We went just a short distance and moored up near bridge 30 as we wanted to get a plaque for the canal and also go for lunch at the Dog and Hedgehog, which John had read good reviews about. So we set off with Paddy and found the Ashby Canal Centre, which was a small shack behind a workshop that didn't sell anything of interest at all, in fact it didn't appear to sell much of anything, but they were able to say that Ashby Boats just down the canal would be likely to have them, so we continued on our way. The pub we wanted to go to was in Dadlington, which was just across from where we were moored but since we were rather early we were happy to continue walking along to bridge 25 where we were about to cross the canal and go to the Ashby Boat wharf.
The plaque on the wall of the wharf showing when it first opened. I was able to buy not only a plaque for the boat but also a mug (didn't tell John about this until a lot later in the day) and also a new Pearson's guide to the canal so now we'll have slightly more up to date information.
We found ourselves in Stoke Golding, the names along this canal are wonderful, Shakerstone is my favourite I think, but Sheepy Magna is also a good one, anyway we then were on the right side of the canal for the pub so continued our walk around in a circle until we found ourselves in Dadlington and at the Dog and Hedgehog.
Here it is and there's a nice patio around the back where we enjoyed a sumptuous roast lamb dinner each, no thought of pudding, it was that good. Apparently they let dogs inside but it was nice and warm so we were happy to eat outside.
We made our way back to the boat, which was only 5 minutes away, and started off again for bridge 23 where I wanted to visit the farm shop that looked as if it had some really interesting stuff.
Going back a bit, on our walk, this family of swans were on the towpath and were guarding it rather fiercely. We were warned by one couple with 2 dogs that they'd turned back but we got close and John picked Paddy up and we sort of stood there, trying one way around and then the other, finally deciding that we could get through, which we did, but very nervously I might add. A lady coming the other way watched us and decided not to try it, so we felt bravery medals were in order. Naturally when we're going past in the boat they are now on the water and doing there best to look benign, but we knew better!
Incidentally, the road you can just see in the background was the one we ended up walking on, just across the canal from where we'd been - it was quite a circuit!
Anyway we got to the farm shop and talk about disappointing. There was very little for sale, the bacon was far too thick for our taste, the pears looked very overripe and so apart from some bread rolls, chocolate biscuits and pork scratchings (that weren't anything like as nice as the ones we'd had in Oxford with Simon and Abby) I left empty handed.
We ended up mooring almost exactly where we'd been on our first night on the canal, knowing it was only 5 miles before the Coventry.
Today we awoke to blazing sun and it's been lovely ever since. We got back safely onto the Coventry and only then realised how clean the Ashby had been. Unfortunately going through Nuneaton you see the worst side of the canal, rubbish in the water, rubbish along the tow path and no bins anywhere.
This is Hartshill Yard and we are moored just beyond it. You can see how lovely the weather is, but the forecast for tomorrow is dire. Thunder and rain pretty much all day, which is a shame because we are only about 2 miles away from Atherstone Locks. Not sure what we'll do if it's horrible. I'm now ready to get home. I couldn't continuous cruise, even though I love the life and really enjoy all the travel, once I know we're nearing home I just want to get there. We could be there in a bit under a week, but not if the weather's horrible.
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