Voyaging to St Helena and Delhi

 Thursday 24 September Atherstone to Hopwas (11.5 miles, 2 locks)

It has been one of those days where wet weather gear had been on and off at least twice.

After a pleasantly rural but damp trip past Grendon Boat Dock, we passed new housing as we reached the colourful back gardens of St Helena, the Pest to Polesworth’s Buda (helps if you’re Hungarian !). There are decent town moorings here. Soon we passed the historic Pooley Hall, high above the canal, hidden partly by trees. The old pit lay-by for boats is now moorings near a heritage centre and park. Overhanging trees and a wide towpath remind us of the Llangollen Canal after you pass over the wonderful Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Reaching Alvecote Priory, we turned the corner to see the Marina, home of old working boats, including repairs for wooden ones.

Here, we met up with our Retford and Worksop Boat Club friends, Jan and Dave Warsop, enjoying their newly painted Yarwood built boat, Delhi (once known as Dehli!). We carried on together  to Glascote, where we worked the two locks with other oncoming boaters, to help each other. Like at Atherstone, these locks have semi-derelict side ponds, once used to save water. Maybe one day .....

Crossing the River Tame, we arrived at Fazeley Junction, where you can turn towards Birmingham. We continued northwards to moor behind Delhi at Hopwas, where we had chance to talk.  

Although both the Red Lion and Tame Otter pubs are fine, we ate on board in these socially distanced times. 

We chatted to Brian and Jane Greaves, who had moored NB Emily and butty Bronte by the Tame Otter. We had a short walk to the river bridge before tea. Traffic was fast and busy on the A51, and a mini drove across the pedestrian crossing as Liana was crossing! As I was about to cross, Liana shouted not to, as a speeding car just managed to stop! We advise walkers to beware!

After tea, we walked up the hill to the interesting architecture of St Chad’s church, which looks tudoresque.

After walking around the churchyard, we carried on uphill into Hopwas Woods, following a well worn path above what we think must have been an old quarry. We turned back after a while, but two walkers told us you can continue and come out at a canal bridge, after a mile.

Back at Annie, Liana made a tasty Italian pasta meal. John managed to watch Liverpool FC beat our own Lincoln City FC 7-2 in a decent match. Lincoln fought hard against our youthful Liverpool team and didn’t give up.