Great Haywood (Below Lock) to Weston Upon Trent (Trent & Mersey Canal)

Wednesday 27th July

The signal wasn't very strong at Weston Upon Trent so couldn't post this until today when we moved on along the canal.

In Haywood Lock

Passing the Lock Cafe

Empty moorings at Great Haywood

We are on the move today so we set off for the first lock, we have three to do today, there was a couple of boats in front of us and a couple coming down so we had a bit of a wait and then it was our turn and into Haywood Lock we went. This lock is not very deep so we were soon through there and past the Lock Café and up to the Haywood Junction. The moorings above the lock are usually really busy but today they were empty, a rare sight.  Bill, Al and Ziggy, boaters from the Gloucester & Sharpness were just mooring up so we shouted hi to them and went on past as we wanted to stop at the services.  There was a couple of boats there but luckily one was just leaving so we managed to get in the gap and moor up.

Bill, Al and Ziggy mooring up

We met Bill and Ziggy yesterday in The Clifford Arms up in the village as we went there for lunch and they were there having a drink.  We had a few drinks together and when they found out it had been my birthday on Monday they both bought me a G&T which was very nice of them, we had a good couple of hours with them, it was nice to meet up.  Apparently they both have a budget for beer each day and it was well and truly blown yesterday after a few rounds with us!  

In Hoo Mill Lock

When we were all filled up with water, we went on our way along the canal and then we were at Hoo Mill Lock, there was a bit of a queue again but after not too long it was our turn and soon we were through and on along the canal we went.  We chugged on and then came to Weston Lock where guess what there was another queue so after a wait we were through and moored up at Weston Upon Trent just before the bridge.

The Holly Bush Inn

Sitting with the locals!

We had lunch then went for a walk along the towpath to the village of Salt.  We left the canal and walked up the lane to The Holly Bush pub.  It is a lovely pub in a village setting and is a 16^th-C thatched Inn and is reputedly the oldest pub in Staffordshire.  There are two people sat on a bench at the front of the pub, I think they must be locals, but they aren't very friendly, they didn't say much!

We had a drink in the pub, Thistly Cross Elderflower Cider, it was really nice and refreshing. We then walked back along the canal to our boat.

We are staying here tonight and also tomorrow as we should be meeting up with Bill, Al and Ziggy who are coming here tomorrow for a bit of a get together for Ziggy’s birthday so that should be fun.

Moored at Weston Upon Trent