Knowle (Bridge 72) to Catherine de Barnes (Grand Union Canal)

We are moving on today, just a couple of miles mind you to Catherine de Barnes, so we set off along the canal, the sun was shining and it was warm for a change!

Passing the fishermen

Under the M42 Motorway

Under the bridge there was a long line of fishermen, so we chugged slowly past them but they were all friendly and said hello, obviously there is a competition on today.

On along the canal we went, it is a bit winky wonky but a nice canal and oh so quiet, we didn’t see any boats moving at all.  Under the M42 motorway and past Copt Heath Wharf where they have two day boats

 for hire, but they were both moored up, we have seen them out the last few days, but not today.

Catherine de Barnes Church

Around the corner and we were at Catherine De Barnes where we moored up on the visitor moorings.

Newlands Bishop Farm

We went for a walk up to the road which was very busy.  We eventually crossed the road, walked past the Spar shop and Longfellows Restaurant which was closed.  Across the road was the small church.  We carried on up the road and down a lane as we were looking for Newlands Bishop Farm.  We took a lane on the right and soon came to the farm.

Newlands Bishop Farm has been developed to give people with learning disabilities and mental health problems the opportunity to learn work based skills.  This is provided through unique work experiences in horticulture, woodwork, gardening, horse care/riding, catering and retail and animal husbandry.  Since 2005,the farm has had a partnership with Birmingham Metropolitan College to provide opportunities for project workers to gain qualifications in ICT and numeracy/literacy.

Stables at Farm

Gardens at Farm

They grow fruit and vegetables on the farm and they use these to make jams, chutney and apple juice.  There is also a café where they use the produce grown in the dishes prepared there.  We had a nice walk around the grounds.  Unfortunately it was really quiet and we were the only visitors.  We had a drink in the café and bought some free range eggs, some home-made plum jam, marmalade, pear chutney and apple juice.  All these things are made by the students there.

It was a lovely place doing a great job and we got some goodies as well, so glad we were able to find it.

We are staying here tonight then off into Birmingham tomorrow so a big day for us, lots of miles and locks so an early start, not sure how I will cope as we are going to leave by 8am!!

Moored at Catherine De Barnes