Branston

Branston Water Park

We are moored at Branston (allegedly where the pickle came from) just south of Burton on Trent. It is a pleasant spot as the moorings are next to a large lake surrounded by woodland which forms the basis of Branston Water Park, a nature reserve and park popular with local families and dog walkers.

We left our Alrewas mooring shortly after 9am. The canal was busy with many boats travelling towards us which meant that the locks were already set when we arrived and we didn't need to close the lock gates after we left, a pattern that continued throughout the journey.

After the two Alrewas locks the canal joins the River Trent for a quarter mile. The last time we travelled this section the river journey was "exciting" as the Trent was flowing strongly and the "Proceed with caution" warning was in place. This time however it was very quiet with little indication of any flow at all.

Beyond the river section the canal passes alongside the busy and noisy A38 for 2 miles, a road we use frequently. A mile or so after leaving the A38 we arrived at Branston and decided to stop as it was time for lunch. Having no desire to moor in Burton on Trent we decided to moor for the rest of the day and to make up the time with a long trip tomorrow.