Club Cruise to Stratford-upon-Avon on the Stratford Canal
What has become an annual event MWYC organises a 'supported' cruise to Strafford–upon–Avon for the senior members. Each day a small army of members, armed with windlass in hand descended on to the towpath to offer assistance when and where required.
Usual Itinerary
Day one; the boaters and support crew moored opposite the Fleur de Lys Public House for coffee and biscuits.
Day two; start at lock No 31 (the one with the barrel roof cottage), replenishing water tanks before mooring for a social afternoon and a restful the night at Wootton Wawen.
Day three; late start and an easy cruise to Wilmcote.
Day four; start with the arrival of the lock working crews to work the members boats down the Wilmcote flight. Tie up for the night between the bottom lock and Chalybeate Bridge (A46 crossing) to enjoy another social afternoon. Note: the word 'Chalybeate' denotes natural mineral springs containing iron salts.
Day five; the boats stop near Spa Lodge at Bishopton to take on water before proceeding down the remaining locks into Stratford-upon Avon.
On arrival in Stratford-upon Avon the boats all moor close together on the pontoons. The area around the basin is a centre for street entertainers, buskers and street theatre most of which was viewed from the comfort of the boats.
The return journey is the reverse of the trip down.
