Hallmark was away by 8:30am.
The first three miles to Kingswood Junction were lock free.
It was a warm start to the day.
No need for a fleece
After the busy Hatton Flight with plenty of boats and walker the journey to Shrewley is very quite as you pass through some delightful countryside.
Just before Shrewley Tunnel you enter an echoing cutting and then in the distance you see the entrance
The tunnel was not as bad as I feared.
It was only just over 400 yards and totally straight.
Towards the end water was pouring in but my waterproofs kept me dry.
After the tunnel the journey is first on a long embankment and the in a deep cutting known locally as Rowington Tunnel.
The turn at Kingswood for the Stratford upon Avon Canal was a tight turn through a bridge arch I never hit anything but I did have to have two attempts!
The connection on to the Stratford also needs some care to ensure you follow the Lapworth Floght flight up rather than down.
I sorted it by heading for lock 20.
Hallmark was back on narrow locks.
There was plenty to climb Lock 2 is the top lock.
After the first few locks the flight begins in earnest.
The pounsbetween each lock are very very short some of the lock gates and paddles were incredibly stiff.
I did the first eight of the 20 totally alone.
I got a good system going including getting the next lock set before moving out of the lock I was in.
I was 'caught' by a competent crew on a hire boat for the last 12 and helped a lot
I got to the top in six hours and five minutes,
The flight has many interesting features especially it's split bridge with small gap down the centre for the horse tow rope.
After the top lock there are private moorings on both sides the comes Swallow Marina where I filled up with diesel and also managed to get on of the mechanic to repair the chains holdeing my bow fender.
After the Lapworth Flight come two lift bridges that caused me great difficulties as the controls are on opposite bank to the mooring.
So both delayed me as I had to wait for a 'friendly' walker.
I moored up near The Wharf Tavern in Hockley Heath Thursday night is curry night.
So guess what There are some brilliant old canal photos in the bars
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