Middleport Pottery

 Thursday June 10 Westport Lake to Middleport Pottery and on to Hem Heath (7 miles, 5 locks)

After a busy few days, we took our time and eventually set off to Middleport Pottery. On the way, the now derelict Longport Pottery saddened us. Surely it should not be allowed to be vandalised and demolished? 

We moored at Middleport Pottery close to working boat Dane. We paid for a guided tour, given by helpful volunteers, visited several small businesses making and selling pottery, furniture and art, plus the pottery shop. We bought a solid small stool to use when steering on the boat, and enjoyed coffee and scones. It’s worth a visit! 

We travelled along the green corridor, once pits, potteries and steelworks, passing the modern colourful flumes of Waterworld to Etruria junction with the Caldon Canal. 

Following another boat, we descended the five Stoke Locks, alongside railway and dual carriageway, past the Dolphin boatyard. This seems to do all sorts, including a shooting range!

Once through the “tunnel” under the A50, we passed the huge incinerator chimney and the football stadium (Britannia was a much better name, imo) hidden by trees now, we reached countryside. A light shower persuaded us to moor in Hem Heath, where quiet visitor moorings are close to a Toby Carvery. We ate onboard, watched tv and read. We both enjoy Springwatch. Stone tomorrow!