Blackamoor Wood

We've discovered our paradise and it's on the River Weaver. This waterway has plenty of official moorings but as far as we understand, boaters are allowed to wild moor where the bank is suitable. We were chugging along upstream when Will spotted a linear meadow sandwiched between the water and a mature mixed woodland that climbed a steep bank. He hauled Rainboat into a U turn and floated her gently back downstream until we came to a part of the grassy bank that was just the right height to step out on to.

After hammering in the mooring pins we scouted out our surroundings. Young Marsh Thistles grew amongst the cow pats and cropped grass at Rainboat's stern. Farther inland flowering thistles were almost drowned out by rampant yellow Ragwort. The air was filled with butterflies, bees, wasps and a plethora of unknown pollinators, along with a few flying insects we knew all too well; horse and deer flies. A farm track ran the length of the land but in the 4 nights we stayed, only a small herd of bullocks and two walkers used it.

Fields and a couple of distant farm houses occupied the opposite bank, with not a road in sight. It was blissfully peaceful. The track was great for Vicky's chair and the dogs enjoyed not having to wade through long grass or the spiky stalks left after strimming. On walks we spotted loads of Small White, Large White, Red Admiral, Gatekeeper and Peacock butterflies as well as a Comma and a Small Blue. Swallows fed their young who were fledged, perched and cheeping in a hawthorn bush and we were each lucky enough to see the two resident Kingfishers flying by.

Will was in his element, fishing, canoeing and diving into the water from the stern when the days got too hot. We'd have stayed longer but we needed food shopping and to dispose of rubbish. We do however plan to return on our way back down the Weaver.Read more