A huge swathe of trees has been cut down between Fradley locks and Woodend Lock, for HS2, we were told. I refrain from comment. 
The canal is overgrown in many places, through Kings Bromley and Handsacre. 
At Armitage, the Armitage Shanks toilet firm is working well. Passing SPODE cottage and the Plum Pudding pub, Liana hopped off to walk ahead through the Armitage Tunnel, which is now largely a nine foot channel between vertical rock walls.
Once through, we soon arrived in Rugeley. Morrisons, Aldi and Tesco were all visited, before we returned to watch the Silverstone British Grand Prix and Wimbledon.
Monday 4 July Rugeley to Great Haywood and on to below Deptmore Lock (10.5 miles, 3 locks)
Awake and breakfasted on tasty Tesco’s almond croissants, we set off about 8.39am, past some impressive back gardens and across the Trent aqueduct. The next few miles up the Trent valley can be windy, and the canal twists about a little, past Bishton Hall School, through Colwich to its lock. The bottom gate beams are very short, making them a bit harder work.
The last two miles before Haywood Lock give views over the Shugborough Hall estate. We saw the Tower of the Winds and the Hall itself.
Once moored, we walked over the ancient Trent pack horse bridge to have coffee and cake in the tea rooms. We missed the 11.30 tour, as only 16 people could be admitted, so waited until the last tour st 12.15. It was worth it. The lady volunteer did a good job, and We were allowed to take photographs of the Anson family residence. (See separate post)
Later, we visited the shop, book shop and the servants quarters, which was interesting.
Returning to Annie, we had a simple sandwich lunch before setting off again. We chatted to oncoming boat crews and bystanders at Haywood Lock. John managed to sweep around the Great Haywood junction turn in great style, under that impressive arched bridge.
From here, we follow the River Sow valley through the beautiful Tixall Wide lake to Tixall Lock. From here, we enjoyed countryside to the site of the Stafford arm restoration project, which showed some signs of progress (see below).
John took time to cut back a couple of weeping willows to help boaters and protect stuff on their boat roofs. We passed the Stafford Boat Club, which had loads of motorcaravans having a rally there, presumably.
We moored below Deptmore Lock, a favourite place overlooking meadows, cattle and Canada Geese.
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