping a close eye on Leo and Tiger. Leo has made good progress lately, staying closer to Vicky and coming back more consistently so he no longer needs to be carried in the Pom Pouch. He had the time of his life following the other dogs around and watching all the activity while his big sister stuck loyally to Vicky's side.

We descended Tilstone and Beeston Stone Locks together, had to go through the distorted Beeston Iron lock one by one, but then completed the final lock side by side, before mooring in sight of The Shady. We'd been looking forward to this particular pub; remembering it fondly from the last time we travelled the Shropshire Union.

Vicky had a rest and settled the dogs while Will went ahead and ordered her lunch and got her favourite alcohol free cider (Smashed). The food was so delicious that Will returned the following morning for a Full English.

The last time we'd moored here we'd walked accross the fields and up the lanes to English Heritage's Beeston Castle, perched high on a sandstone ridge. Unfortunately it was closed on that occasion but it was now Sunday and the castle's gates were open. Will cycled with Leo in a rucksack and Vicky took the chair with Tiger on her lap. The staff were very helpful, pointing out the best routes through the grounds, which were a mix of natural grassland and mature native woodland. It was a beautiful and relaxing environment but the closer we got to the castle, the steeper the terrain became. Will had to haul the chair up a narrow flight of steps while Vicky took the dogs. We've been really impressed with how the chair copes but it finally met its match on a particularly steep section, where it toppled backwards, pitching Vicky feet over head into a backward roll. Shocked but with only a couple of bruises she continued on foot, using the chair for support. Some time later we finally made it through the arched gateway and turned to look back on the land layed out below us for miles on end. It was a very impressive view and we both felt proud for having reached this point. We rewarded ourselves with Magnums from the gift shop back at the bottom and Will bought a bottle of Cheshire vodka distilled with English wheat (not to be consumed alongside the icecream).Read more