A boat was just exiting Colwich Lock as we arrived, so a quick passage. The bottom gates have very short beams due to the proximity of the bridge and on the limit of operability for the lock operator. I usually reckon on leaving the boat in the bridge hole and going up to help. After Rugeley traffic started to build up, but the Armitage “tunnel” was unoccupied but with a boat waiting at the other end by the time we got there. A couple of bridge hole experiences on the way and then a short wait at Wood End before the couple of Fradley Locks, both with volunteer lock-ins and no wait at all. Once on the Coventry a slow boat suddenly appeared out of nowhere ahead of us. They were aware and found an opportunity to let us pass soon after. Not that we are speeding, just cruising at a steady speed.
Our night spot puts us in good position for Hopwas and Fazeley in the morning, with final destination top of Atherstone.