The Stratford Canal

 Today we said farewell to our travelling companions since the end of May. We moved up into Bancroft Basin with them where they are going to stay for a couple of days before moving on towards Birmingham while we head off towards the Grand Union Canal. Its been a truly memorable time, the weather has been kind, the Rivers Severn and Avon have been tame and the company and shared meals have been outstanding.  We will miss the "Braunston Bunch".

Me thinks we will be taking a little longer then 99 hours to reach Liverpool.

Bancroft Basin is in the middle of the riverside park, a flower-decked area frequented by hundreds of tourists.

Ice creams and baguettes are sold from moored narrowboats.

Goodbye River Avon 

Hello The Stratford Canal.  I walk up to set the first lock while Trev exits the basin through this very low bridge.

The southern section of the Stratford Canal was the first great restoration success of the post-war canal movement.  It was transformed from a virtual dereliction and threat of abandonment in 1958 to navigable status once again in 1964.  Restoration was undertaken under the aegis of the National Trust, but in 1988 ownership passed to British Waterways.

Approaching Warwick Road Lock

Trev closes the lock gate on exiting while I walk on the set the next lock.

Ollie Bongo's Lock - sadly missed this year.

Just when you think you have seen all manner of lock gates......
It was a beast......

We stopped off at Valley Cruisers to empty the loo.

Approaching the last lock for today

Our resting place for tonight - just below Wilmcote locks.

Two miles and six locks on what seem like a very narrow canal after the width of the rivers.