Starting at Brewood, Staffs...
...it was lovely to see washing hanging out to dry.
Wooden skull and crossbones (as well as the flag) on this pirate narrow boat.
This canal was built by Thomas Telford: like the Romans, he liked the most direct routes. So some of the canal is on embankments, like this,...
...while other bits are in deep cuttings.
I love the mileposts on this canal.
Telford's aqueduct over the A5. Very different view from when driving a car!
The trough is quite narrow (NB Poppy, the dog who I was dog-sitting)
Looking back at the aqueduct, into the sunlight
Another cutting. The direct route was definitely quicker for boats, but because the cuttings don't get much sunlight, they are slower for humans (and dogs).
And here's why: that mud stays almost all year round!
Most of the way it is okay though
Lock at Wheaton Aston
Through Wheaton Aston Bridge
Steps down to a nature reserve: a handy place to sit to have lunch.
Open views from another embankment
A lovely day for muck-spreading. Hmmm
We turned round here. Another disadvantage of straight canals: you can see the bridge from a distance away, and it takes ages to get any nearer.
Though Poppy did her best to add some perspective
As we headed homewards from this out and back walk, the sky clouded over a little.
Not that this matters when there's plenty to sniff, apparently.
Another view of Telford's aqueduct, and we were home.
A great walk - but expect mud whenever you go.
As we did it, it was 8.5 miles. Not bad for Poppy, an 11 year old poodle. (She did sleep well the next day)
Today's walk: An out and back walk. 8.5 miles in total. I parked by the small Catholic school in Brewood and just walked. Apart from at Wheaton Aston (the shops are quite far from the canal) , there are few facilities, but good cafes (and pubs) in Brewood. You can just keep going until you feel the need to turn back.
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