Narrows and wide, in the scenery we glide!

We had a lazy start and Al took advantage by grabbing her biddy (shopping trolley) and walking into Kinver to pick up a few bits and grab some fresh bacon from the butchers here.. Del had wiped down Derwent6 after more rain we had overnight.. We left just after ten and did the first lock at Kinver.

We had another boat in front of us and another boat behind us, so it seemed busy.

We pulled over on the services as its normally busy here and there was a mooring free.

We then thought we might as well use the pumpout machine as we had a card for it. After the second attempt it burst into life and the tank got a good flush out while we filled with water..  We then made our way past a line of moored boats to Hyde Lock.

This lock also has some tricky paddles and Del had to help to open them, but it is a pretty lock.

The canal then heads out into some lovely countryside where it opens up a bit, for a little bit at least..

 Well until it narrows again and makes its way towards the Dunsley tunnel..

You can't really call it a tunnel as its only 25 yards long, (some motorway bridges are longer then this) but this small tunnel has so much character.

This wends its way up to Stewponey Lock which was used as a tollgate lock when the canals were thriving..

You then pass the Stourbridge canal to the right where you can see the start of the four locks going up to Stourbridge and Dudley, in Birmingham.

You continue on this scenic route.

It then takes a sharp left hander and goes over the aqueduct over the River Stour, made better by the bacon butties Al had brought out on the stern deck.

The canal then has some tricky bends to deal with but again is so pretty as you get to Gothersley lock.

Then very shortly (you can walk it with the windlass) you get to Rock Lock.

You then reach one of the best gardens we have ever seen on the canals.

Its a shame it doesn't come out in the pictures but the colours for this time of year were gobsmacking..

It has to be seen to be believed..

 

It was then onto Greensforge lock and the pub looked quite busy with the sun out..

 

We were now starting to get a bit weary but the scenery kept us going.

We did Hinksford lock and then found a mooring we like..

It is surprisingly quiet here and we only planed to stay overnight and have now sussed out the best place for us to get telly, if needed..

Also Tooty knew we had stopped at one of his favourite places too and was out on the stern deck checking it out..