We feared that today might be wet at times but, despite remaining rather grey, it was also dry throughout and the wind had died down to almost nothing.
One of us was somewhat late out of bed today but nonetheless we were away around 10, leaving Marple Junction behind us.
Only a little way before we spotted the sign for Tramway Wharf. Although today this looks somewhat insignificant, it was at the end of the 18C a very busy place. The Upper Peak Forest was built first to exploit the limestone quarries at Bugsworth. Large lime kilns were constructed next to where the junction now is. The Company soon discovered a large demand for moving lime and limestone in towards Manchester and built the Lower Peak Forest. The problem was they then ran out of money for the expensive project to link the two together and it was some time before they could afford to construct the Marple Aqueduct and Locks. In the meantime, a tramway had to suffice. Further details see, for example, here or here.
There are four moveable bridges to be opened - the first is by far the hardest. It is manual and took 88 turns of the gear mechanism. Exhausting and by then another boat had arrived - with a free passage!
We were now having more views across to the Peak District although only occasionally with a full panorama - the canal is generally shielded by trees and shrubs. All we could wish for was a sunnier day . . .
The next moveable bridge was just around a corner so merited a warning sign. So which will it be: a lift bridge (as in the pictogram) or a swing bridge (as in the legend)?
It is, in fact, a swing bridge. The locking device is rather heavy to lift but the bridge itself was very easy to move. There was another lift bridge in between which is electrified - but we forgot a photo so that we must do on our return.
Another view of the hills across the Goyt Valley.
A section of towpath bank is being repaired - the diversion notice suggested that it would be completed by today but there must be a little overrun. The piling has been done and most of the gravel support behind it is in place but the original stone capping is underway. This part shows the care that is being taken to maintain the heritage and methods particular to this canal.
This is the Swizells factory - no need to announce its arrival. Our noses told all! They have been in business almost 100 years now and are the inventors of a number of iconic sweets known from every childhood! Love Hearts, Drumstick, Parma Violets, Fizzers and Refreshers bars to name but some. And they still bring new ideas to the market.
We called at the service wharf of Furness Vale Marina but it seems that Bank Holidays are like weekends for them and so we could not replace a gas bottle as hoped. But at least we were able to confirm that they do stock Calor (or so their price menu indicates) We will try again on the way back as they are well known for competitive pricing. We might also by then be able to take on a meaningful amount of diesel.
Shortly after this we moored for lunch and thought about what next. We really did need to call at a boater services station but there is one both at Whaley Bridge and Bugsworth. Which should we go to first? Just down the Whaley Bridge arm is a Tesco store - the towpath on most of this arm is given over to long term moorings but we managed to squeeze in underneath a wide road bridge which is not a
restricted mooring. We also hatched a plan to go off-canal for a day trip, not least because there are several places near here where both a bus and train can be caught vert easily. So, after doing all the usual servicing we turned (and made a complete hash by catching on an unexpected underwater shelf. We even had to accept an offer of help from a passer-by!) We moored as soon as possible - there is only a very short length of Visitor Mooring. It is close to a busy main road but by now it was getting on in time.
6.5 Miles - 0 Locks
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