Warwick Ring (Warwick ... Birmingham ... Fazeley ... Fradley ... Braunston)

by Beryl & Clem Wright

Friday 9 April: We left Blue Lias about 3pm and headed off towards Leamington Spa with nb Wolverley. Our plan was to go around the Warwick ring but first we had to get down the Stockton flight and then up the Hatton flight with a depleted crew - our youngest son Mark and his friend Robert.

Saturday: We made good progress passing through the Hatton flight in three and a half hours and mooring after Kingswood Junction for the night.

Sunday: Started well until we came upon the outskirts of Birmingham when the Grand Union Canal became quite shallow and the amount of debris intensified the closer we got. It became a bit of an ordeal though to Birmingham having to stop 7 times to clear the prop, the worst of which was a rope fender that took an hour to remove. Progressed to the other side of Birmingham onto the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal by early evening only to find the second of the Minworth locks had been fitted with an anti vandal lock. We had planned to eat out after the third lock but as we were stuck in between the first two we didn't want to leave the boat in case of it being broken into especially as we were so near to the main road. We looked everywhere on the boat for an anti-vandal key but could not find one.

Monday: We were up early thinking the lock keeper would be around to open up the lock - we waited - and waited, but he didn't show up. Meanwhile the owners of a boat which was moored behind turned up in a worse predicament than us as their boat had holes in the floor and was sinking!! Anyway we eventually got past the Minworth locks and carried on with our journey towards Tamworth. After the two Glascote locks we stopped at the Gate pub for dinner that evening - the food was good value and the menu varied.

Tuesday: We headed off towards Atherstone and the 11 locks. This section was very busy with lots of boats heading home after the Easter break. Unfortunately most of them were in a hurry to the point that on one occasion it was almost impossible to pass because of the amount of boats in the pounds between the locks at the top of the flight. We stopped for lunch and did a bit of shopping. Then we carried on and eventually found a chandlers where we tried to buy an anti vandal key - no luck! We continued through Nuneaton and on to Hawkesbury Junction where we moored for the evening.

Wednesday: We filled with water - it was very bright and sunny as we set off with no locks at all until late evening as we meandered around Rugby stopping at Rose narrow boats where we bought the handcuff key. We stopped for the night just above Hillmorton locks. It was very quiet apart from the trains which passed about every 10 mins (to be avoided if possible next time).

Thursday: Set off for Braunston as the boys wanted to go through a long tunnel. We got to Braunston locks about 10 a.m. but had to queue as there was a problem with the top lock - one of the gates would not open. We eventually passed through the tunnel with much excitement and use of the torches etc.- plus the usual things that kids do to echo!!. Stopped for lunch after the tunnel then carried on to Norton junction so we could turn around and head back to Braunston and on to "Blue Lias" (old habits die hard). We moored up out side the service area, very handy. Had a wonderful week's cruising. Later that evening we took a short drive to the Blue Lias pub for dinner - a very friendly pub, cosy and welcoming. I must say this is by far the best food - ample portions, a varied menu and very pleasant staff.

Friday: Up early - had the fuel refilled and the toilets pumped out. Then cleaned the boat inside and out. We did not have to change the gas bottle and could not buy any coal or sticks from the marina so we left £10 in the safe box for the next crew.

We had a great week on the boat and the weather was really good.