11 Locks to Atherstone

The clouds were grey and the wind gusty when we set off at 8:40.  It felt cold so we were both wearing sweatshirts and a fleece.  On the plus side the canal was reasonably deep and we were able to keep up a good speed.

Atractive tree-lined stretch of the Coventry Canal

Just over a mile later we arrived at the first of the 11 locks which lead up to the small town of Atherstone. Now that we are on the narrow canals 11 locks in a day is not a major task and we reached the top in less than 3 hours helped in the last 5 locks by a team of volunteer lock-keepers who did most of the heavy work. By this time the grey clouds had cleared and the weather began to get very warm.

Waiting to enter Atherstone bottom Lock

We moored for the day conveniently near the main route into the town centre at 12:00. The mooring is opposite a former hat factory which has been derelict for many years.

Moored in Atherstone

Today;s Statistics

Distance: 3.41 miles
Locks: 11
Time: 3 hours 20 minutes