Burnley Embankment

A day without rain! Although the forecast included showers for much of the day we felt fortunate in only have grey skies with some bright, sunny spells. Just as we came into our night mooring, a few drops started to fall but they did not come to anything.

As we were out of blue-top milk for the girls (mind you, they did still have their Coco Pops and Rocks with red-top as they could not wait!) we stopped very soon after setting off. A convenient Morrisons store also provided its own off-side mooring. Consequently, instead of the planned quick shop for essentials we all went and partly re-stocked our store cupboard.

Although we were never far from the M65 (and frequently could hear it!) many stretches were very green, even just after leaving one of the towns along the way.

In some towns, many of the solidly built former industrial buildings have been converted to modern uses but other towns have left too many to remain derelict.

One old factory building once had a bell on top - we wondered whether this was to call the workers in the morning!

A retail outlet retains the factory chimney to advertise its location. (Guess what, it is close to the M65 Junction 12!)

In the middle of an otherwise winding canal, following the natural contours, it is surprising to come across the kilometre long Burnley Embankment which carries the navigation at roof top level. (See Alice's Blog for a picture) The many terraces are a reminder of the textile history of the town.

Gannow Tunnel North Portal

Gannow Tunnel is shorter than yesterday's experience but Jessica remembered that we needed the headlight switched on before we entered the darkness.

Rose Grove Services

Lancashire Sad Cake

At Rose Grove services (a former Waterways Maintenance Depot) we stopped for the usual range and then stayed on for lunch. Whilst waiting for some bread to bake off, Christine and Alice walked across the bridge to the other side to take a better look at the wharf. Later, Mike and Jess walked up to a nearby bakery and bought some sad cake - an East Lancashire working man's food, often included in his lunch box. It is closely related to Chorley Cake (which is made smaller) and Eccles Cake (which is more sugary). Sorry, but half of it was eaten before we thought about taking a picture!

M65

Pendle Hill

Two things dominated the scenery for most of the afternoon: the M65, which continued to reappear either above or below, and Pendle Hill, overlooking the town of Padiham.
(see also Alice's Blog)



Squatter's Rights?

Sign at Riley's Swing Bridge 

There were a few swing bridges this afternoon - at one we (and perhaps you dear reader) were amused by this sign alongside one of them.

Church Swing Bridge

Alice and Jess did most of the work at the last swing bridge - Alice tackled the unusual locking mechanism and, with both of them pushing, it moved readily.

Jess's New App

Christine downloaded some new apps for Jess and she spent some time with them, quickly mastering the rules!

Alice's Blog

Pendle Hill

Gas Holder

I had breakfast and I went shopping with Grandad Granny and Jessica. I took 92 photos. There was some beautiful hills. We passed an old gas holder and over the  Burnley Embankment. I opened and shut a swing bridge to let the boat through.

Burnley Embankment

Through the Window

16.8 miles - 0 locks