Bigmac

I'm with Carl all the way - The Plough is a favourite of ours - always had a good meal, but would advise you to book in advance to ensure a table. The Mill House is a definite no no. Been once and vowed never to set foot in it again. Food terrible and uninspiring.

Allan, We are heading down to Stockton Top Marina on Friday evening. Hopefully we will make it in time to be able to nip down to The Bridge by car to see the show and and enjoy a beer. If not, we will wave as we pass on Saturday morning as we are heading south on the Oxford for the week.

I agree with Richard T that the Plough at Huddlesford is a nice pub - but just be warned - it is VERY expensive if you want to eat. Usual pub type food at highly inflated prices.

Bones Thanks for that. We are hoping to get down to Enslow next week from Stockton, but you are not filling me with confidence about Aynho. There is no rain forecast over the next few days, but I would imagine plenty of snow still to melt. We would be hoping to pass Aynho on Monday. What do you reckon ??? We are leaving home this evening, so any info would be much appreciated. May have to have a re-think and head towards the Ashby instead. Mac

Thanks for that. Just seen same on Waterscape. Maybe heading off towards the Ashby then instead. If anyone has anymore info, especially towards the end of the week, it would be much appreciated. Mac

We are planning on leaving Stockton on Saturday morning and heading towards Oxford. Anyone able to tell us if we are likely to have problems with the River Cherwell just above Aynho Lock due to water levels - melting snow etc. We are hoping to get down to Enslow area before winding. Many Thanks Mac

There was a boat as you describe last week moored on the North Oxford facing south, moored up in a line of boats. The outboard was on the left side of the rudder. I'm sure this will be the boat you are after, but I can't remember exactly where it was. I'm sure we passed it last Thursday, which would put it between Newbold and Braunston, and I'm pretty sure it was early in the day, so nearer Newbold. I'll keep racking my brains for the exact location, but from what you have said, it seems to be in the same area. . . . . . Brain in gear (possibly)...........Does 'Lichfield' ring a bell ???????????????

Ownerships are having a show this weekend at Braunston. Good place to go and have a look round some boats and ask any questions you may have. There will be plenty of shareholders there to speak to as well as Ownerships themselves. We have been the last couple of years and it's a good day out if you are thinking about it. The debate about shared ownership / self managed or not etc comes up regularly on this forum. I think you have to go with what you think is best FOR YOU. We have gone that way after weighing up the cost implications of hire v shared ownwership and the fact that 3 or 4 weeks on the cut suits us due to personal circumstances. That will change in years to come when we hope to spend more time on the water during retirement etc, and one day we will own our own boat, but for now, it suits us down to the ground.

If you're looking in that area, have a look at Black Prince at Napton. You could consider all the routes you mentioned (obviously going towards Oxford this time) The boats are really clean and comfortable. We have used them the last two years and would certainly recommend them. Whatever you end up doing, have a great time. Lovely part of the system.

The Fox & Anchor at Coven was good last time we went (2006). Moley will probably be able to tell you if this is still the case. Plenty of mooring there too.

Arjen, Whichever way you go have a good time. The best part of the ring for me is the Staffs & Worcs. Do as much of it as you can fit in (ie take in the Wolverhampton 21 instead of cutting through the Netherton Tunnel). Try and schedule in to stop at Wolverley and have a meal at The Lock pub for a great meal. You won't be disappointed. Good moorings above or below the lock. Good Luck Mac

Definitely the Cotton Arms - top tucker. Horse & Jockey at Grindley Brook was good last time we went in summer 06. Very friendly and a damn good meal. If you get the chance, also try the Steak Pie at the Telford Arms just over the Ponty. Not the best pub to sit in, but if it's a nice day, plenty of room outside. Where ever you drop in, have a good time. Fantastic waterway.

John, I would definitely recommend 'The Romping Donkey' at Hassall Green (not only for the food and beer, but for the name if nothing else) Stopped there last Summer and the food was first class. It is quite close to the M6, but if you moor beyond bridge 146 and walk the short distance down the road (400 yards max) you won't be troubled by the noise if you stop there overnight. You'll be ready for a break then after conquering half of 'Heartbreak Hill'. Can also recommed 'The Dog & Doublet' at Sandon. Again a short walk if you moor above Sandon Lock. Excellent food and a nice clean pub. We also stopped at Norbury (Junction Inn) and would go along with the above that the food etc at the canalside pub is no more than average at best. Maybe one not to add to the list. Have a good time - I'm sure you will.

Forget that then. Just seen Holly has been found. Guess I'll have to watch Derby County on the telly. Mrs Bigmac says I could do with the ride anyway (can be so hurtful). Come on - stop leaving us in suspense !!!!

I don't mind having a look round Willington area. I'm not far away (10 mins drive). Will get the bike in the car and have a ride down. Do we know or can we find out which way the boat was facing when seen on Wednesday (i.e towards Burton or Shardlow) ????

If you are going down to Strourport, then I can really recommend The Lock Inn alongside Wolverley Lock. Fantastic food and a warm welcome. We stopped off their a couple of years ago on both the outward and back journeys. Also nice and quiet to moor up for the night either above or below the lock.

Stuart, Good choice of route. We did 4 Counties last year , but from Chirk Marina on the Llangollen and also did the Caldon as far as the Churnet (Broadmeadow Lock). As others have already said, the Caldon is great, but unfortunately, not until you get out of Hanley. To begin with you might think you have taken a wrong turn. Whatever you do, get into Stoke and get out again ASAP. Can fully recommend the Black Lion. I go there sometimes for Sunday dinner after a walk up the Caldon (only 45 mins drive away from home) and the pub you MUST visit for good food is The Romping Donkey which will fit in well with your plan for mooring on Day 9, and you'll be ready after all the heavy locks coming down 'Heartbreak Hill' You will do the route easily in the time. We had the LLangollen to do too and managed it relatively easily. Enjoy Mac