Great Dismal Swamp and Blake Mere

A late start this morning (again!!).  Spent a long time swapping experiences plus local knowledge of home life with our new chum Keith (Ian still in bed?) on the bank over cups of coffee and tea. By the time we set off at 11.00 the sun was almost in its zenith and very hot.

Managed to get some milk and a few supplies from the village shop at Grindley Brook and set off to hopefully moor "in the countryside".  Not bothered to go into Whitchurch as have been advised Ellesmere a closer destination to the cut for Tesco and a good local butcher.

Down past Whitchurch branch at  B31 was, what we thought, very peaceful; however the best was yet to come!

Pump out and fuel top-up at Viking Afloat, B32 and we were on our way.

Met the first lift bridge at B33 Hassell's Bridge on our own: no problem, took our time.  Next 2 lift bridges, B34 and B42 we came into sight while other boats were coming up - no work from Jan required there; however, Morris's bridge 45 had 2 boats about to come through just as Jan had opened it up - as one boater said "pay back time!".

The length of the Llangollen from Grindley Bridge to Platt Lane B43, the canal meanders through an extremely pretty length of surrounding woods, sometimes the canal banks were quite overgrown and consequently narrowed the passage; the birdsong echoes through the trees and you feel as if you are in the 'Great Dismal Swamp' (Terry Darlington - "Narrow Dog to Indian River").

Whixall Moss

From thereon the canal straightens and you float above Whixall Moss on the escarpment over a vast panorama of raised bog, pasture land and reeded areas - a specified SSSI area - where you can see for miles on both sides.  One of the most impressive views we have come cross so far.  Often seen were buzzards, one of which landed very low in a nearby oak tree; I hadn't got my camera to hand so it flew off disgusted to have missed its photo-call!

Replenished with water at B48 Bettisfield Bridge so now complete to moor 'wherever'.

From B48 the cut meanders again with wooded areas and pasture land surrounding.  After B53 Cole Mere appeared on left (sorry, port side!): a huge expanse of water with yachts and lodge to be seen on distant shore. Meandering again, we finally moored not far after B56 on the near edge of Blake Mere.  Spot has enjoyed an exciting walk along the shoreline, lots of interesting scents to follow.

Blake Mere

Fishing on Blake Mere