Bringing her home

Day 1 – Shardlow to Kegworth

Distance: 7 miles
Locks: 6

Having completed the loading of supplies we managed to get away from Shardlow at 2pm. The first leg was along the River Trent before turning South onto the River Soar.

As usual we came across a number of helpful boaters along the way, who assisted us in learning all we needed to know about locks, including our first (and unfortunately only) electronic, fully automated lock.

The countryside was beautiful and the weather overcast but not too cold and thankfully dry.

The boat was everything we had hoped and we safely arrived at The Otter pub for an evening meal and refreshements.

As we had not been able to tour overseas this year we decided that a drop of Mataxa 12 star was the appropriate evening tipple to help us sleep.

Day 2 – Kegworth to Birstall

Distance: 16 miles
Locks: 11

Day 2 and we were away at 8am, heading for the North side of Leicester.

After an initial spot of light drizzle the weather cleared up again and we enjoyed the leisurely pace and beautiful scenery.

A highlight for the crew was egg and bacon butties delivered by TLC. The best I’ve ever had.

Lunch stop was in Mountsorrell at The Swan Inn – a 17th Century pub just a short walk from the river.

For some of the route we met fellow travellers and had extra hands to help with the locks, although it was a bit of a squeeze.

It isn’t normally recommended to share a lock between a GRP and steel hull, but the helm on the canal boat knew what he was doing and it made it quicker and more efficient for all concerned.

Arrival at Birstall was on time and after a meal the crew retired for an early night in preparation for an early start the next day.

Day 3 – Birstall to Kilby Bridge

Distance: 14 miles
Locks: 19

Whilst not as far in distance, the number of locks involved on Day 3 meant an early start and we were all up and ready (if not raring) to go at 07:00 am as it was just getting light.

Straight out of the bat we had our first of many locks but soon found ourselves heading through the western side of Leicester, with some familiar landmarks (National Space Centre, Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, Abbey Park, Frog Island and the King Power Stadium to name a few.

After a brief stop to fill up the fuel cans and grab a coffee, we were underway once more.

It was great to see the city from a different perspective, both good and bad, as well as see how the waterways were busy with people rowing, running, cycling and fishing.

As we turned the corner to head East at Glen Parva the canal became much narrower and more debris laden. Two stops were required to allow us to detach a branch and reeds from the outboard.

Having once more enjoyed the delights of TLC’s cooking (this time with bacon, egg and sausage) we decided to skip lunch and carry on for Kilby Bridge where we were going to temporarily moor the boat until we could complete the final stage of her relocation voyage.

Watch this space!