Stratford

On the way into Straford a boater passing in the opposite direction commented that "They're all swingers down there!". Rather than passing judgement on the sexual mores of the inhabitants, he was warning of the propensity of the lock gates to swing open, refusing to remain closed.

We found a number of boaters trying to clear debris from behind the lower gate of Stratford bottom lock as a boat had jammed in the gate trying to enter the lock. Nothing was found and a few sturdy shoves opened it enough for the next boat to get in. Having seen the boat that wedged I suspect the fenders he had left hanging were his downfall rather than the lock itself.

We made it to Bancroft Basin, with plenty of time to go shopping in the town centre.

It's very busy in the centre of Stratford and the family decided to turn back so we could spend the night in peace in the countryside.

Moored above Wilmcote lock No 48

Total distance is 4 miles, 2½ furlongs and 14 locks