Gone for a Burton

 Saturday 26 September Alrewas to Burton (7.5 miles, 5 locks)

 

Thankfully, the wind had dropped to just fresh, and we have sun and blue sky.  

After taking on water before the river lock, we passed across the River Trent above the weir, following NB Delhi, and enjoyed the scenic side bridges and weirs across the water meadows to Wychnor. Our friend Jan had walked from Alrewas and took photos of Annie as we moved through the riverine channel.

 Once through Wychnor lock, clouds appeared and we hastened a little for  four noisy, windy miles next to the A38. 

At Tatenhill Lock we found the lock landing occupied by two cruisers. A gentleman came to say they were waiting for fuel, and we should go through the lock. Perhaps they should have moved off the lock mooring if they were not about to go through the lock. It would have helped if we could have used the lock landing, as John had to wait with Annie in a strong cross wind. After John manoeuvred to avoid a boat leaving the lock, Delhi entered the lock while John brought Annie past the occupied lock mooring, over the aqueduct to the side near the lock. Unfortunately, as there were no bollards or rings, he had to hold her against a strong wind for fifteen minutes. 

Approaching Branston, on the offside, the newish Burton Rugby Club has five pitches plus a soccer 🥅 pitch, followed by a large new housing estate. The owner of the Bridge Inn there must be delighted.

We have moored several times at the pleasant water park at Branston . This is followed by four miles through Burton, past Marston’s large brewery and museum.

We opted to stop early at lunchtime for the day at Shobnall Fields, which has scenic moorings with rings overlooking a park with sports pitches. Football games were finishing as we sorted out our ropes and fenders. 

We tried out our newly mended stove while Dave and Jan walked into town. John helped some boaters moor, as they were struggling in the strong, cold wind. As I write this blog, I can hear a Carry On film on the tv, So I guess we will chill!