The Daniel Adamson Steam boat cruise Acton Bridge to Sutton Weaver

On a sunny October Sunday, we embarked on a 2.5hr cruise from Acton Bridge to Sutton Weaver on The Daniel Adamson, a steam powered old working boat.  The 'Danny' is run by knowledgeable volunteers and what a great time we had.

Daniel Adamson 

She was built in 1903 by Shropshire Union Railway and Canal Company, as a tug canal boat, to tow long strings of loaded barges and was initially named 'Ralph Brocklebank'.  Due to the railway and roads being used more & more to transport goods, the SURCC started selling off their fleet in 1921.  The Manchester Ship Canal Company purchased her in 1922 and as well as still towing, she also started carrying passengers, including VIPs. 

In 1936 she was given a refit and renamed the Daniel Adamson, named after the Manchester Ship Canal's founding father and first MSCC Chairman. She was withdrawn from service in 1984 and moved to Ellesmere Port Boat Museum.  Over the years she deteriorated and was sadly vandalised.  Thankfully, the 'Daniel Adamson Preservation Society' bought her for the sum of £1 in 2004.  People from all over the country joined the society and raised money to help restore her.   In 2015 the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded £3.8m which was used to restore and enable her to once again sail. 

The hard work of the volunteers was quite clear and the ones we met on the cruise were full of dedication and knowledge. All the work has been lovingly restored to an extremely high standard.  For more information about the Daniel Adamson, the history, restoration work and cruise info, visit their website www.thedanny.co.uk 

We definitely recommend the cruise and the volunteers make you feel very welcome, sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with you. Also on board is a licensed snack bar - great!

Braunston - new fenders and a walk along the Jurrasic Way to Ashby St Ledgers

Due to commitments and an injury, we have not been out on the waterways much this year.  However, just before the closure of the locks and restrictions nearby, we managed to have a couple of days out and about.

So good to be travelling along the canals again and as we were in need of a couple of rope fenders, we headed to Braunston, where Tradline Rope and Fenders are based in the marina.

Tradline Rope and Fenders Braunston Marina

What a wonderful place it is, they have every shape and size of rope and fenders, all handmade on the premises, so we got exactly what we wanted.

After lunch, we walked along the Jurassic Way which takes you up out of the village to a quaint, historical village called Ashby St Ledgers.  A lot of the houses and buildings, including the village Hall, are thatched.  At the end of the village is the Manor House.  From 1375 to 1611 it was the home of the Catesby family.  The gatehouse is where Robert Catesby and his fellow conspirators, including Guy Fawkes held  their infamous meetings.

The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Leodegarious was constructed in the 14th and 15th century.  It is steeped in history. There are 3  wall paintings which were uncovered in 1929 and date from the 14th to the 16th century.

 

15th century wall painting

Before heading back, we enjoyed a cup of tea (which included a yummy shortbread biscuit) at The Coach House pub and then headed back to Braunston, approximately a 6 mile walk, there and back.

In the evening, we enjoyed the meal deal, 2 steaks and a bottle of wine £40 at The Old Plough pub located along the high street in Braunston village, very tasty indeed.😋

All in all, we had a lovely couple of days. Here's hoping some rain comes soon, not just for boating and all the businesses affected by it on the waterways, but also the farmers and other small businesses.

Spring is here!

Over the Easter weekend, we had a walk around the Napton area. It was so lovely to see the trees budding, the daffodils in bloom and the gorgeous lambs in the field.