The map in the Nicholson guide suggests this stretch of the waterway is built up, but the overwhelming impression is rural and tranquil. Only after Aylestone Meadows does the city start to become visible.
We made it through to King's Lock, recommended by nb Bullrush for a safe mooring before Leicester and moored in a quiet spot just before bridge 105, interrupted only by cyclists, joggers, dogs and walkers. A passing local historian (this seems to happen often to us) told us the history of the medieval Pack Horse Bridge with its eight buttressed stone arches over the river Soar.
Walked the short distance to the Black Horse pub, a friendly and slightly eccentric local, for an evening meal. Lovely hand battered fish for three of us and Pete had a pie which had very little filling with surrounding rock hard pastry. Interesting contrast! Long discussion about whether narrow boating can be considered truly intrepid. Friendly staff and a neighbourhood cat who sat beside us while we ate.
On our way back we explored the Pack Horse bridge again. We saw another toad under the railway bridge on our way back to the boats and wondered if it were the same one who had visited earlier and had come to see what we were up to.
We made it through to King's Lock, recommended by nb Bullrush for a safe mooring before Leicester and moored in a quiet spot just before bridge 105, interrupted only by cyclists, joggers, dogs and walkers. A passing local historian (this seems to happen often to us) told us the history of the medieval Pack Horse Bridge with its eight buttressed stone arches over the river Soar.
Prince Rupert of the Rhine marched his men and cavalry over it when supporting King Charles during the Civil War and it took a whole day for them all to cross. We also heard the background of the defunct Grand Central. Railway, which is now a cycle track and well maintained by the local council. We encountered a toad who paid Romajech a visit, inspected us and found us a little lacking so then pottered off into the hedge across the towpath. If we see a mole on this trip, we shall have encountered the three main characters from 'Wind in the Willows'.
Walked the short distance to the Black Horse pub, a friendly and slightly eccentric local, for an evening meal. Lovely hand battered fish for three of us and Pete had a pie which had very little filling with surrounding rock hard pastry. Interesting contrast! Long discussion about whether narrow boating can be considered truly intrepid. Friendly staff and a neighbourhood cat who sat beside us while we ate.
On our way back we explored the Pack Horse bridge again. We saw another toad under the railway bridge on our way back to the boats and wondered if it were the same one who had visited earlier and had come to see what we were up to.
No comments:
Post a Comment