Thursday 23rd July

The first locks which we encountered were the two making up the Bunbury staircase. The photo shows 2 boats crossing halfway. You have to work out which locks to leave full and empty for this system to work.

We then moored and walked to Bunbury for a newspaper. The guidebook said 1 mile - we are not so sure how they measure distances here!

At all of these locks there is a very neat round toll house from by-gone years.

Beeston has two locks in quick succession. One stone and one iron. The iron lock built because the underlying ground is sand and very unstable.

We had a quick look at an auction in progress in Beeston and stopped for a drink at Shady Lock where the temperature was warm enough to sit outside and admire Beeston Castle in the distance.

During the day we passed some Giant Hogweed which is in the news lately. Sap on the skin reacts in sunlight causing very painful blisters. In some places attempts have been made to kill it.

Not the greatest of moorings tonight as it was difficult to get into the bank but a lovely sunset.