Congleton

Today's Canal - Macclesfield

Although the weather forecast predicted rain all day, in varying intensity, we fared a bit better but when it did rain then it was rather heavy.

Before setting off we had two things to do: firstly we had to heat up the water tank enough for Christine to have her shower and then Mike also went to the same Co-op shop that we visited yesterday. As well as the usual milk and newspaper, Christine had asked for some large envelope stamps. Despite being unsure about whether they had them, the checkout lady did manage to find two books, just what we needed.

As we set off, it was reasonably warm (well, not actually chilly!) and we had a pleasant run for a while. We quickly passed under one of several snake bridges we saw today.

At Lyme Green we could look back at the hills above Macclesfield - we are now close to dropping down to more lowland areas.

These lambs look as if they have grown up enough prefer each other's 'teenage' company, cheerfully abandoning their mothers at the other side of the field.

This proud mum is still keen to keep her brood carefully wrapped up in the long grass! How soon will they be left to fend for themselves?

After a couple of miles we reached Broadhurst swing bridge which we had to operate on the way up but it had been left open. As it carries a footpath right of way, let's hope it was meant to be open and that no walkers are especially inconvenienced.

The canal-side trees and shrubs have become much greener denser over the last couple of weeks - much of this canal is rather pretty.

Mike treated himself to the opportunity to operate Royal Oak swing bridge but only managed to bag two vehicles!

Here was the first notice we had seen indicating the stoppage ahead. This is what no boater ever wants to see! Perhaps as a result, we saw remarkably few boats on the move, mostly towards the the later afternoon when we saw several hire boats fresh out of Heritage Marina.

We could smell this large bank of wild garlic even before we spotted it.

Just for a short while we even had some sunshine but the dark clouds were gathering . . .

The main milestones along this canal are impressive, but only date from 1980's according to a sign at Bosley Locks. Alas they were made from sandstone and already many are losing much of the inscription. At least this lone can still be read but several cannot.

We filled our water tank just above the Bosley flight and once in the first lock we emptied the elsan and disposed of rubbish. Just as we started down the flight, the rain arrived.

At the second lock we met the only other boat in the flight - a hotel boat that had planned to return to its home base at Bugsworth via the Marple flight but when they heard that that flight was closed pending the replacement of a broken lock gate collar they decided to come this way. Now that there is the stoppage at Bollington they cannot get there by any route. Still, the crew lady we spoke to seemed quite cheerful about it.

As soon as we completed the flight we pulled in for lunch. Christine had picked up a reduced pack of oatcakes, popular in this part of the country, and we made them into wraps with egg, bacon and cheese.

Off again and just round the corner is Dane Aqueduct, quite some height above the river below. Mike could not find an easy way to get a full view of the structure but had to settle for a picture over the railings. It was not as precarious as the hand hold suggests!

However, at the Biddulph Railway Aqueduct just before Congleton, he did managed to find a better viewpoint. The line is well below the level of the canal but a short branch accessed the canal wharf just before the aqueduct.

Two snake bridges take the towpath across the canal just for the length through the wharf at Congleton, one either end.

We continued for another couple of miles but the rain gradually became more intense and by 4.30 Mike started to look for a mooring. His first attempt - where there would have been a good tv signal - failed as he could not get the boat close enough to the bank. Two more bridges and there was a good bank with piling but well lined by trees. Oh well, it is Saturday so not normally too much of interest on tv and Mike was not happy at the prospect of getting even wetter so he pulled in and tied up for the night. Minutes later, Christine was lighting the fire!

12.7 Miles - 12 Locks