Salt to Stone (Trent & Mersey Canal)

Yesterday (Saturday) We stayed put and went for a walk in the afternoon and did a couple of caches. 

Salt Church

Salt Church

One took us to the Church in Salt which was very nice from the outside but unfortunately it was locked, so we couldn’t look inside.  In the evening we had our first BBQ of the year and very nice it was too, let’s hope the weather stays nice and we can have a few more this year.

Today (Sunday) we are on the move, the sun was shining as we left our mooring and set off along the canal, the canal was quite busy this morning and we passed a few boats.

Going under Salt Bridge

Coming into Sandon Lock

After a bit we came to Sandon lock, there was a boat in front of us so we waited for them to go through then emptied the lock and Kev brought the boat in and I filled the lock.  Another boat came behind us so the man from that boat helped me with the gates.  We then went on our way.

Coming to Another Bridge

Lovely Countryside

Passing Aston Marina

Mile Marker

This is a lovely stretch of canal with nice views and fields both sides.  We then went past Aston marina which is quite a big marina and has an entrance and an exit.  Just past there is Aston lock.  The boat in front of us had gone so we had to empty the lock first and then in we went.  At this lock there is a mile marker and this point is the half way point on this canal, 46 miles to Shardlow and 46 miles to Preston Brook.

The boat behind us caught us up and the lady came up and helped.  We were soon through there and on our way again along the canal and after a mile of so, we were at Stone.

Waiting below Aston Lock

Stone is a very popular mooring spot but we were lucky and got a space below the locks.  We moored up then had our lunch.

After lunch, we went for a walk up the locks and sat by the canal for a bit watching the world go by, then we wandered into the town and went to the Morrisons for a few supplies.

We are now staying here for a few days and getting the bus to Hanley and Newcastle Under Lyme and then heading up to Barlaston where one of the pubs is owned by Neil Morrissey, so we will keep a look out for him!

Moored at Stone