I’m leading my fourth school canal cruise when an unusual and frightening incident takes place. Thus far it had been an excellent cruise, the only anomaly being that we turned our two boats around in the middle of nowhere, having failed to make it to either Leicester or Market Harborough. After returning through the Foxton lock-flight, we pass the Laughton Hills on our right and moor up just before Husbands Bosworth tunnel, just as a breeze is getting up.

After the evening meal I get asked by both crew and kids if we can have another ‘Coke & crisps’ night – so I agree to go to the village to get some large bottles. I notice on my OS map that there’s a short-cut from the towpath to the village, which I take. It soon turns into a fairly narrow path with high fences and modern houses either side, making it quite dark. But suddenly I get stopped in my tracks by the sound of loud barking and two Alsatian dogs jumping about, further up the path. I’m terrified - as I’ve never been a fan of dogs, especially large ones with aggressive reputations. Their pointy ears tell me they are Alsatians, and they are standing right in my path! My natural inclination is to retreat - but I can hardly return to the thirsty crew and kids empty-handed - and with what excuse?! I feel totally stuck and unable to move either way. I could be stranded here for hours!! ...

Continue Reading at CanalsOnline