Atherstone to Shardlow

 We have now completed the Leicester Ring and are back at our base in Shardlow.  We have had great fun on the trip, seen some wonderful views, wildlife and met some lovely people.  This final  part covers the journey from Atherstone through to Shardlow.

The night before we left Atherstone we enjoyed a delicious meal at 'Herbs and Spices'.  The food was excellent and as you can take your own alcohol and Aldi is a couple of  minutes walk away, this made the evening just perfect.  😋🍷 

The following morning we came down 9 of the 11 Atherstone locks and managed to moor just before the heavens opened!  After calling at Bradley Green CRT services the following morning (great pressure on the water tap here) 👍 we moored for the evening between bridge 63 and the pipe bridge, where once again the rain came down in droves.  Over the next couple of days we descended the two Glascote locks which were quite busy and through to Fradley South.

Glascote Locks

The following morning, we descended the locks at Fradley Junction (as always, there were some wonderful volunteers to help) and arrived at Alrewas just in time to catch the bus into Lichfield to enjoy some lunch sat out in the sun.

Lichfield Cathedral

The bus takes approximately 30 mins from Alrewas and is worth a visit  to see the many historical buildings and a look around the amazing Cathedral built 1340.  In the evening, it was lovely to have a catch up with Ian, Lin and their lovely dog Marley on Narrowboat Probity.

Tatenhill Lock

The next day we descended the locks to Branston and moored for the evening there.  We walked into the village in the evening and enjoyed a very tasty meal from the Chinese take away.  There is also a handy Co-op store in the village, not to mention a couple of Pubs!

The following day we headed towards Burton Upon Trent, calling at Shobnall Marina for fuel and other items from the excellent Chandlery. The fuel price here was reasonable at .95p per litre. The staff are always helpful and friendly.

Just outside Shobnall Marina

The aromas from the hops at the Marston's Brewery nearby were very tempting🍺.  We walked into Burton-Upon -Trent to top up our supplies at Lidl.  Unfortunately the rain poured once again that afternoon and also the following day.  

Sunday Roast at the Green Man Willington

However, we were soon cheered up on the Sunday, as when we arrived at Willington, we were in time for the Sunday roast at the Green Man.  It was very tasty and the adult portion was extremely generous - we will definitely be returning.

On our way back to Shardlow, we had an overnight stay just above Swarkestone Lock and had a walk on the footpath through the fields of corn and poppies to the River Trent.

18th Century 5 arch Bridge over the River Trent

So we have completed the Leicester Ring once again. Last year we cruised it anti clockwise and this year clockwise.  We have moored at different locations and surprisingly have seen many new places.  The main difference was the weather. Last year it was so hot and it was upsetting to see the fields of ruined crops, however this year a lot wetter, however the crops were really thriving which was so good to see. We have seen lots of wonderful wildlife including a snake swimming 😮, and would love to share some photos below: