Our Awesome Narrowboat Cruise on the Trent and Mersey Canal through England’s Heartland

Greetings, dear readers! It’s Leon here, and today, I’m thrilled to take you on an unforgettable journey down the picturesque Trent and Mersey Canal in the heart of England. Join christine and i, as we share our four-week adventure aboard our trusty 40-foot narrowboat, the “Spirit of Sproglet.” Our escapade is filled with locks, laughter, and leisure as we traverse the canals of this beautiful country. So sit back, relax, and prepare for a humorous and heartwarming ride through the English countryside.

Setting off from Sawley Bridge

Our adventure begins at Sawley Bridge, where the waters of the Trent and Mersey Canal beckon us. Christine takes her place at the helm, ready to steer our narrowboat through the winding waterways, while I prepare to navigate and tackle the locks ahead. The “Spirit of Sproglet” gently eases away from the mooring, and we’re off on a journey filled with history, beauty, and surprises.

Narrowboat Life

For those unfamiliar with narrowboats, they are charming, compact vessels that provide the perfect platform for leisurely exploration of the UK’s extensive canal network. Ours is no exception, boasting cozy living quarters, a compact kitchen, and a small but comfortable bathroom. It’s a snug home away from home, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

As we cruise along at a leisurely pace, I can’t help but marvel at the tranquility that surrounds us. The canals wind their way through the heart of England, and the lush, green countryside stretches as far as the eye can see. The only sounds are the gentle lapping of water against the boat’s hull and the occasional bird song from the trees overhead.

Locks, Locks, and More Locks

Navigating the Trent and Mersey Canal requires a fair bit of effort, especially when it comes to tackling the locks. Christine and I make a fantastic team. She handles the steering with finesse, while I grapple with the locks, which can sometimes be a bit temperamental.

There’s a certain art to operating locks – a skill that takes time to master. It involves opening gates, turning crank handles, and ensuring that the water levels rise or fall correctly to allow the boat to pass through. It can be a workout, but it’s all part of the adventure. Plus, it provides us with ample opportunities to share a chuckle or two as we fumble through the process.

Sightseeing and Historic Sites

One of the joys of canal cruising is the ability to explore the rich history and stunning architecture that line the waterways. Christine and I both share a love for history, so we make it a point to visit as many historic sites and old churches as we can along our route.

In Shardlow, we discover the beauty of the St. James the Greater Church, its centuries-old stone walls steeped in history. The village itself is a quaint and charming place, with picturesque cottages and a friendly community. It’s these unexpected encounters that make canal cruising so special.

Our journey takes us to Weston-on-Trent, where we wander through the village and admire the architecture of the Holy Trinity Church. Every stone seems to whisper tales of the past, and Christine’s passion for old buildings is more than satisfied.

Bird-watching and Nature Photography

Bird-watching is a shared interest of ours, and the canals provide a haven for all kinds of feathered friends. From graceful swans to cheeky ducks and the occasional heron, we never tire of observing the avian residents of the canal.

We’ve equipped ourselves with binoculars and cameras to document our encounters with nature. Christine, with her keen eye for detail, captures the colours of nature in all their glory. Our amateur nature photography is a delightful pastime, and we’re constantly amazed by the beauty that surrounds us.

Resting in Quaint Cafés and Old English Pubs

Of course, our adventures aren’t all about locks and birds. We also relish the opportunity to relax and soak in the local culture. One of our favourite pastimes is visiting coffee shops and old English pubs along the canal.

In Swarkestone Lock, we stumble upon a charming café overlooking the water. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air, and we settle in for a delightful caffeine fix. As we sip our cups of java, we watch as boats glide by, and fellow travelers share their stories.

Our love for old English pubs leads us to some hidden gems along the way. In Horninglow, we find a centuries-old establishment with a roaring fireplace and a warm welcome. We indulge in hearty pub fare and raise a glass to our canal adventure. It’s moments like these that make our journey truly memorable.

A Culinary Adventure

Now, I must confess – I have a bit of a weakness for wine and beer. And on this canal voyage, I’m determined to sample the local brews and savor the finest bottles we can find. As we moor at different stops, I make it my mission to seek out the best in regional beverages.

Our journey takes us to Barton Turn Lock, where we’re delighted to discover a microbrewery tucked away in the countryside. The aroma of hops fills the air, and we can’t resist a tasting session. The beer is exquisite, and we leave with a few bottles to enjoy on board.

my passion for artisanal cheese sends us sniff-sniff in search of fellow turophiles!. In Wychnor Bridges, we stumble upon a quaint cheese shop that boasts an impressive selection of local and international cheeses. my eyes light up, and we stock up on an array of cheeses to pair with our wine and beer. It’s the perfect complement to our evenings on the boat.

Architectural Marvels and Colorful Nature

While I’m busy with my wine and beer exploration, Christine continues to indulge her love for old architecture and the vibrant colors of nature. Alrewas, a charming village with its cobbled streets and timbered buildings, is a feast for her eyes.

We explore the village on foot, taking in the intricate details of each structure. Christine’s camera clicks away, capturing the vibrant flowers that adorn the windowsills and the graceful arches of the bridges that cross the canal. It’s a visual symphony of colors and shapes.

Fradley Junction and Handsacre

As we navigate our way to Fradley Junction, we’re greeted by the hustle and bustle of boaters coming and going. It’s a popular meeting point for narrowboats, and we strike up conversations with fellow travelers, sharing stories and tips for the journey ahead.

In Handsacre, we encounter a group of friendly boaters who invite us to join them for an impromptu barbecue on the canal banks. It’s a jovial affair, with laughter, grilled food, and the clinking of glasses. The camaraderie among canal travellers is heartwarming, and it’s one of the aspects we cherish most about this lifestyle.

Rugeley and the Great Haywood Junction

Our four-week adventure draws to a close as we approach Rugeley, the final stop before reaching the Great Haywood Junction. It’s been a journey filled with laughter, exploration, and a deeper connection to the English countryside.

The Great Haywood Junction marks the end of our Trent and Mersey Canal odyssey, and it’s a bittersweet moment. As we moor our trusty “Spirit of Sproglet” one last time, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences we’ve had.

A Peaceful Meander through England’s Heartland

Our leisurely cruise on the Trent and Mersey Canal has been nothing short of magical. It’s allowed us to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and immerse ourselves in the serene beauty of England’s heartland.

The canal has been our guide, leading us through picturesque villages, past historic sites, and into the heart of nature. It’s a reminder that there’s a slower, more peaceful way to travel – one that allows us to savor the simple pleasures of life.

As we bid farewell to the canals and prepare to return to the hustle of everyday existence, Christine and I know that the memories of our narrowboat adventure will stay with us forever. The laughter, the locks, the birds, the pubs, and the people we’ve met along the way have left an indelible mark on our hearts.

So, to all you adventurous souls out there, I say this: consider embarking on your own narrowboat journey through England’s heartland. It’s a delightful and lighthearted way to experience the beauty and history of this wonderful country. And who knows, you might just find your own “Spirit of Sproglet” waiting to carry you on an unforgettable voyage of discovery.

cruising the cut…a way of life!