Goldstone to Market Drayton (Shropshire Union Canal)

Going into Woodseaves Cutting

It was another sunny morning as we set off, but not as hot as yesterday thank goodness.  We set off early as we have a very narrow bit to go through and it’s not always easy to pass so thought we would get through there before everyone starts moving around.

Passing the Wharf Tavern where we had lunch

Tyrley Top Lock

We soon came to Bridge 56 which is the start of Woodseaves Cutting, it is really impressive as it was cut out of solid rock by men, no machinery.  We met a boat by this bridge and then one further along but that was it.

The cutting ends at Bridge 58 and we went on a little further and came to Tyrley Wharf where the flight of five locks are.

Woodseaves Cutting

There are services at the top of the locks, so we topped up the water and then I went to the top lock and filled it up and we began our decent down the locks. 

And onto another lock

The first three are in lovely sunshine and the last two locks are under trees but we didn’t mind today, the shade was very welcoming. 

Tyrley Bottom Lock

Running the Rapids!

Unfortunately most of the locks were set against us, but they are close together so it doesn’t take too long to get down them.  The last two locks have a huge amount of water coming out of the side washes as they move water along this stretch to Chester so Kev had to run the white water rapids getting out of these two locks, especially the last one, it was flying out.

Buttercross Farm Sign

I got back on board and we headed along the canal and moored up at Market Drayton.  It was the largest settlement through which the Shropshire Union Canal passed, and as a result, a large wharf was built to accommodate the various cargoes carried to the town.  Market Drayton was destroyed by fire in 1651, but was carefully rebuilt in the same black and white timber framing.

Buttercross Farm Shop

It is a good town for shopping as it has an Asda, Morrisons and a Lidl. Also there is a market on a Wednesday so we shall be staying for that as the town comes alive on market day.  Then on Thursday we will be chugging on.

After we moored up, we walked up to Buttercross Farm which has a shop in the farm selling their meat, eggs, cooked ham etc.  It is a great place and really good quality meat and only about a 20 minute walk from Market Drayton.  They also sell Cheshire Farm Ice Cream and coffee so we had a coffee and ice-cream and sat outside then walked back to the boat.  We went for a walk up into the town in the afternoon for a few supplies.

Moored at Market Drayton