We’ll get to captain Jack Sparrow in a while. My main abiding impression of today is remarkable rural isolation. The route of canal passes Stoke Golding, but at a distance, then the Bosworth Battlefield and parallels the Battlefield Steam Railway. It might be worth hanging around until the weekend to see steam engines running. But for most of this length, we passed through fields and woods, with all evidence of modern civilisation kept at arm’s length. When I moored up for lunch and turned the engine off, all I could hear was birdsong. For at least 3 minutes, but then the spell was broken by the sound of a jet. One other thing. Blossom, more blossom and yet more blossom.

I have been taking an interest in the solar panels on many of the boats we pass. We have solar panels on the roof at home but I not on Heron, yet. This morning was the first time I have seen both solar PV {electricity) and solar thermal (hot water) on a narrowboat. I’m really interested in how well that works. I feel some googling coming on!

The upper end of the Ashby has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It has also caused me to revise my comments about the Ashby not being shallow. There are some sections that are both shallow and lacking in mooring spots. CRT are also very protective of some of the bans of the canal, with the most sensitive being protected by these additional timber and membrane “guards”.

You what happen when Hollywood gets hold of a decent story, they have to change it to make it more “exciting”. Turns out the Black Pearl, helmed by Captain Jack Sparrow, is a narrowboat based on the Ashby Canal. Why the film-makers thought the Caribbean was more exciting than the Midlands is unfathomable.

The Ashby also has a short 250 yard tunnel at Snarestone. I decided to put Sam the Roof-Dog inside for this. I’m pretty sure should would not have enjoyed being on the roof whilst going through the tunnel. When I told her, I’m sure she looked unimpressed. What do you think?

Shortly after the tunnel, you reach the current end of the canal. Actually you reach the last winding hole that can accommodate as boat longer than 52ft. Heron is 57ft, so this is as far we got. If you are shorter and want the adventure, you can open a small swing bridge experience a new section of canal that has recently been restored and reopened. And you really do reach the end. Under the last bridge, the line of the canal continues, but the water does not.