Sunny Shardlow

Shardlow

We set off at 8.30 while it was still cool. 20 mins later we stopped for water, we need lots while its so hot for long cool showers. The sheep below the lock had all laid down in the shade of a giant willow tree, so I knew we were in for another scorcher. By 11 the temperature was soaring and we had reached Shardlow which used to be a bustling inland port.

Beautiful old loading bay

Now the only boats around are pleasure boats but the old mellow brick buildings are lovely. We passed through the Shardlow flood locks and cruised past the mouth of the Derwent. How wide the river seemed after the canal. Third Time Lucky surged forward as if enjoying the good depth of water under her.

The Malt Shovel  Pub at Shardlow

We moored in Sawley Cut for a lazy lunch. I stayed in the boat with a cool breeze flowing through it but Paul washed the boat. Lottie also went wandering along the tow path fulfilling the saying “Only Mad Dogs and Englishmen go out in the Noon day Sun.” Eventually we set off and worked our way through 2 locks the first being automated. The afternoon cruise was pleasant winding between reed beds and willow trees. I worked the 3^rd lock and we moored in Beeston next to a grassy bank. Lottie spent the evening in the shade of a willow tree.