Rugeley to Great Haywood.

Monday 19th October, 2015 at Great Haywood.
Early morning visitors, ever hopeful of sharing a little breakfast. You can see how the cygnets' grey plumage is gradually turning white, giving them a marbled effect.

Rugeley is famous for its power station; the cooling towers and chimney dominate the skyline.

We have passed this way several times but have never walked in to the town centre. So, today we did. St Augustine's church was the original parish church but fell into disrepair and sadly the nave had to be demolished.

A new parish chrch was built on the other side of the road to replace it.
All that remains of the former Town Hall is the tower, which now is part of the market building. The Town Hall must have been a very impressive building in its heyday.

Of course, no town centre visit would be complete without...

The brick "accomodation" bridges on this stretch of canal are always very attractive.

Although it is now definitely autumn, the leaves have only just begun to turn.

Colwich Lock is one of our favourites. Again it has one of the lovely brick bridges and we have often seen cows wandering across this one. M was disappointed that none were in evidence today!

The handsome and much photographed junction bridge at Great Haywood is even more charming because of the irregularities in its construction.

Looking down the Staffs & Worcs; a delightful canal - but today we will continue on up the Trent & Mersey towards Aston.

We moored up tonight just south of the junction bridge and walked up to the farm shop and we just caught the café before it closed.
Today: 5 miles, 2 locks and 3.8 hours.
Trip: 506 miles,342 locks and 374.5 hours.