As autumn approaches (who knows, we may already have experienced her first frosts) we'll begin our journey towards Llangollen – another indulgence being the plan to see the autumnal colours which line the banks of the canal on the approach to the basin.

Our guests will join us about 1.30pm around bridge 13. After an introductory blah blah and glass of something, we'll pull ropes and 'chug off' heading north on the Coventry Canal. We'll aim to tie up somewhere around bridge 29 – not far from CRT's maintenance yard or if it's a nice weather, even go a little farther and perhaps drop into the Kings Head.

Next morning after breakfast, we'll continue our northerly travels - ascending Atherstone Locks and making our way to a suggested evening mooring around Midland Works Basin.

Day 3 is an easier day with less works to work through (Just Glascote) and we'll probably aim for Huddlesford Junction before calling it a day. At this time of year, we'll keep an eye on weather forecasts and if it looks like rotten weather is coming, we may put a few more hours in so as to be able to sit it out rather than endure miles of cold, wet chugging. It's not that we're nesh, it's just from experience, the skipper gets a bit grumpy when guests and crew are tucked up inside, whilst he's shivering with rain dripping off his nose!

Next morning (if we've not already done it) we'll turn on to the Trent and Mersey canal and continue heading north to our destination. We may be ahead of schedule and if so, we can either stop and explore as the will takes us, or press on and perhaps get to Rugeley to spend our final 2 nights there to allow for exploration/pub visits etc. The moorings here are 7 days but I should imagine 2 nights here (and another 2 once our guests have departed) will be enough.

After breakfast on our final morning, we'll bid our guests farewell and begin a clean and re-stock mission in preparation for our continuing journey.

This is a trip of 39 miles, 16 locks, 1 swing bridge and 7 aqueducts.