Barnton

As usual the cruising was easy. We passed through Saltersford Locks and the lockie was happy to see us; they've all been getting bored with the lack of boats. There's only so much grass you can cut and limited other jobs to keep them occupied on shift.

Mooring was more difficult, we were in need of a shop but the first place we stopped (Winnington Swing Bridge) was open to the adjacent road, noisy and not safe for the furries. We turned back and Will found us a lovely quiet, wide stretch of towpath near Barnton. It was peaceful and had a strip of wildflowers which pressed up against Rainboat's windows when we pulled in. Unfortunately access to the shops was difficult. Will set off on the bike the next day. One public footpath leading off the towpath was too overgrown so he doubled back and found one in the other direction that was slightly more passable. Further on, in contradiction to official council footpath signs, others claimed there was no public right of way. Will eventually reached the store but not liking to be where he wasn't wanted, he tried a different route on the way back, only to find access to the river was blocked. It took some perseverance but he eventually returned to Rainboat in need of a rest.

We sat out with the dogs that evening and barbecued vegetable skewers to go with the homemade pittas Will had prepared. It was a wonderfully relaxing evening.Read more