Crash Helmets Needed in Stratford

We stopped only very briefly in Stratford as we were keen to eat up some canal miles and we had a rendezvous to make that evening. Our priority on this occasion wasn't the tourist sights, but Marks & Spencer's Simply Food department. As you can imagine, after 2 days on emergency rations we were eager to indulge in a few treats and who better to supply them than good old M & S.


A mere stone's throw after turning onto the Stratford Canal, it was really clear to all of us that we'd left the river behind. Just look at this bridge, which took a major road into town over the canal - talk about low and narrow. It took some clever steering to get through and we all had to mind our heads. You simply wouldn't find a passageway like this on a river - it's definitely a quirk of the canal system. There was so little headroom that the bear flag suffered a bit. Actually, the flag was o.k. It was the the fishing rod from which it was flying, which scraped along the roof, causing sparks to fly.

It wasn't long before we'd left the bustle of Stratford behind and were once again enjoying the peace and quiet of the countryside - and a rest as there were 15 locks between Stratford and Wilmcote (location of Mary Arden's house).


We always say that every canal is different and the Stratford Canal was no exception. It had two unique features: one we'll tell you about next time, and the other, was the wonderful bridges which you see in my picture.

Our guide referred to them as delicate split cantilever bridges, which is what they were, although I don't think I'd have come up with those words on my own. I liked them so much that I got off the boat for a closer look. Can you see me peering through?


I nimbly leapt back on board as the stern passed under the bridge. It's a good job bears are agile and sure-pawed.

Lots of love Eddie & fellow boating bears xxx