Lock etiquette (good and bad) Narrowboat cruise from Milford to Penkridge // Staffs and Worc canal

[@MrBblhed]

I totally enjoyed the video. Kath looks like she has just gotten taller without ageing a day. As for doing the ring, here is what I think. Kath looks incredibly happy today, she looked really happy in the old photos, I think that it is Annamarie that makes Kath happy today and that trip made her happy. Just imagine how happy she will be making that trip with Annamarie? Also I don't think the loop would make Annamarie angry. Happy wife happy life. Whatever you do enjoy the journey.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

She did din't she- so funny

[@feline1104]

Following your Staffs & Worcs voyage with a great deal of nostalgia. This route of this canal is like a ribbon that has meandered through my earlier existence. In c.1982 I revisited by narrow boat many of those places and saw everything from a very different perspective, as you do from the canal. Used to moor-up at a pub called 'The Boat' then on to the 'Fox and Anchor' at Cross Green near the village of Coven were my parents lived after retirement. My father could not believe I'd purchased a boat (with a Marine Mortgage) but I think they appreciated a boat rip to Tixall Wide, we certainly did not moor-up at Milford near the railway and we were not Wimpy fans. I originally came from Wolverhampton and likewise revisited that town by boat, all filmed in 8.mm (now on KZbin) then on to Birmingham seeing this part of England from a very different view point. As the Staffs and Worcs canal winds past the 21 locks thus bypassing the town, it follows the course of the Smestow Brook that rises in Wolverhampton and flows eventually into the River Stour. You will cruise through Compton and on to Womborne and Seisdon through the countryside i used to wander through as a child. At Dimingsdale by the old water works I have memories of fishing for tiddlers that were alas all doomed to a jam jar existence.... blooming sad looking back at it. At one or two locks further on I can claim intimate knowledge of the depths prior to the lock at Trysall, having gone in head first ending up surfacing right in the middle of the waterway I suppose I was lucky! I subsequently cycled back to Penn where we then lived, just like a drowned rat. So you might spare a little thought for my dubious adventures all back in the very early sixties. So much for nostalgia - it effects us all eventually... From the Fox and Anchor at Cross Green you might find a few shops and a post office still functioning in Coven village after crossing on foot the busy A.449 road, My parents lived opposite Lawn Lane approaching the village centre, sorry they can't be there to greet you. On your amazing and well presented Narrow Boat adventures please do take care of yourselves and your precious feline companions, stay safe and secure. Take care both, and incidentally, I look forward to my 'Katie' painting whenever. Jayne Anne xxxx

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thanks for the tips

[@TheShootist]

Wimpy is the brand name of a multinational chain of fast food restaurants, that is currently headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. The chain originally began in 1934 in the United States and was based in Chicago. The brand was introduced to the United Kingdom in 1954 as "Wimpy Bar" "I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today" J. Wellington Wimpy.

[@edwardmyers8782]

He was a character in the netty boop cartoons and later in Popeye the sailor cartoons.

[@MattBrunton1965]

I've had the pleasure of sharing a lock with The Narrowboat Experience and their etiquette is exemplary!

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thank you. You too.

[@brianthompson5613]

Hi ladies, you are on my old home part of the canal. Had great times there back in the 60's. In answer to your question about Baswick Bridge, Google found this "Baswick Bridge No 100, Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal near Stafford The village is called Baswich now. It was also referred to as Berkswich in the History, Gazetteer and Directory of Staffordshire by William White, Sheffield, 1851." Love your Vlogs!

[@dawndietz4654]

Kindness is always best❤️

[@abefrohman1759]

I hope you have a great weekend.

[@timmaxwell2348]

Can I just say (with deep admiration) how confident Kath has become on camera over the years :) Best wishes always!

[@gilbertfranklin1537]

I still cannot get over how stunning that grey cat is, especially with those green eyes! I snatched a screenshot of it from this video, printed it on glossy photo paper and hung it in a brushed silver frame on my wall. My neighbor is a copyright attorney, and he said it was ok. I did all this in one day - just wanted to thank you for the opportunity! 😁👍

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

He is handsome and he knows it.

[@doncates2954]

Wonderful video, the English countryside is beyond beautiful.

[@navigator902]

Fond memories Kath..... Lovely scenery, very narrow channels.... how exciting. I'm good from all the negative Ions soothed from the aura ..... chilled.... thank you. I agree Kath, nice to meet happy helping boaters ... Cats look wonderful..... and happy. Love your stern double bumper.... time for tea.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

We love the stern. so spacious

[@FiddlingwithmyWhistle]

Look good, nice and sunny

[@altacat9702]

Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful area homes flowers .. your new boat is such a class act !! Cathy way to have the guts to post a 70's picture super cute and very fun : ) Thank You for the ride along on your boat !!

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thank you

[@anthonybelcher8569]

Lovely scenic video

[@sylviapage8572]

It’s great to see lovely weather again! I wouldn’t bother with the 4 counties ring, leave that for the tourists. You can go anywhere you like and at any pace so no need to go round in circles. Unless you want to do another series of videos repeating Kath’s family holidays. I did enjoy that last time. Thanks as always for sharing your adventure 😁

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

I don't think we can keep up with them again. lol

[@traffordsfinest1137]

Another great video and your enamel pins arrived safe and sound I will wear them with pride. Hopefully we will see you on your travels. :-)

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Glad the pins arrived, thank you for your support.

[@paulroberts5677]

Thank you boaters. I enjoyed that.

[@lord.onk99]

Great videos girls i love them. You look a very happy couple, best wishes to you both. Ken xx

[@stevemusgrave2000]

Well, that was a wonderful way to end the day. Normally, I watch you in the morning, but so much was going on. I'd a stern floor to recover, a whirligig, to erect on the rudder swan neck, and some washing to do. After doing all that, there was a 10K run organised near Ellesmere, I'm exhausted.......all those runners I had to watch go by, takes it out of a guy!!!.....End the day by watching your vlog, and it made me think back, to your first vlogs, and how, over a couple of years, it just gets better and better. This one in particular. Your angles of shot, sunlight glinting, the editing, music exceptional. It was a totally joy to watch. I took that stretch of the S&W, on my way back to base in June, I love the S&W. Ladies, you've excelled yourselves. Heck of a standard to keep up, but if anyone can, you two can. Long live The Narrowboat Experience 2.0.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thank you vixen wrangler for sticking with us from the beginning. I'm impressed you managed (to watch) the whole 10k

[@stevemusgrave2000]

@@TheNarrowboatExperience Give me a seat..... 😂

[@CatskillsGrrl]

This was a particularly beautiful one. Loved the camera work and the music.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thank you, Annamarie works hard at the filming and editing.

[@greenspiritarts]

That was a perfect narrow boat Vlog!!! Lovely scenery, great commentary, a little tutorial, wildlife, urban gardens, and best of all Munchie and Alice action shots ! Completely relaxing and refreshing ... thank you ladies so much! 💜❤️🧡💛💚💙💜. 😎

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Great, so glad you liked it

[@dawnoakley1776]

Brewood is beautiful xx

[@Renovator26]

On my wide-screen TV, you two are, in a sense, larger than life. I love the way you have the right balance of fast action, establishing shots, and little vignettes of gardens, wildlife and action shots. You are always welcome in my living room ladies. Well done as usual. John, Ontario, Canada

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

yay- larger than life

[@shaunbarton-collins1180]

We did the 4 counties ring it is really nice, we went in the opposite direction to all most of the hire boats, it was great as we went straight into locks most of the time...

[@barrylytle5118]

Beautiful views!!

[@anthonybelcher8569]

Hi guys,it's very interesting,watching your narrowboat go into a deep lock,and all the things you have to do, Before your boat comes out at the other end,just fabulous ,

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thank you

[@samannsing6919]

Martin We did the 4 counties ring twice, once in each direction and both times did it in a week. However we had a crew of at least 4 each time so would recommend allowing a couple of weeks so you can do some 'through the hedge' vlogs. You are keeping us all up beat with your entertaining vlogs, thanks so very much!

[@moviebod]

Love the look, Loved the video!

[@davidsmith1620]

It is nice when other boaters work together. Thanks for the ride today.

[@stephholder7884]

We did the Avon ring in 10 days, May/June this year. Lots of locks, but the most beautiful trip. Stratford on Avon, Tewkesbury, Worcester so many lovely places. The moorings on the Avon are quite something.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Sounds lovely.

[@paulstanding7267]

Hi both nice vlog loverly weather and look at you in you teenage years nice to see you have got some nice weather after all the rain you had take care and do the d canal route you have plenty of time and some scenery 😀😀👍👍

[@pondus5002]

As always ladies, thank you for Nice video !!!

[@Isobel201]

yes we've done the four counties ring as a family, it was a lovely trip. Please do it and video it, it will be lovely memories for me x

[@J100EHBOO]

That was a good watch again . Toss a coin to see who wins . However if it were me i would wait till everyone was happily on the same page .

[@richardlaundon]

The Four Counties Ring was my introduction to canal holidays as well :D Must have been around 1983ish when we did it though. A lovely route and of course you get the brilliant Harecastle Tunnel to contend with. I think we did it in the suggested 2 weeks.

[@CJT80]

The Harecastle Tunnel, I was discussing that with my parents just yesterday! We did a trip on the Four Counties around the late 90's and the hire boat we had, had an alternator issue, so all our lights were dimming as we went through the Harecastle.. and we were the lead boat! Strange but memorable experience!

[@ianofsjkartwork]

Lovely vlog and lovely music...thanks for sharing

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

thank you for watching and commenting

[@Ghost_Friend69]

I love watching these vlogs they are so chill. I always walk along the canal near my home and imagine what an awesome life it must be. My only worry would be work.

[@grahamwestgate1192]

We've had our boat moored on the Staffs & Worcs canal for 15 years, first at Ashwood, then at Austcliffe! Good mooring places abound, but recomend, above the Bratch, at Greensforge, Stewpony, Kinver, Wolverley, not overnight in Kidderminster! and Stourport. Plenty more, but there's a few to choose from. If you see an old railway signal, our boat is moored directly below it! Enjoy the Staffs & Worcs, we love it! By the way, Oxley Marine at Autherley is a good place for diesel, or if you need any jobs done!

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thanks.

[@EscapeToTheCut]

Cant beat a bit of nb experience on a sunday morning ❤

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thanks guys.

[@debbiewhite1950]

Hi love your filming. Yes do all the rings! My hubby and i have. We have been boating 40ish years. The four counties we did in 1 week. I think we do much longer days cruising than some. We went past you a few weeks ago. You were moored up just before Great Hayward and were sat out talking to someone. It was that really hot Thursday 25th July. We went to Stoke. Passed you afew days later on our way back you had moved a little way. If we pass at a good time in future will stop and say hi.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thanks, Annamarie does all our filming and editing

[@sarahmartella3381]

Hi Anna Hi Kath, we did the four counties in 7 days with just the two of us.It was 10 hours cruising a day. so a nice 11 days maybe? taking your time. it was warmer days as well, when we did the ring. when we do the Four Countries again we said that two weeks would be less rushing. love to you both xxxxx

[@RetroRatz]

Lovely relaxing vlog! Thank you for sharing with us!

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

youre welcome x

[@robertotto3220]

Always enjoy waking up here in Alaska to you girls!

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

most enjoyable meee dears. thanks for the ride

[@andrewbarlow1707]

Great to see you guys enjoy the nice weather. Very chilled vlog as always, thank you 😊

[@PhilipInCoventry]

Love your video presentations. Brill, all of them. Please keep safe.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

thank you

[@johnlewis3009]

kath hasn’t changed a bit still looks like her 16 yr self

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

I know, how funny.

[@claremaidofthewave251]

Is that the opinion of all at John Lewis 😂?

[@markbulla1851]

My wife and I did the Avon Ring last year. Lots of locks! It took about 2 weeks. If I had another two weeks to spare, I'd love to do the 4-Counties Ring! I've heard that it's very nice.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

The Avon is on my list, sounds pretty

[@arthol51]

Yea a new video... been waiting for this ladies. You are my favourite narrowboat couple...with the Silver Foxes. Also subscribe to Cruising The Cut. I love you all so keep on posting the videos.

[@johnneal7832]

Eeesh I used to go to Wimpys in the late 70's🤣🤣I thought they were long gone, along with my youth lol

[@FPVsimon]

Hey ladies, do the 4 Counties ring, I haven’t got the foggiest what it is but I’m sure you’d do a smashing vid, quite hooked on your channel tbh, and I’m an avid motorhomer not a canalist

[@thetessellater9163]

Canalist? Motorhomer? Why not 'Motorhomist' or 'Canaler'. Who knows!

[@pwatsonuk]

We've done the Four Counties Ring and the Shopshire Ring a number of years a go - One week for each, but that was with a crew of 6...

[@gaylem4333]

Just love watching your videos! The kitties look like they are enjoying themselves. I would worry that they’d get lost, always in a different place, but cats are pretty smart.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it

[@markpullinger7324]

Love the video 😊

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

thank you

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

Good afternoon girls! Lovely to see your beautiful smiling faces again! :-) That Shutt Hill Lock looks like an absolute swine to navigate! But you both handled it very well! Excellent vlog ladies, and looking forwards to the next one! :-)

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

well thank you

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

@@TheNarrowboatExperience My pleasure! :-)

[@hughcarson6837]

Great vlog girls

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

thank you

[@beozzie690]

You two make me laugh so much. Keep up the great vids

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thank you

[@leonardjwright]

I remember a few Wimpy's back in England. There was definitely one in London at some stage. They're all over South Africa interestingly. I had a Wimpy breakfast just the other day! Lovely video as always!

[@davepark3151]

I notice in a lot of your videos you leave your lines draped across your solar panel a lot. Even though the line only covers maybe 2% of the panel, it will cut the power production of the whole panel by 12-15%. It's really worth the effort to move the lines off the panels - especially in winter when the sun is low and the days are short.

[@paulmajor1948]

The four counties ring is easily doable with two. We completed it clockwise on Friday, handing the boat back at Norbury. We met a group travelling the other way who were attempting it in a week. We took two. I would just let it take as long as it takes if you have no time pressures.

[@Darklightbeam]

In 1956 we went from Stourport on the Severn to Fladbury on the Avon. At that time that was a far as you could go on the Avon. The Stratford canal was not workable. The most memorable time we had was at Twyning Fleet just above Tewkesbury. That weekend there were 54 boats moored at the Fleet Pub. A terrific place and time. The camaraderie was brilliant. Gpx

[@ae-ribae6426]

Wow, Wimpy, what a throwback lol. Best milkshakes ever! Ah the olden days when we were more civilised 😂 Great vlog girls. Lovely journey, although that second lock (Shutt Hill?), gave me palpitations. It turned from The Narrowboat Experience to The Krypton Factor!

[@TheBoatingAdventure]

Yep I've seen some great examples of people getting along and helping one another and I've seen lock rage. It can make such a difference to your day. Canal etiquette seems to go out the window though about 5 o'clock in the afternoon when people are looking for moorings, then it's everyone for themselves particularly on river pontoons. Great fun! Love the scenery. Take care.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Yes sometimes it is everyone for themselves when you are looking for that last mooring.

[@LisaMarli]

Wimpy's story from 1965! (But you live in San Jose, CA) We had been living in Israel, where you cannot get good hamburgers, for a year. On our way back, we ran into a Wimpy's in Paris. Yum. We went there twice and several times in London. My 12 year old brother was a happy kid. At that time, they were better than McDonald's. When we were last in London, I had a different picky eater, my son was ecstatic to get his chicken nuggets and American pizza after being on a bus tour eating mostly English and Scottish food for 2 weeks.

[@dabois8845]

If you are travelling south to Kidderminster and Stourport then moor near Kinver edge, really pretty stretch and local shops

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thank you for the tip

[@terryrigden4860]

We used to do that stretch quite a bit when we moored at Gailey, fond memories of our early days

[@lorithorpe3502]

Up this end , I think there's only 2 wimpys left near Nottingham, I actually used to work in a wimpy in sheffield in my younger days lol , I was ever eating knickerbocker glories there lol , we did the the three ring counties a few years ago , & it was hard work with all the locks . Looks like you're having lovely weather again , brilliant . 👍😉

[@johninokla2635]

Hello ladies, a couple of things I noticed in this video. The first was there seemed to be a lot of boats, both moored and cruising, and the second was that the stern of your boat needs either painted or reblacked. Nice video thanks for taking us along. 👍

[@ncplantdoctor]

I vote for the Four County Ring. You are there, why not? Could make for some interesting conversations between the one who wanted to go and the one who did not.

[@geordienazgul]

Done four counties twice and it’s well worth a trip. We dawdled and completed it as a couple in two weeks.

[@juha_kinanen]

Did Four Countie Ring this summer. Really great trip. My first one. Started (and ended) from Norbury Junction. Took 2 weeks (only 4-5 h cruising hours per day). Really enjoyed it. Four very different sections.

[@jamesatkinson5188]

We have done the 4 counties and Cheshire ring a few times each. Always in a week as on a hire boat.

[@RetroRegan]

Loving the videos. I'm going to assume that was a joke about Kath's photos being from the 1970s because you both look like you're in your early 30s. If not, and it's the canals that's keeping you young looking then I'm off to the nearest marina after lockdown. And getting me a boat lol.

[@thenarrowboatrunner4674]

loving the new boat. Really enjoy watching your vlogs especially this trip down the Staffs and Worcester ,which we hope to do ourselves soon. We are live aboards but due to work commitments have to have a home mooring at the moment.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

you'll enjoy it

[@pootle2768]

Kath you haven’t changed a bit! Just the length of your hair! That was a lovely video - thank you x

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

so cute!

[@SM-Flyers]

I remember Wimpy burgers! Thought they were out of business. But how many of you recall that Wimpy was the sponsor of a professional basketball league and it was called the "Wimpy League?"

[@EdAdamthwaite1234]

We added wooded to our stove in Belgrave, Victoria, Australia to see what you did in Worc canal.

[@57629589]

Beautiful blue ropes trip!! I remember eating at Wimpy Burgers many times and their sauce they put on the burger. Good times.😎

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Yay the blue rope squad.

[@christinehammell6365]

We have done the Chesire Ring and the Four Counties Ring . We only ever have a week's hire but always manage but then we have 8 crew. 😉

[@christinehammell6365]

P.S. we always slow down passing moored boats and help at locks if required. 😊

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

excellent

[@sallyu1]

We did 165 locks on our month long holiday in June/July (Cheshire Ring, nearly all of the Four Counties Ring, and up to Ellesmere Port) and we only met 2 grumpy people at locks.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Sounds great

[@stephenwalters8061]

Good to see the suncream in use, but what about the hats? From one who recently had his second melanoma removed and in the past ignored such advice. I enjoyed the locks as much as the scenery in this VLOG.

[@brianpiddock6074]

Hi girls those mobile homes were not there on your trip as a young lass LOL and Baswich is an area not a Town lol. Your in my home town now keep up the vlogs makes my Sunday .

[@bobgilhooley2787]

Glad the cats got out👍 Did you paint your doors quick glimpse. The Roses look great, lets have another longer look.🎨😘

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

The boat doors on the stern were like that when we bought the boat. I do want to redo them, with a softer yellow, I'm quite fond of them, but they are missing a couple of cats.

[@willsgetoff1157]

Lovely vlog as always thanks for taking us along.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

You're welcome

[@feline1104]

When you reach Womborne beware of Batch Locks can be tricky. Remember problems on this staircase. Take care best wishes. Jayne x

[@dhcrasher1]

Hi ladies, we did the Four Counties Ring on a hire boat, in a week...it was a slog 🤪 ....I'd love to have taken our time doing it though...and we did the Stourport Ring as our first trip, trial by fire, the Tardebigge Flight on our first afternoon, but loved the whole journey...I think you should do that one for sure 😎

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

wow bet you slept that first night

[@dhcrasher1]

@@TheNarrowboatExperience ...we didn't moor up until about 9pm 🙈 lol...but there were 4 of us, we got into a routine...I was closing the gates out of each lock, the tail-end of the crew 😄

[@qiajenaehamilton6638]

Annamarie! Why on earth don't you want to make the circuit with Kath? I heard no reasons & it's clear it's a simple thing that would make ur Mrs. quite happy. It's a memory moment from her youth. Isn't trying all the canals part of the point of having a narrowboat? I vote give it a whirl! Lotsa great pics to be had & Kath can share stories from her past trip when u relive the journey. Go for it! Peace!

[@davidcutts2650]

Afraid I can’t help on the questions, but hey! Great video 👍👍😎.

[@erikandreassen6531]

Thumb's up always Still keeping track of your adventures. (pretty hard considering all your posts but will keep trying :-) )

[@rogerwhittle2078]

Yup, been there, done it, got the memories. We - a bunch of 'off duty' Scout Leaders - did the Four Counties Ant-clockwise in August 2015, from Stone. (The same boatyard that did Minimal List's blacking!) I reckoned it was 146 miles and 136 locks - although that included bypassing Stone at the end of the lap and going as far as 'The Holly Bush' (at the Leek - Froghall branches junction) on the Caldon - just to 'finish off'. We are now enthusiastic 'Hire Boaters' - but since we almost always have 'a crew' (including dogs) we help other boaters rolling locks, try hard not to bang in to things or annoy moored boats and plan our 'voyages' so we don't get ourselves into impossible situations. The 4 Counties includes some quite challenging boat handling - nothing scary like the Thames or the Ribble Link - and so it is intensely satisfying for the driver (or drivers in our case.) One of the most challenging things I've ever done while driving any kind of boat (I had an RYA non tidal qualification years ago) was the Harecastle Tunnel, north of Stoke - ask Cruising the Cut. I bet that's why Anna-Marie doesn't want to do it? (Sorry Anna-Marie) It is 45 minutes of the most intense concentration for the pilot/driver/steerer (whatever) - I don't think I blinked once - but after that, there are miles of beautiful, changing countryside, interesting lock flights, lovely villages and quite big towns. The 4 Counties has everything and I would do it again in a heartbeat - clockwise, this time. We can heartily recommend it.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Great memories

[@markjennings2315]

Those lines could moor the titanic!!

[@abywater]

I did the "Chesire Ring" on NB Consall Forge - took a week. Was a bit industrial in parts, we also had to wait for water coming down from upstream to what I think is the shortest canal in the midlands, or even the country.

[@eirishemd]

Great video as always ladies. Do the four counties ring. Would love to see it. Hugs to you and the felines💕❤️🇨🇦😎👍

[@stevezirkle3187]

I'm jealous 'cause it seems like your whole lives are a holiday!

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

I'm afraid to say they kind of are. We plan around our travel and get our work done early.

[@alejandrayalanbowman367]

Wimpy (note the spelling) the pure beef hamburger and you could taste it. In 1960 I went to work in Basildon and the Wimpy Bar was my lunch spot. In 1989 I went to Bogotá in Colombia and found Wimpy Bars and they still did some of the same menu so I could always get something I knew I would have no problem eating if the local fare was not to my liking.

[@lsimmons4767]

A 4 counties ring is a must. It's also time we had a week special daily vlog to go with it ....please 😊

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

That's an idea. See me get more exhausted and irrational as the week progresses...

[@lsimmons4767]

The Narrowboat Experience Hell yes! It's great for viewing figures 😂 Can't beat a good melt down, perhaps you could go live for it for added drama. Better than Eastenders

[@BradyDuga]

We just did the 4 counties this summer in 1.5 weeks (the remaining half week was spent puttering about on the Caldon). It's lovely of course, though the T&M can have some deep, hard to operate locks up by Stoke. But if you love tunnels (and I know you do!) you get the Harecastle to look forward to! I see people doing it in 1 week, but I have to say 1.5 was a bit too fast. I would have loved to have had a month, just to sit in one place moored up for a bit. As it was, we did mainly 6 hours travel days, which felt a bit rushed. But it seems like you have done most of the 4 counties if you add up your last trip on Ewart and your new travels on ... Ewart 2 :)

[@mrpatrickwilson1]

Some more lovely photography on this beautiful stretch of water, nice. Just going to have a look at Google Earth and see If I can recognise that stretch of the M6 from my working days - retired now!

[@Glad2bBack]

Some lovely camera work there 👏

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

Thank you. Annamarie does all our filming and editing.

[@paulfranklin8636]

Never sone the 4 Counties Ring, have done the Stourport Ring on 4 occasions...hard work...Tardebigge in particular but you do get to see some stunning scenery