Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Looking back to Cropredy
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The canal then moves from Warwickshire into the West Midlands as far as Sowe Common.
The Wyken Old Colliery Branch has been provided with convenient moorings by the
Coventry Canal Society. At Sowe Common there used to be a cast-iron towpath bridge but it
was removed during the construction of the M6. It now crosses the River Sherbourne at Spon
End in Coventry.
An 18th century Georgian hall is now a hotel hidden in the trees next to a small church
with a delicate spire. Also in the vicinity is the Rose & Castle, a public house with a suitably
canal-inspired name. There is a medieval ridge and furrow system, the first of a number that
have survived along the line of this canal.
There are extensive views to the south-east towards Nettle Hill. Where once the canal
made a loop up the Hopsford valley, it now crosses on an aqueduct. A riveted viaduct passes
high over the canal and railway, its sides supported with scrolled stays. The canal heads to-
wards the Upper Smite Village site. The M6 also passes over and heads east.
Stretton Stop lock and toll office are approached by a plank footbridge, often swung across
the water but easily swung back. The Stretton Wharf Branch goes north and is used by Rose
Narrowboats, based here beside the Fosse Way Roman road. At Brinklow there is a motte
and bailey, built in the time of King Stephen to defend the road.
