Tamworth and beyond...

We went back to Marston Junction and moved slowly northwards on out journey. We passed through Nuneaton. We stopped by the wide bit to look at the little parade of shops that face the canal. Some were slightly derelict, some were closed. The open ones were a Polish Store and a flower shop. We weren't going to get a meals anywhere near there...
We moved to just above Springwood Marina and had a quiet night in the countryside.
The next day we moved on to Atherstone and went shopping. Down the Atherstone flight and stopped, again in the open country just above Lock 10.
The following morning we called in at the Bradley Green services before stopping at Polesworth, by the playing fields. We went for a walk around Polesworth and saw the site of the Abbey etc., unfortunately the church was closed (even though it said it was open).
During our stay at Polesworth we caught a bust back to Nuneaton and then to Bedworth (Marston) to collect the car and took it to Hopwas. Then we took the boat to Hopwas.
I don't think I took any pictures, must have forgotten!

and back!

We enjoyed the Ashby canal with its rural nature but we had to find public transport to get us back to our car which was at Fenny Compton Wharf. (more of that later)

 

 We visited 'The Battlefield Line' (1485) and saw this lovely little Hunslet Saddle Tank locomotive arrive at Shackerstone Station.

A beautiful 'Midland Railway' motif in the wall

They use 'dirty coal' - loads of smoke as it made its way back down the line.

Shackerstone Church



Shackerstone Wharf

Stoke Golding Church

and inside

To get back to Fenny Compton using public transport:
1 - Catch a bus as Bedworth to Coventry City Centre
2 - Catch a bus to Rugby Clifton Road
3 - Catch the Leamington Spa bus and get off at Southam outside the 'Bowling Green' pub. By now is was hissing down with rain.
4 - Phone the taxi firm you had looked up on the Internet (only to find they had gone bust), talk to locals in the pub whilst sheltering from the rain. Organise taxi to Fenny Compton Wharf.
5 - Arrive at Fenny Compton Wharf.
It took about 4 hours to make the journey but with our OAP Bus Passes the only cost was a tenner for the taxi. Shouldn't grumble.
6 - Get in car and drive back to Bedworth. (40 minutes) in time for tea!

Up the Ashby Canal...

We turned off the Coventry Canal at Marston Junction and started off up the Ashby Canal. We had not been here before. A very rural canal which reminded us of parts of the rural Kennet and Avon canal.

Turning at Marston Junction

Sutton Cheney facilities (very welcome!)

A Hare, one of several we saw in that field

Market Bosworth Church

and inside

a cue for an overture?

Snarestone Tunnel

The winding hole

Currently the last bridge

Currently the end.

It does look hopeful that the canal will eventually be linked up with Moira. According to the local, everything is in place, including most of the money. If the extension does happen in our lifetimes we may well visit the Ashby again.

Something new...

On our way up the north Oxford canal, we had left Braunston, gone up past Willoughby and come out into the sunshine. We passed under Bridge 82 when we saw a brand new marina. It wasn't there last year. Lovely wide entrance and boats moored within.

I think it is called Dunchurch Pools Marina, but there were no signs to that effect.

Charity Dock hasn't changed...

We went on up the Coventry Canal towards Marston Junction. Just before, you meet the spectacle that is Charity Dock.

Aminal we have seen...

We saw some wildlife on our journey...

Swans near Marston Doles

Ducklings near Braunston

Swans near Rugby

A Munty just as we came out of the Newbold Tunnel

Places we remember...

The first part of our recent journey cover places we have been before, hence the title.We set off from Fenny Compton

We went past The Wharf Inn at Fenny Compton

This boat is still there

And still got water around it, though it doesn't look as if it is afloat

The Engineering Arm, Napton Lock flight

Napton Windmill

Wigram's Turn

The GU leading to Warwick

The double bridge at Braunston Turn

Braunston Church from across the meadows

Barby Moorings

The double bridge on the approaches to Hilmorton

Hilmorton Locks

Hilmorton

One of the old arms at Hilmorton

Another of the old arms a bit further along

Swans at The Barley Mow, Newbold

The entrance to Newbold Tunnel

Another of those old arms

Stretton Stop

Working on the pylons on the approaches to Sutton Stop

Approaching Sutton Stop

Sutton Stop

The Greyhound

Bridge onto the Coventry Csanal

On to the Coventry Canal heading northwards.

Once on the Coventry canal we headed up to Marston Junction to go on the Ashby Canal, which was new to us.