Fradley and Alrewas

Armitage "tunnel"

On the Trent & Mersey near Kings Bromley

There were thunderstorms over night but our sleep was not seriously disturbed. The weather forecast suggested rain later in the day so we set off early at 8:30.  After leaving Rugeley the first point of interest was the very narrow section of canal passing through the former Armitage tunnel, the roof having been removed nearly 50 years ago following subsidence from coal mining.  Then through Armitage (the one in Armitage Shanks!), its more salubrious neighbour Handsacre, and out into wooded countryside.

Middle Lock, Fradley

Hunts Lock, Fradley

The weather by now was fairly sunny and warm as we continued down the Trent & Mersey  past our former mooring at Kings Bromley to Wood End Lock.  Soon after the lock the canal turns to the left heading north east.We soon reached Fradley Junction where the Coventry Canal joins the T&M opposite the Swan Inn, allegedly the most photographed pub in the country and well known in cards and jigsaw puzzles.  Fradley is a popular tourist spot where the visitors like to watch boats passing through a flight of 5 locks.

Beyond Fradley ts the oddly-named and attractive village of Alrewas were we moored for the night at 13:20 as we were tired and there was intermittant rain.

Today: 9.35 miles, 8 locks,4 hours 50 min travelling.