Day 7 - Little Haywood to Weeping Cross

Soon after setting off from Colwich Lock, we stopped again for a short walk to Great Haywood village and a look at Essex Bridge, the rather gothic and impressive footbridge over the River Sow to Shugborough Park.

Essex Bridge

Then, at last, we started on the Four Counties Ring properly, with a tight left-handed turn through the steeply cobbled bridge 109 onto the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal!

Bridge 109 - view from the north side

Denis - another tough day on the canals

This new canal almost immediately opened into an expanse of water called Tixall Wide - as the guide says "an amazing and delightful stretch of water, more resembling a lake than a canal" and known for its kingfishers.  To the south were views of the densely wooded Cannock Chase, altogether a magical place.  It was very windy and gusty, though and steering was difficult at times so we were pleased to find an overnight mooring at Stafford Boat Club, in the suburb of Stafford known as Weeping Cross.