Leisurely week. Alvechurch to top of Hatton and back. Lost the first day due to a tree down just up the road. Set off on Tuesday after a night in the boatyard. Pleasantly surprised by the number of pubs – had some very nice meals in the Wharf Inn (good mooring and a Co-op store nearby) and Tom o’ the Woods. Visited Hatton World, very quiet, not many people about. Good mooring wherever we stopped. Good fishing but only caught bream, apart from an eel.
Lapworth Locks were easier than expected. On the way down, the CRT man held everyone to one side so we could go by – they were desperate for water. On the way back we had most in our favour too.
Visited Wedges Bakery at bridge 20. It’s a must – best cakes and bread ever. Headed back to boatyard on Sunday and had lunch at the pub there. Really nice people and a great atmosphere and food was okay, was good and plentiful, not brilliant.
Had a bit of excitement before going to the pub – while trying to put the boat back in its mooring spot, one of our crew fell into the canal. After a bit of help from a passing boatman on shore and some huffing and puffing we rescued him. After a quick shower and change we made our lunch reservation at the pub.
Notes for next hirers – we have mentioned the following points to the boatyard:-
- One of the bulbs has gone in the wall lights in the dining area;
- The base of the dining table needs tightening up (the screws are loose);
- Check the rear bathroom sink underneath. We found some wate underneath the sink and tightened it up but might need checking.
Been a really good week. Weather dry and warm and first time for a long time we have not had to use the heating 😊
F & G, S & T
Ps Boatyard team are lovely and very helpful