Kayakers.

At one time you rarely met anything on the canals other than other boats and wildlife recently there has been a noticeable rise in other users.  Paddleboarders and Kayaks/canoes are becoming more common.

We had plenty of time before we had to return to the marina so we aimed to pass Great Haywood and turn up the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal.  Mooring for the night at a spot which has in the past been good for Kingfisher photography.  Somebody had built a rebar perch which was heavily used.  Sadly it was gone and so it seems was the kingfisher.

Coming back to Kayakers this pair passed us three times.  Once going up the T & M and then a bit later passing us as they came back.  Not at all unusual.  Then as we were on the S & W we met them coming towards us again.  I assume they were using the parts of the two canals between locks to avoid portage.