Baddeley Green

Today's Canals : Trent and Mersey, Caldon 

We were not able to get away early today as Mike had to await a phone call - routine follow up from the tests carries out at the beginning of this year. It was both on time and efficient, lasting barely 10 minutes. In addition, a question asked last time (some months back) had not been followed up but this time Mike had a return call within 15 minutes.

Oleanna were away before us but came for a short chat as they left. We eventually left not long after 10:30, rather sooner than anticipated. We immediately passed the entrance to Festival Park Marina - not an especially large marina and at least a third of the space is used as a hire base for Black Prince.

It was but a short run to Etruria Junction where we turned left onto the Caldon Canal. As part of the canal maintenance yard still operating from here, is a full set of boater facilities. We were mostly interested in the elsan (we found water and rubbish disposal at Harecastle South yesterday) but as today is a laundry day we also topped up the water tank, just to be safe.

We passed under this interestingly designed footbridge before pulling in at the first lock - the staircase of two. A wait whilst another boat finished coming down.

As can be seen, the central gates are substantial, as they handle a double rise. This staircase is slightly unusual as the two locks are of different capacity, with the upper one significantly large. It has a large overflow bult into the side of the lower lock to allow the excess to run away to the side when the upper lock is being emptied into the lower one. (We hope you have got all that as there will be an exam on it later)

Christine discovered that we were out of red kidney beans - usually at least one tin in stock. Mike had already prepared most of the chilli whilst waiting for the phone call. OK, we have had bean-free chilli in the past but that was not intentional (LTRU) When we arrived at Planet Lock, we had identified that there should be a small Premier convenience store just next to the canal. So, whilst Mike began to set the lock and bring the boat up - it is not a deep lock - Christine went in search of beans. Alas, there has been a takeover and the new shop has a focus on snacks: crisps and sweets.

We then spotted a very new Lidl alongside Bridge 8 and the Emma Bridgewater pottery. So new that Google only has a cleared former industrial site at this place. Christine set off from the bridge, leaving Mike to tie up to a good set of rings just beyond. She was so speedy that he had only just tied up when he saw here walking back down the towpath. However, it was now close to lunch time and so we took advantage of the good mooring.

Half past two and we managed to untie an move out into the countryside. For a couple of miles the canal dodges in and out of built up areas, the edge of the Stoke-on-Trent conurbation.

As we neared Birches Head Bridge we could see a very busy line of students from the nearby Academy - we then realised that this was the first day of term for the whole school. 

A sharp bend at Foxley - once Foxley Junction - hides its origins. At one time a short canal ran about a mile to Ford Green Iron Works. This was later replaced by the Biddulph Valley Branch of the North Staffordshire Railway. There is no sign of it at all - it started just behind where the blue work boat is moored. The narrows in the foreground is all that remains of a much earlier bridge that linked to a site with several chemical processes, including oil and aluminium. The bridge remained on maps until about the 1960s.

Although there is a good mooring with rings at Milton Bridge, it is somewhat overlooked by large trees to one side and closely packed housing to the other so we opted to carry on a little further to the next known spot just beyond the edge of the known universe and before the start of more locks.

This time we were more on the opposite side so Mike took the opportunity to fix the trims on the other windows.

5.6 Miles - 3 Locks

Festival Park

Today's Canals : Macclesfield, Trent and Mersey

Overnight there had been some very heavy rain storms but these had passed by the time we woke. The mist that hid much of the distant views yesterday had gone bit the sky was, at this stage, still very grey. From our overnight mooring we could now see Mow Cop.

Zoomed in (and hence very grainy) so that you can see the landmark we are talking about.

Just after we set off we passed yet another canalside property on the market. This one, 4 bedroom, has an asking price of £410K. The agent advertises that they have had an offer of £375K but are inviting someone to gazump them! Just outside the front there was once a swing bridge across the canal but that, apart from the narrow abutments, has long since disappeared.

Y\

Yesterday we passed nb Rosie which Mike recalled having seen moored in Scholar Green. (Christine thought he was making it up!) They passed us before we were on the move but not much later we saw that they had already moored outside their house. This is the near end one of three former canal workers cottages which they have called Teapot Hall, something that is clearly announced by a sign on the top of their  boat!

Before long we arrived at today's only lock, Hall Green Stop Lock. There was much rivalry over water supplies and this marked the meeting between the Macclesfield and the Trent and Mersey Canals. originally both companies built a stop lock although only one remains to effect the small change in level - the other is now just a stone narrows.

The Hall Green Branch (as it was once known) runs from the stop lock to Hardings Wood but crosses the Trent and Mersey at a higher level. From the junction to here, Poole Aqueduct, there are three locks on the main line.

We wanted to do a substantial food re-stock, taking advantage of the proximity of a Lidl store to the top lock. There was no room to moor on the main line (actually there might have been but it did not look long enough from a distance) so we manged to pull in just before the junction bridge. W are now very much into the iron stained waters around Harecastle.

After returning fully laden, we set off on the short move to the tunnel waiting area. We were not booked for another couple of hours but we also knew that the tunnel keepers would let us pass when the traffic northwards had cleared the north portal. As we arrived they did then say that it might be about 45 minutes so we took the opportunity to have lunch - otherwise it would be a bit late by the time we moored up on the southern side. There is no shorter route for the tunnel keeper than across this bridge to get from the control cabin opposite to the mooring in order to brief boaters Behind the stone bridge is also a railway bridge, carrying the line that we have been alongside since Macclesfield.

A couple of minutes after 1 o'clock and we were set on our way into the dark depths of Harecastle Tunnel. As the photo suggests. the direction of the sun, now unusually bright, made it hard t o steer into the tunnel, so we took it very gently!The first part is quite roomy but the steerer has to crouch rather low for the central part where the roof drops much lower. After about two thirds of the distance the fans at the far end start to make their presence felt, becoming almost deafening before the doors are opened just at the last moment. 

Passage time: 38 minutes. Immediately after exiting the tunnel we stopped at the water point for a top up as well as rubbish disposal. No elsan until Etruria. The rest of the afternoon was pleasantly sunny and warm.

We continued down to Westport Lake which had surprisingly few boats moored. No sooner than we had tied up than we received an email from nb Oleanna that they had moored just north of Bridge 118 (Festival Park Marina) and that there was plenty of room to moor next to them. So, on again.

We passed next through an area that at one time had many potteries, each with their own kilns (pot banks) and buildings where the products were shaped, fired and decorated. Most, of course, are long since demolished but this extensive set of industrial buildings is sadly in rapid decline, having failed to find another purpose.

On the other hand, Middleport Pottery is thriving, not only making its own ranges of pottery but also running an extensive programme community activities. The cafe was clearly doing well this afternoon.

After passing the site which once was Shelton Iron and Steel Works (now grey industrial sheds) we arrived at our meeting place. Oleanna was already there but Pip and Mick were away buying 'stuff' for Tilly, the boat's captain.

Bridge 118, just beyond our mooring, was originally a railway bridge, carrying part of the Potteries Loop Line. This line ran in a large loop around and through most of the Six Towns. Mike can just recall using in in the early 1960s to get from Hanley to Kidsgrove, especially on a dark and stormy night when the steam loco only added to the atmosphere (in more senses than one) Alas, this line went the way of many branches that would now be useful elements of urban transport. Incidentally, at that time the loop line came into Kidsgrove Station a short distance away from today's station of that name, then called Harecastle Station. However, the old station was much more convenient to connect with buses along the main road to Alsager, where Mike was staying at the time.

Mike took the opportunity, finally to fix the trim around the windows that the painters had left deliberately long to give them time to shrink back to their normal size. Unfortunately, passing vegetation was having the tendency to pull at the loose ends! Now we have to find an equally convenient place to complete the other side.

Finally, Pip and Mick returned from their foray to Festival Retail Park. They came aboard and we had a long 'catch' up over mugs of tea. No doubt their take on the encounter will make its way onto their blog - see here. 

But this four-person selfie is courtesy of Pip after Christine had been introduced to Tilly, happy to meet a sympathetic visitor after having been shut away for much of the day! (Nearby car parks and busy dual carriageways are not deemed safe play areas by she who must be obeyed - as if!)

7.6 Miles - 1 Lock

Scholar Green

Today's Canal : Macclesfield

The morning, right through to lunch time, was damp, wet, soaking, wet and damp. Little could be seen of the hill tops as they were shrouded in mystery (aka cloud) Strange that The Cloud was clouded in cloud . . . 

Looking back across the Dane Aqueduct - we moored last night this side of the boat in the far distance.

A lot of bridges: we started with 57 and ended with 87, plus several railway bridges that were added after the original numbering. Perhaps 35 in total, so that is and average of one every quarter of a mile. 

The Macclesfield is unusual in that as well as the large inscribed mile stones there are others at quarter miles (although not all remain) Some have a fraction carved on them, others are just blank, or have lost the original text. But looking out for the,m does seem to make progress seem at lot faster (why?just does?)

The electrified main rail line crossed our route three times this morning. It does not intrude too much and did not seem to be especially busy, nor have we seen anything other than passenger traffic.

Arriving at Congleton there are three bridges very close to each and seemingly falling over one another - 70m from one side to the other.

A short aqueduct crosses one of the main roads into the centre of the town - alas over a kilometre to the shops.

Two footbridges cross the canal linking parts of the adjoining golf course. Billy Tights also carries a public footpath. Originally built as a swing bridge it seems to have been rebuilt twice in modern times.

The other, more recent, is a private bridge, exclusively used by members of the club.

We passed nb Lord Byron's Maggot, the boat belonging to a a frequent correspondent on canal social media, who is also folk musician (if a trombone amongst other instruments can be included in folk music?) The name comes from a country dance (sometimes also called a Regency tea dance) with the word maggot here means a small liquid measure. The dance is quite flirtatious (if not even seductive) and demonstrations on YouTube show why it must have been rather popular in the early 18C.

A great collection of horns on these highland cattle!

This bungalow at Ackers Crossing, Moreton is on the market for and asking price of £545K! It only has two bedrooms but comes with half an acre of land and several outbuildings and a 'fully functioning' mooring (not sure how a mooring does not function?)

Ramsdell Hall dates from 1750 - we seem to include a picture every time we pass!

Just three hours after setting off we arrived at our target for the day: Heritage Boats at Scholar Green. When we were fitting the batteries we noticed (and so did Kevin) that our main engine air intake filter was well past its useful life. This was probably a combination of the dust from the sand blasting during painting and also that the cap had worked loose and allowed the filter to drop into the bilge - it was dry but very dusty. During the morning Christine called ahead and so we knew that they had the correct size in stock. After completing the purchase (£13) and fitting (could do this ourselves for once) we thought that this was the quickest and least expensive maintenance event in a long time but Christine spoilt it by suggesting that it might be s good idea to top up the fuel tank as we are heading up the Caldon (probably!) and so not sure when we will next  pass another opportunity. The staff were all very friendly. helpful and chatty - the same business includes Sherbourne Wharf in central Birmingham that we have used for mooring several times.

Once we had finished we only went a short distance to the next Visitor Mooring - a useful place to stop for the night, within hailing distance of Kidsgrove and Harecastle Tunnel.

8.3 Miles - 0 Locks

Bosley

Today's Canal : Macclesfield

The forecast for today was not great with the expectation of non-trivial rain later on. It was grey but not chilly as we set off. Ahead of us lay the Bosley Locks, a flight of 12. But first we had two swing bridges to negotiate.

The first bridge was manual but to our surprise when it came into view it was left open, A bit of a quandary: signs clearly tell boaters to close the bridge to boats as it carries a public footpath. On the other hand a number of bridges are now normally left open for various reasons. What to do? We fell back on our normal walking principle of leaving things as they were when we arrived.

It could have been three swing bridges today - this one was still on the OS map of 1910 but only to connect the towpath to the nearby main Leek New Road.

This splendid cottage calls itself Canal Cottage but we have not been able to find out what its original purpose was - perhaps a lengthsman's cottage? Or perhaps it only acquired its name in recent times.

The final bridge is called Royal Oak Bridge and is mechanised but has been the source of regular problems. This cottage is one of several making up this small hamlet on the main road. It has been extensively renovated and work is only now nearing completion.

Across the other side of the road is the pub that was originally built to satisfy the workers digging the canal. It was formerly known as Royal Oak but that changed at some point to Fool's Nook Inn. The building became ever more sub standard and closed as a pub many years ago. The is now planning permission to demolish and replace with 7 houses. However, as the site is for sale, we assume that no developer has yet been found to take it on.

And so to the bridge itself. We made it through but not until after Christine managed to enlist the help of a group of cyclists one of whom seemed to know the knack of persuading the lock to open!

On then to Bosley Locks where we first pulled into the short side arm to make good use of the facilities - we have not had a chance since leaving Bugsworth.

Once we had finished we reversed back to enter the top lock. We were helped through by a very pleasant and chatty volunteer lock keeper. (Alas we only met his two companions much later as they were making their way back tom the top for lunch)

All the locks are made to the same design with double gates at the top as well as the bottom, no footboard to cross at the top but a good level bridge at the tail.

We were fortunate for the top seven locks, meeting boats at just the right time all coming up. Alas, our luck then ran out and all the rest were against us. The top paddles were all  quite easy but most of the bottom gate paddles needed quite a bit of effort to open.

Before long the looming shape of The Cloud appeared and dominated the canal for some time ahead.  But it is one of those landmarks that sometimes seems to be to the left and at other times to the right as the canal changes direction.

The last lock is just under a bridge that was part of the Churnett Valley Line. In the nearby village of Bosley, two mills were constructed a long time ago, mainly to process copper and brass although other operations replaced that in later times. A tramway connected the works to the canal which, at first, was the main way of transporting the output to other parts pf the country.

Most recently the mills have been used for processing wood. A large explosion occurred in 2015 with the loss of four lives and the fire service were on site for about a month before it was finally extinguished. The exact cause has never been ascertained but seems likely to have been the result of large quantities of dust. The site had been cause for concern to safety experts for some time

 and the judge in a subsequent prosecution described the managing director as a "totally inadequate managing director".

We came out of the bottom lock 2 hrs 7 mins after entering at the top. The first time for which we have a record was in 1973 which probably was in a hire boat with another family and we completed in about 1.5 hours. Similarly since then we have managed something similar, but by 2016 and 2029 we were just about on the 2 hours. So we are definitely slowing down - but at least we are still completing it!

Immediately after the bottom lock are good armco moorings - just what we needed for a late lunch. They are adjacent to the Dane Aqueduct, solid and quite high above the river.

We then looked at the time it will take us to get to Harecastle Tunnel and, in the light of that, we opted to stay put for he rest of the day (light rain did then eventually make an appearance) and we booked a tunnel passage for Tuesday 2 pm.

4.3 Miles - 12 Locks