Trip Report – River Sow Circuit 13th May 2017

Trip Report – River Sow Circuit 13th May 2017

Martin and I meet for nine at the Canal side cafe at Great Haywood. We’ve unloaded and had breakfast (Rob Harrison’s influence) and are joined by Denise Swinburne . The trip is about 9 miles, and starts on the Trent and Mersey canal but almost immediately a turn is made onto the Worcester and Stafford. It’s a pleasant paddle with some cross winds, and there’s an interesting stretch as Shugborough Hall is passed. It was built much wider than normal canals to look like a lake to please the eye of Lord Lichfield as he looked from his window. Martin took the opportunity to practice some skills as we rafted and he walked to line the canoe. As we near Stafford we reach the portage point to the river. It’s time for lunch , and we meet some volunteers rebuilding a section of canal that will reconnect to Stafford town centre.

They have a big job. We launch into a drainage channel that soon joins the River Penk, and very shortly afterwards the River Sow is joined. With a bit of flow we’re hopeful of a quicker return to Great Haywood. However there are a number of trees down across the river and care is needed to negotiate the hazards. Soon we are back to Shugborough Hall and then we meet the River Trent as we reach Great Haywood, but it’s time to portage to the canal for a short run back to the start point.

Thanks to Denise and Martin for their company on the trip , and to Denise for contributing her photos

– Richard Matthews