Rainbows over Sutton Cheney

On Tuesday we set off for the end of the canal, or more precisely its current  limit of navigation. The weather was not to bad at the start of the day, but as we found out it later rained heavily.

The journey north through Gopsall Woods, just north of Shackerstone, was delightful.

Gopsall Wood

The visitor moorings at Gopsall Wharf looked an ideal overnight spot but they were occupied by a couple of CRT workboats. We reached the Snarestone Tunnel and were reminded why it is called the "crooked tunnel". It certainly needs to be taken steadily as seeing the "wiggles" takes some time when your eyes are not accustomed to the dark. 

Snarestone Tunnel Southern Portal with The Globe to the right

The terminus for Albert, being 60ft, is just short of the final limit at the generous winding hole. We purchased some coal from the Ashby Canal Association as we took on water. The winding because "interesting" as the wind suddenly got up. I was just thinking how well the process was going when it was clear that Albert was just going sideways downwind. I resorted to pulling Albert around by a bow rope - there are some occasions when discretion is required. 

Ashby Canal "terminus" with a rain shower approaching

After passing through the tunnel going south we stopped for lunch at The Globe at Snarestone - another good pub that was quite busy for Tuesday lunchtime. We both had Ploughmans. With three cheeses and a slice of ham we took the cheddar back to the boat.

A generous Ploughmans

After lunch we had more heavy rain showers as we travelled south. We moored up for the night at Sutton Wharf where there are good moorings, showers and a cafe. As we passed the southern edge of Ambion Wood there was yet another a heavy rain shower but with the bright sun we were treated to one of the most intense rainbows I have seen. We had complete double rainbows they were spectacular!

Spectacular Rainbows over Ambion Wood, Sutton Cheney