Herbie Award for Best Rural Mooring and 7 candidates for pub on or near the canal

 Hmm, Best Rural Mooring.  See previous post for the candidates. I'm torn between Radford Semele wood and the stretch just east of Wigrams Turn.  After consulting my co-judge Kath, we've plumped for one that we're looking forward to going back to for a longer stay and that is . . .

Radford Semele wood

It's probably not actually called that, but that's the best we can do.  There is loads of space there, wide path, sunshine and shade, peace and quiet and a charming woodland to wander through with bits of art work to search out.  Not only that but the owner of the wood walks there frequently and makes a point of welcoming boaters.

Now for Best Pub on or near the canal (on this year's trips only remember).  What a choice we have! There are some previous award winners here and a number of factors to judge on, so I've decided on a points system. Lets do, um, points out of five each for the availability and attractiveness of nearby mooring, the quality and value of the fare, and the ambience inside and out. Until I start, I have no idea who might win.  If you know these pubs, have a go at scoring them yourself.  Results in our next post.

1 Admiral Nelson at Braunston

Here's the lock side garden at night

2 Blue Lias at Long Itchington

3 Cape of Good Hope at Warwick

Taken from the covered seating adjacent to the lock

4 Two Boats at Long Itchington

There's Herbie just up the towpath

5  Folly at Napton

The now famous Folly Potting Shed veranda

6 Greyhound at Hawkesbury Junction

7 George and Dragon at Stoke Golding

We didn't take a picture of the pub, but here's their rather wonderful beer.

Of course there are other types of outlet offering food and refreshment by the canal and this year we discovered a good one.  We'll honour that one in our next post.

Also coming up in the awards  - favourite cruising waterway, 2022's scariest moment, and the Herbie Special Award to a special person.