Today was my last day this week working with the kids from Ellesmere College’s Adventure Plus activity program. Having already had a go at rock climbing, kayaking and orienteering, I figured it would be a great opportunity to take advantage of some sunshine and go for a journey in the canoes. Here in Ellesmere we are very fortunate to have The Mere for fun and skills sessions, but we are also blessed with the Shropshire Union Canal which runs right past the town as it works it’s way to Llangollen. This is generally a busy stretch of canal at this time of year as the branch to Llangollen has two very impressive aquaducts which are a magnet for holiday boaters.
Fortunately, there is a quieter arm of the canal which goes from Lower Frankton to Maesbury Marsh. Although a substantial amount of restoration work is taking place to extend the canal it is still a dead end and, without the attractions of Llangollen, this arm of the canal sees relatively little traffic. With easy parking and access at Lower Frankton and Queen’s Head five and a half kilometers away, it provides an ideal half day trip.
The first couple of hundred yards were as entertaining as always, with some boats pinballing from one side of the canal to the other. It often takes people a little while to get used to keeping the canoes pointing in the desired direction and takes a bit of concentration. It wasn’t too long before all the crews were managing to keep a fairly steady course, until the relative success lulled them into a false sense of security, the concentration dropped and they found themselves back in the bushes. Some found it funnier than others!
One discovery we made today was the blackberries are ready for eating. I must admit to spending time picking fruit from the comfort of my own boat. Fruit that you would only ever get to from the water, but there was lots there to be picked. They made a very pleasant little snack along the way.
The trip went very smoothly with lots of time for everyone to enjoy each other as well as the beautiful environment and the sunshine. Thanks guys for a great morning.
