High Rise Canal

As you've probably gathered by now, we were quite taken with the Stratford canal. But there was more to it than barrel-roofed cottages, cantilever bridges and charming countryside. There were also a couple of rather fine aqueducts which are always of great interest to a boating enthusiast like me. I'd like to tell you about the first one today.


This was the Edstone Aqueduct which we are approaching in our picture. You can see me studying the canal guide to find out all the facts. The reason I particularly like aqueducts is that I love of the feeling of the canal taking off into space as the ground drops away on both sides. Perhaps you'll get a better impression of the canal being in space, when you see my next picture, taken looking backwards from the rear of the boat (sadly there wasn't enough wind for the bear flag to fly).


We timed our crossing over the Edstone Aqueduct rather well as a train came along just as we were crossing. We waved and even got a toot from the friendly driver. It was quite a strange feeling, being suspended in mid air in an iron trough, with a train travelling under us.


Canal travel might be slow paced, but there's always plenty of excitement. It's a good job I've got a good head for heights as only the towpath side of the aqueduct gives any protection between the boat and a big drop!

Lots of love, Eddie & friends xxx