Barton Turn Lock (Below Lock) to Alrewas (Trent & Mersey Canal)

Going into Barton Lock

Passing Barton Turn Marina

We are on the move today and it was already really hot when we got up so we got on our way before it got any hotter.  We were moored just before Barton Turn Lock so I went up to the lock and had to empty it as there was a boat in front of us.  Soon we were in the lock and up and out and on our way again.

Lovely Morning on Canal

Tree Lined Canal

We chugged on along the canal and luckily this part of the canal was tree lined so we had a bit of shade and then we were at Wychnor Lock and someone was coming down so that was lucky, they came out and we went in. This lock seemed to fill really slowly but before long we were up and off we went again.

In Wychnor Lock

Calm River Section

Passing Weir

Approaching Alrewas Lock

This lock marks the beginning of the river section where the River Trent meets the canal so you have to be careful there after heavy rain and sometimes this section is shut if the Trent is flooded but today it was like a mill pond and we chugged on under the bridge and past the weir and then we were at Alrewas Lock which marks the end of the River Section so once you are through this lock you are back on the canal again.  There was a boat coming down the lock so they came out and we went in.  They have boards at this lock and before Wychnor Lock telling you the level of the water and today it said normal conditions.

I filled up the lock and Kev brought the boat out and we moored in the Visitor moorings just along from the lock moorings. There are moorings further on but they looked to be busy so we stopped here but it is very sunny and open so that was fine. 

River Section Sign

We had lunch then walked up to the village and went to The Crown pub for a drink. We haven’t been there before and it is really nice with a large garden and there was plenty of people eating and drinking so always a good sign.

Butchers in Alrewas

We then went to the Butchers Peter Coates, it is a really good butcher and we bought some stuff here on our way down so we got a few more things today.  We then headed to the Co-op and then walked back to the boat.

It is really hot this afternoon but luckily just by the boat is a big tree and so we sat out in the shade for a while which was really nice and quite cool as there was a pleasant wind blowing.

We are staying here tonight and tomorrow as well, just hope it’s a bit cooler!

Moored at Alrewas