Gnosall to Wheaton Aston (Shropshire Union Canal)

Approaching Cowley Tunnel

Passing the Boat Inn

We are on the move today and the sun was shining as we set off and it was warm as well.  We passed the Boat Inn which is right on the canal at Gnosall and then we were approaching Cowley Tunnel which is only 81yds long, it was originally intended to be much longer – 690yds – but most of it was opened out at an early stage during construction (in 1831) because of dangerous faults in the rock, and now only 81yds remain.  The tunnel is unlined, and to the south of it a steep narrow cutting through solid rock stretches a considerable distance.

Going through Cowley Cutting

Inside Cowley Tunnel

We chugged through the cutting and then on along the canal which is tree lined and in places the trees cover the canal like a roof. We were going to moor before Wheaton Aston but couldn’t really find any nice moorings or there were boats already moored there so we chugged on and after a few miles we were at Wheaton Aston where we moored up.  

Nice Shaped Bridge

Tree Roof over the Canal

The coal boat Roach and a butty came through so we stopped them for some coal as they sell the Ovals we like.  We got a few bags and then they went on their way.

Coal Boats coming by

Church at Wheaton Aston

We had lunch then we walked up into the village, there used to be a Post Office but it was being renovated when we passed by.  We walked up the road and down by the Church which is a nice building but it wasn’t open.  There was a Spar shop opposite the Church which we didn’t know was there so we have found something new again! We stopped in the pub, The Hartley Arms for a coffee on the way back, it is right by the canal.  It was a really friendly pub and looked really nice inside.

Getting Diesel at Turners

We walked back to the boat and untied and stopped at Turners Garage just up from where we were moored to get some diesel, it is really cheap here 51.9p a litre.  When we stopped here two years ago, the diesel was 71.9p and we thought that was very cheap then, so today it was dirt cheap!

We filled up and had a chat to the friendly chap in the garage, then we went under the bridge and moored up there.

We are staying here tonight then off tomorrow morning, we have one lock to do tomorrow so that will be fun!

Moored at Wheaton Aston