Sorry cannot upload any pictures today could still be a problem with EE signal strength. Will do it another day.
Day21 Saturday
Day21 Saturday
We are now on the Llangollen and have been through Wrenbury and are now moored below Grindley Brook locks which includes a three lock staircase (3 locks joined together so that the second gate of the first becomes the first gate of the next and so on)
You can see why it's one of the most attractive canals to cruise. The scenery from the start is idyllic peaceful countryside with few minor connerbations on its majestic amble to Llangollen. The only minor draw back on this is the challenging bywashes below the locks as you climb into the Welsh mountains. These are caused by the volume of water flowing down the canal which has to level out each pound,the excess flows through the bywashes to the next pound down. They enter the canal as you try to line up to enter the narrow lock - there is no room for error. There are two basic types those that come roughly parallel to the sides and those that come in at ninety degrees. The stated method in the guides is to steer into the flow. This usually works ok for the parallel type as once through you can line up in the slack water in front of the lock entrance. The biggest problems arise if it comes in at ninety degrees - you try to steer in at speed but it pushes the whole of the boat to the side which you then have to struggle into the lock. There must also be other styles/procedures that can be used but it would appear that it's a trial and error method of approach. At the moment for me it's definitely biased in favour of the canal builders. I am sure Telford and Brindley the builders of the Shroppie are looking down on modern boaters with a smug grin!
Today Sunday we left just past nine and had a good trip up the 6 locks with no delays at the three stair case locks. The weather has been brilliant sunshine with shorts and t shirts the order of the day. We didn’t go far just two miles brought us into the Whitchurch Arm which is owned by a Trust and is hoping to move a little closer to town and create a basin. It's a pleasant 25 minute walk into the centre through a country park which follows the old canal route. The walk was well worth it even today as it does have a magnificent grade 1 listed church and is famous for clock making and cheese.
