A bridge quite near.

CoffeePotter and I drove both of our cars to Stratford on Avon this morning. Leaving one of them there we returned to the aqueduct which takes the Stratford Birmingham canal over Salters Lane.

Leaving the other car in the small car park, we climbed the set of steps leading from the lane up to the tow path with the intention of walking the six miles back to Stratford.

Along the way we passed several of the small bridges which cross the canal. This was one which was not wide enough to allow the horse doing the towing to go under the bridge so it was built in two halves with a slot between them to pass the line from horse to boat to be threaded through without having to be disconnected.

What you can see is a barge the same size as all of the vessels which plied their trade up and down the canal to Birmingham, carrying bulk goods to and fro. This one is fitted to be used for cruising and having a small engine has no need of a tow rope.

We carried on with our walk arriving at our destination in time to buy the last sandwiches in M&S.