Saturday 27 August 2011

From Upper Lock at Bratch to below Gailey Lock, Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal

We were woken early yesterday by a boat gently passing by at 6.30am, this is not unusual, as many boaters prefer to get moving, and moor up in the early afternoon. We needed to get going by 8.30 , to return to Wightwick so that we would be in good time for the Manor opening at 11am.

Our return was not in vain, and we lucky to be booked in for the 11.30 tour, and what a real treat the house tour was. Our charming lady guide showed us through the stunning Mander mansion, which is crammed with Morris fabrics and wallpapers, many pre Raphaelite paintings, and tiles and ceramics by William de Morgan. Theodore Mander and his wife Flora had a very modern outlook when they commissioned the interior of  their home, unfortunately neither lived long enough to enjoy. The great hall/reception room was most impressive with a huge ingle nook fireplace and minstrel gallery, with Morris fabrics lining the walls. Our guide explained that the missing panel of Morris fabrics was due to an infestation of woolly bear insects, and the Trust was having to expend several thousand pounds to treat each panel, by removing and arranging for specialist 'freezing' to deal with the problem. The 90 minute tour came to an end far too soon, and we both agreed it could have gone on longer, it was just fascinating. We would recommend a visit and house tour to all.

So, after lunch, and a swift shopping trip to NISA at Compton, we continued on our way towards Autherley Junction and beyond, to moor again at Cross Green. We have noticed that over the last couple of days, someone has spent a lot of time creating faces on many of the tree stumps and sign posts along the way.

Today, Sunday, we have continued along the Staffs and Worcester canal, passing another Vagabond, also, Caernarvon, the butty of a retired hotel boat AND Nell Gwynn, a boat we borrowed about 25 years ago, based in Skipton, which brought back memories of a dead duck we discovered on the boat roof one morning, - we could only presume had been attacked by a fox.

Friday 26 August 2011

From Dimmingsdale Lock to The Bratch, Staffs and Worces Canal

A dismal day and we set off in drizzle, which is unusual for us. The lock at Dimmingsdale wreaked from spilt diesel someone had left and the bottom lock gates fitted so badly we need not have raised the paddles to empty the lock.

We passed one or two boats as we approached the Upper Lock at Bratch. No waiting, the lockeeper ushered us in and down we went, no messing. Quite a complicated set of gates and colour coded lock gear to be operated here. We moored at the bottom and walked the dog in the rain around Wombourne Nature Reserve. Saw no one!

Where is everyone, it is August Bank Holiday, probably saw all of 20 boats moving today.

We spotted a sign on the boundary of the cricket field which made interesting reading. See Pic

Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 August 2011

Wheaton Aston Shropshire Union Canal, to Autherley Junction, and onto Dimmingsdale Lock, Staffs and Worces Canal

Before leaving Wheaton Aston, we purchased diesel from Turners Garage in the village. They supply red diesel at a very good price, (today it is 70.9p a litre), and in a very cheerful and efficient way. A fuel pipe extends down the canal bank, and many boaters like us go there just for the good fuel deal. Boats start arriving from 7.30 in the morning!

After refuelling we turned round and headed back towards Autherley Junction once again. The boat has spent a fair bit of time up and down this stretch recently, but we turned right onto the Staffs and Worcester, and new water. The initial start today (Thur) was misty, and very cold out of the sun, almost necessitating gloves, which is ridiculous in August! but the trees are turning to peachy red and orange already.

Our plan today was to stop and visit Wightwick Manor and gardens (NT) - the dog dragged us around the gardens, very neat, formal borders, wild orchards, ponds, kitchen and Caribbean herb gardens. Theodore Mander (paints) commissioned the house for his son Geoffrey in 1887. The interior of the house is filled with Wm Morris furnishings, and pre Raphaelite paintings. We look forward to seeing these on our return in a few days.

Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 August 2011

Gailey Lock  Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal to Wheaton Aston, Shropshire Union Canal

Fantastic early morning sun, both days, and barometer definitely on the rise! Ddisappointment when we tried to have a pub lunch, unwelcoming staff, cost of  beer, and a long wait to give our food order, we returned to the boat and saved our pennies - nay several pounds for another day.

Stayed put for the rest of Tuesday, painting and reading. Tested the heating system, as it is obvious that it will not be long before we shall need it .It worked fine - phew!

This was a nice quiet mooring until the late afternoon, and the lemming instinct took over.

We had expected rain today (Wed), that is according to the professionals, but no, a pleasant warm, and sunny day, everybody happy.

The stop lock as we waited to turn onto the Shropshire Union, was a bottleneck, goodness knows what it is like on a busy turnround day with the adjacent hire boat base in full swing. The insignifitant difference in water levels the lock made, suggests that the gates could be left open.

Spot the Difference!

Sunday 21 August 2011

From Park Gate Lock, Teddesley, to below Gailey Lock, Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal

A lovely summers day, and plenty of boats moving. As we approached Penkridge, we spotted a boating acquaintance from a month or so ago, who we recall very bravely changed her engine mountings alongside the towpath! She bravely said the mountings were still bedding in!

We managed to get water in Penkridge, though had to be patient. On to Gailey - the locks are dotted every couple of miles or so, and boats seemed perfectly timed to go up and down, without wasting water or energy. We stopped for lunch and didn't move on - did some boat painting instead!

Saturday 20 August 2011

From Shugborough Hall, Trent and Mersey Canal to Park Gate Lock, Penkridge, Staffs and Worcestershire Canal

As often happens when you gently pull away from your mooring, a boat in front of you suddenly loosens its ropes and somehow just doesn't see you and moves out in front! Today was one of those days, and as we left the very familiar view of Shugborough Hall and approached the lock below Great Haywood junction, we found 3 boats queueing ahead of us. Amazingly, at least 6 boats came out of nowhere, and patiently lined up behind us, to use the lock. Through the lock, a swift farewell to September Pearl, and a sharp left turn onto the Staffs and Worcestershire canal, aiming to get to Penkridge and the chandlers before closing.

On our way, we passed a, by now, familiar hotel boat, but no passengers. Mystifying, as the boat looks really well looked after.

We made Penkridge in good time, and the chandlers had the filters we needed and also a large dog life jacket. Next project is to persuade the dog to keep it on!

This stretch is not new to us, as we had a hire boat from Gailey some 4 years ago, but do not recall the offside weeds and reeds reducing the navigable path to just wide enough for one boat, in places.

Thursday 18 and Friday 19 August 2011

From Shugborough Hall to Shugborough Hall, Trent and Mersey Canal

Well, well, well - the forecast was a little different from the reality. Just a few spots of rain, not the deluge we had braced ourselves for. Our mooring alongside the Shugborough estate is so quiet and pleasant, all we have managed to do is go down the canal and turn around, and return. We carefully passed this superbly painted tug- style boat on the way. It looked rather vulnerable to being clouted by less careful boats.

We certainly know the gardens at Shugborough very well now and managed to include a visit to the walled fruit and vegetable garden this time, including Blacksmith's shop. Unfortunately, we were unable to purchase and veg today. We did spot a fallow deer as we made our way along the driveway. 

An evening picnic and al fresco film (Dirty Dancing), shown in the estate gardens did not even disturb us - pity that the evening was so chilly for the ticket payers.

Very autumnal feel to the start and end of the day.

Wednesday 17 August 2011

From Weston on Trent to Great Haywood, Trent and Mersey

Good to be afloat again, and life has definitely resumed some normality as we went to the Saracens Head for lunch, and whilst we were there, received a text from some friends (ex hotelboat guests in fact!) aboard N/b "September Pearl", suggesting we meet in Great Haywood today. So, with a sense of purpose we turned the boat around again, and headed south back down the Trent and Mersey canal. Lots of moving boats in both directions, so a few moments spent at the locks, and we meet up at a rather familiar spot ,just opposite Shugborough Hall. Lovely autumn sunshine, and of course, another pub lunch, this time in the garden of the Clifford Arms, that was also a tad familiar!

We all then set off to find some caves, shown on the canal guide, which we thought to be adjacent to the canal. Alas no - but all was not lost, as we asked some other walkers ( N/b "Forever Young"), if they knew where the caves were. A swift clicking of keys on their mobile phone and the internet revealed the location of the caves between Great and Little Haywood. As we  were so close we persevered, and found that the caves were in fact an old sand stone quarry, now very overgrown, that had clearly been substantial workings, from the mid 19th century, providing materials for building bridges. Unlike previous visitors, we did not add to the graffiti on the smooth quarry walls.

A really pleasant August day - we are bracing ourselves for a ghastly wet day tomorrow. How can two days be so different?

Monday 15th August 2011

Baswich (Staffs & Worcs Canal) to Weston Upon Trent (Trent & Mersey Canal)

We spent a very pleasant evening just below Deptmore Lock last night, with only cows, bats and a quiet but constant drone from the distant M6 keeping us company.

Today we did the final section of the Staffs & Worcs Canal along to Great Haywood Junction. This was a canal of contrasts, from twisty turns and narrow channels through the weeds, to the almost lake like Tixall Wide.

We then turned north onto the Trent & Mersey Canal yet again.

The weather has been very hot today, though accompanied by the odd breeze at inconvenient moments - I sometimes wonder why canal boats are not fitted with sails - the smallest gust can easily shift them several yards sideways!

We've now completed this journey, and are currently moored by a pub at Weston Upon Trent.

It's been a great exploration of the "Four Counties" canals.

9.5 miles and 3 locks today; 140 miles and 95 locks altogether.

Sunday 14th August 2011

Calf Heath to Baswich (Staffs & Worcs Canal)

Another uneventful day, punctuated by yet another long lunch break at a pub - though this time not totally of our choosing as the kitchen forgot to cook our meals...

The locks seemed to be very slow today, possibly because other people were involved!

We've noticed an amazing number of ducklings on the canals this year - I would have assumed that they would have grown up a bit by this time of year, but evidentially not.

The weather has been very nice today - not 100% blue sky and sunshine, just pleasantly warm and no rain.

The photos show an interesting painted boat and the pub.

8.5 miles, 10 locks today

Saturday 13th August 2011

Brewood (Shropshire Union Canal) to Calf Heath (Staffs & Worcs Canal)

We've continued south along the last bit of the Shropshire Union Canal to Autherley Junction.

On the way, we passed a bridge that was part of the Chillington Estate - a bit posher than the average canal bridge!

This was a bad day to go anywhere near Autherley Junction, as there is a hire boatyard there which had 8 boats in for swapover, and it was quite difficult to actually get to the stop lock to join the Staffs & Worcs Canal.

But eventually we succeeded, and after an appalling left turn into the Staffs & Worcs Canal, we headed north again.

Very shortly afterwards, there's a section marked 'Very Narrow Cutting' on the map, and indeed it was. Luckily, there was only one boat coming the other way, and we crossed before entering it.

After this section, a beer was needed, and luckily, a few miles on, we found a nice pub by the canalside. A large lunch and several drinks later, we are now moored up for the evening in a quiet spot near Calf Heath.

11.5 Miles, 1 lock (6") today.

Friday 12th August 2011

Goldstone to Brewood (Shropshire Union Canal)

We are still moving south and east along the canal.

The combination of cuttings and embankments make for interesting views along the way. In many places, we could see The Wrekin in the distance.

Gemma saw a kingfisher this morning.

It was actually warm this morning when the sun shone, which made a nice change. In fact, the weather has been dry all day, unlike the forecast...

The photos show the unusual bridge in Grub Street Cutting, and Cowley Tunnel, which at 81 yards long is more like a long bridge.

We're currently moored up at Brewood (pronounced Brood) - which is an ideal combination; quiet moorings but pubs and shops only a short distance away.

17 miles, 1 lock, 1 little tunnel today.

Thursday 11th August 2011

Hack Green to Goldstone (Shropshire Union Canal)

We've continued down a very pleasant section of the Shropshire Union Canal, it's been a busy day with three lock flights (Audlem, Adderley and Tyrley).

The weather has been much better today.

The Woodseaves Cutting was spectacular - and to think that it had all been made with manual labour.

We're now moored near to a pub, and are looking forward to a few drinks.

13 miles and 25 locks today.

Wednesday 10th August 2011

Church Minishull (Middlewich Branch) - Hack Green (Shropshire Union Canal - Main Line)

The meal at the pub (www.badgerinn.co.uk) last night was excellent - more posh restaurant than pub food though, with prices to match...

A slow start today, the Middlewich Branch seems to be very busy, and we spent most of the morning queuing for the two remaining locks on the branch.

Eventually, we reached Barbridge Junction, and after taking on water, we headed south on the Shropshire Union Canal Main Line.

As the afternoon progressed, the wind and rain increased, and getting fed up with being blown into the bank, we went through the Hack Green locks and are moored up for the night watching the geese and swans on the opposite bank.

12 miles and 4 locks today. But it seems like more!

Tuesday 9th August 2011

Wheelock (Trent & Mersey Canal) to Church Minshull (Shropshire Union Canal - Middlewich Branch)

After a disappointing evening finding a decent pub in Wheelock (one shut, one without food and one rather grotty), we ended up with some nice fish & chips.

In the morning, we set off down the Trent & Mersey canal; an uneventful journey along uneventful canal to Middlewich. At which point there was a very long queue for Wardle lock (but not long enough to stop at the pub!), where we eventually joined the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal.

After stopping for lunch, we waited for a boat to go past and set off behind them, only to have TWO rather dubious single crewed boats push in front of us. So we had a long queue for the next lock as well...

Still, no rain today, which made a nice change.

Eventually, we reached very nice moorings near Church Minshull. The pub in the village reopened yesterday after being closed for 5 years, so we've booked a table for a meal.

12 miles, 8 locks today.

Monday 8th August 2011

We've continued our journey south on the Macclesfield Canal, and have now turned Northwest onto the Trent & Mersey Canal at Kidsgrove. Weather has been a bit cold and showery, but not so wet as to halt progress.

After lunch, we went down "Heartbreak Hill" to Wheelock - 26 locks in fairly quick succession! The weather was better, except for a 10 minute total downpour. The photo shows where the M6 crosses very close to a canal lock.

14.5 Miles, 27 Locks today. No swing or lift bridges!

Sunday 7th October 2011

We set off from Adlington and continued south along the Macclesfield Canal this morning, the only obstructions being two swing bridges; one was open, the other needed a button pushed to stop the traffic, lower the barriers and open the bridge. No winding required.

After lunch, we went down the Bosley Lock Flight. The first few locks were already set for us from boats coming up, but efficient coordination from our lock operators (AKA "young, fit girls") allowed us to get though all 12 locks in around 90 minutes. The lock operators had earned their cup of tea at the bottom though.

We then continued on past Congleton, and are now moored up in what seems like the middle of nowhere, just south of bridge 82.

17 miles, 12 locks, 2 swing bridges (one open) today.

Saturday 6th August 2011

The weather finally cleared, so we rejoined the Macclesfield Canal south to moor back where we were two nights ago.

In the afternoon, we walked to the National Trust house at Lyme Park. It was a nice, but long walk through the park, and wandering around a stately home made a change from canal life. Barney was a bit bored though as he wasn't even allowed in the gardens.

Saturday 6th August 2011

After what seemed a good day weather wise, we set off to Marple. After a few minutes, it started raining, then got wetter. And wetter. And wetter.

There was nowhere sensible to moor, so we ploughed on through the rain to Marple, where we are currently drying out!

Friday 5th August 2011

After a latish start, we headed up the Macclesfield Canal to Marple. We turned right on to the Peak Forest canal, which is really lovely - it contours around the hills, with good views over the valley in a lot of places - very reminiscent of some parts of the Mon & Brec canal.

We stopped for the lunch by the Torrs Riverside Park; a lovely spot, but unfortunately, the pub in the town didn't open until 7pm...

So, after a sandwich on the boat, we headed to Whaley Bridge. Whilst getting water and supplies, Barney misjudged the jump from the boat and fell in the canal. Luckily the sun was shining, so he dried off fairly quickly.

After Whaley Bridge, we went along the other branch of the Peak Forest canal to Bugsworth Canal Basin - this was really interesting, and we were tempted to spend the night there, but thought we should press on.

We're now moored in a lovely spot back near Disley, still on the Peak Forest canal - a good view over the valley, and warm evening sunshine. After a few drinks, what more could one ask for?

17 miles, 0 locks, 3 lift bridges, 4 swing bridges today.

Thursday 4th August 2011

To give Bob & Nicola a well earned rest, we've taken over Vagabond for a while. This time, we have Barney along - looking very worried in this photo!

We swapped over just north of Macclesfield, in one of the few places where there were both moorings and a car park (see tinyurl.com/dogbin for an exciting image of the car park).

The weather today has been horrible and drizzly, so we've only moved about 2 miles up the canal and moored next to a rather nice pub (see photo, though not so nice that they let dogs in...)

The rain has now stopped, and it's turning into a very pleasant evening.

Tomorrow's task is to venture up the Peak Forest canal to Whaley Bridge.

Tuesday 2 August 2011

Br86 to Br 47 Macclesfield Canal

We started the day in drizzle that turned to harder rain that eventually stopped when we had to ascend the Boseley Locks.

The canal skirts Congleton without noticing that you are near a big town and continues NE to reach the 12 locks that take you to over 500ft above sea level. Part way up the locks we met a Valley Cruisers Hire Boat from Nuneaton, whom we had encountered some time ago. They are out for four weeks. Unfortunately they annoyed the boat going up ahead of us by pinching a lock from them.

The stonework on this canal is quite amazing and some of the lock walls would not look out of place at Machu Pichu.

Having climbed the only flight of locks on the canal we moored before  Macclesfield and let the dog off as he had been on the boat for a long time. He immediately disappeared into the woodland and eventually came back covered in thick mud!!

Monday 1st August 2011

Westport Lake, Trent and Mersey to Br86 Macclesfield Canal

Westport Lake is a good place to moor before heading for Harecastle tunnel. A Viking Afloat hireboat was the first to pass us this morning at some unearthly hour, even the dog wasn't awake!!

Just a short cruise to the tunnel entrance and we were second in the queue for the passage through and two other boats joined during the 45 min wait. The BW tunnel keeper was very helpful and informative and obviously enjoyed his job. He even had a pocket full of treats for dogs.  There were only two boats heading south out of the tunnel, and the first on emerging from the tunnel announced that he had picked up something on the prop half way through.

Bentley stayed inside the boat through the tunnel and seemed to be quite happy looking out through the cratch window.

Having passed through the tunnel we soon turned off onto the Macclesfield Canal and stopped for Nicola to make a quick excursion to Tesco. I stayed with the dog on the boat but when I decided to lock up and go and help carry the shopping Bentley decided to fall off the back deck into the cut!! After  a short time I managed to pull him out but he was obviously very embarrassed.

Once on the Macclesfield we headed to the marina at Sherbourne  Wharf and a very helpful young lad put a new gas cylinder in for us, saving my back!!

We continued a bit further to moor and take a short walk to Little Moreton Hall. This is a National Trust property but unfortunately closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.