Random Writings

This afternoon I said farewell to Mike, who had to go back to work, and plodded on up the Grand Union to Knowle. The long pound between Hatton and Knowle was extremely low and I went aground in a few places. Beyond the junction with the Stratford canal at Kingswood, the canal becomes quieter – most people follow the guidebooks’ advice that the route via Lapworth Locks and Kings Norton is prettier. I’ve been the “pretty way” twice before, so this time I’ve chosen to go the other way. So far, the canal has been quite pleasant, and Knowle Locks (which I walked round to have a look at after mooring up) are very nicely situated and well-kept. Interestingly, they have two side ponds each at different levels, both apparently disused and full of bulrushes and moorhens. I’m guessing this was an advanced feature installed when the locks were widened in the 1930s.

Tomorrow I’m planning to be in urban Birmingham, so I’m enjoying the tranquil rural setting while it lasts!

Day 37: Hatton Station to Knowle Bottom Lock, 7 miles and no locks.
Total so far 394 miles and 264 locks. Thesis 12311 words and 64 pages.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 2nd, 2010 at 7:06 pm and is filed under Narrowboat.