Morning: I awoke to a fine sunny day and enjoyed a full Welsh breakfast with fellow guests. Stephen met us at hotel in minibus.

Arrived at Belan top lock on the Montgomery Canal and met Buddy the horse - gave him the carrots I had brought with me. Sian was moored in the lock so easy to climb aboard. Met crew Sandy and Danny and horseman Simon . Buddy was already harnessed and eager to go.

Left Belan locks. The first two miles were covered at a leisurely pace because the canal was very shallow but the scenery was magnificent. Sat comfortably in the front of Sian and saw a kingfisher and a family of swans with five cygnets and several colourful dragonflies.

Arrived Brithdir lock. Quite a deep one - about 8 feet. Sandy served coffee and biscuits as we "sat" in the lock. Stephen suggested we stroll to the next lock - "a short mile". Two of us walked with Buddy while the rest walked ahead. What a lovely walk! Crossed a small aqueduct over the Luggy Brook and noticed deep grooves worn in the railings by working boats. Saw several buzzards and a family of mallards - 9 chicks.

Arrived at Berriew lock. Pretty lock keepers cottage (vacant and for sale). Buddy ate the roses in the front garden! Stephen spotted nest of grey wagtails in bottom gate so had to close it gently. Such a lovely day decided to continue walking.

Got back on boat as she crossed Berriew Aqueduct. Difficult turn after aqueduct and Sian ran aground but Danny pushed us off with a long pole while Buddy pulled.

Afternoon: Arrived at Garthmyl. This was as far as we could go due to a lowered road bridge - such a pity. Simon fed Buddy and put him in a stable to rest while Sandy served a delicious picnic lunch on the tow path. Home made quiche with organic new potatoes and side salad followed by Welsh strawberries and cream!

Stephen and Danny turned Sian in winding hole. Decided to ride back on the boat. What a perfect way to relax! Buddy keen to get home. Couldn't believe how different scenery was going the other way. Blacksmith busy at Berriew Wharf making ornamental gates in old canal warehouse.

Arrived at Berriew lock and stayed on boat. Four other guests decided to walk and helped crew work the lock. Canal very overgrown between Berriew and Brithdir - apparently the "weeds" are rare Water Plantain and Grasswrack Pondweed. Lovely open scenery. Thought I saw a Red Kite - could not be sure. Delicious smells from the galley.

Back at Brithdir lock spoke to retired couple in lock keepers cottage. Served with afternoon cream tea as we left lock - warm scones, cream and home made damson jam - wow. A herd of lovely brown and white cows came to the waters edge to see us. I think they were Ayreshires. Buddy knows he is going home so needs little encouragement from Simon. Everyone back on Sian enjoying silence of horse boat travel.

Arrived back at Belan locks. Simon unharnessed and fed Buddy, then rode him to a nearby field. Such a pretty spot - lock keeper busy mowing grass. Disturbed heron fishing.

Sian moored near old lime kilns. Stephen drove us back to the hotel.

Arrived at hotel in time to rest before dinner. What a lovely day it has been. Looking forward to tomorrow. I never believed how relaxing travelling on a horse boat could be. No vibration! No noise! No diesel fumes!