There are plenty of tourists around Fradley Junction but the rural setting of the
canal soon envelops you. This is a delightful journey all the way to Fazeley. Streethay
Wharf has great chandlers and is well worth a look. We moored at Hopwas. There is a useful
post office cum store just over Dixon's bridge but it is easy to miss. The beer at the
Red
Lion was in good condition – Ansells Bitter, Pedigree and a guest. There is a popular
bar and comfortable if ordinary lounge.
I am sorry to say that a group of kids decided to
steal a boat hook off our roof and threw our pole into the canal early in the morning
which left a bad taste in our mouths. It has to be said that Hopwas is exactly the
opposite of a place where you'd expect trouble and this was our only bad experience on our
journey through Manchester, Wigan, Blackburn, Burnley, Leeds and Nottingham! The canal
gets busy with boats at Fazeley.