From Clarkson to Boudicca.

 Sunday 8th June 2025 in Marston Jabbett.

Having just watched an episode of "Clarkson's Farm", we decided that this must be one of Jeremy's efforts at sowing a straight line.

Most of the locks on this section of the canal have side ponds that were once used to save water. Now they are all overgrown and this one had a beautiful mass of Valerian growing in it.

At the top of Atherton's flight of locks is this derelict hat factory once owned by "Wilson & Stafford"; it closed in 1999. Atherstone was once famous for producing a huge variety of hats, in particular "Pith Helmets" exported all around the world. Every time we pass this way, the building has deteriorated more. 

A little further south is the once Roman town of Mancetter, that is reputed to be the site of Boudicca's final defeat by the Romans in AD 59 or 60. The claim that 80,000 locals died, compared to 400 Romans is likely to be the victor exagerating for effect. Either way, it marked the end of the revolt against the Roman occupiers.

 Today: 10 miles, 11 locks and 5.6 hours.

Trip: 49 miles,21 locks and 23.6 hours.