55' S W Durham Steelcraft
I had to make a short test video to check technical compatibility for some training materials I am making, so naturally I chose to make it about the canals.
It was a good opportunity to show some of my favourite photos from some of our best trips.
Please note this is a spoof, so please no arguments about the content!
Thursday 27th May 2021
Our plans are in tatters! We made it down to Rugeley where we had to hang around a couple of days for an eye test. The following day we carried on to Handsacre and tied up early due to the weather. On the next day the rain stayed in all day, so we didn’t move, and then I had a text to say that my second covid vaccine had been brought forward, so we took the decision to turn around.
The weather continued to be horrendous as we returned via Rugeley to Wolseley Bridge, where we tied up again for a couple of days. Being confined to a tin tube with an energetic and mischievous puppy is very trying, although each day has been a little better than the previous one. A major breakthrough happened when Anne came back from the supermarket with a ham bone. It gives us hours of peace!
We travelled up to Great Haywood in full wet weather gear, and with the low temperature it really felt like winter cruising instead of a few days short of summer! The central heating has certainly been given a work-out! At Great Haywood we attended to the water and rubbish, and then moved up to the piling below Weston Lock for one night. This can be a busy spot so we set off early the next day and pulled in at Burston, cold wet and tired. The next day was wet and windy so we stayed put, only braving the outdoors for Jessie’s comfort breaks.
The weather finally changed for the better, although it was very wind as we made our way to Aston Marina for a pump out. Here I managed to slip between the boat and the piling, fortunately sustaining nothing more serious than some bruises. We continued on to Stone where we managed to get on to a 48 hour mooring. Fish and chips made for a warming supper.
At long last the weather has improved a lot. Yesterday afternoon we had a lovely trip from Stone back to Burston, the first day of the cruise where we didn’t need to wear coats. We’re back at our favourite spot, in bright sunshine, it is so peaceful, warm and beautiful. The top photo today was at 5.30 this morning , where the mist was rising from the canal.
Tomorrow it’s back to base for the jab, and the with the good weather looking to be around for a while, we will start again…
Thursday 13th May 2021
What a busy week we’ve had with all the preparations for this year’s trip! Not least because we are joined now by our trainee first mate, Jessie, who is 11 weeks old!
Although lockdown was eased a couple of weeks ago we had to delay our departure until she had her second vaccination, and the compulsory week to build immunity had elapsed.
We have brought Jessie aboard a couple of times in the interim to get her acclimatized to the new surroundings, and she found it really exciting. We had been concerned about whether she would be alarmed by the engine, but as soon as we started up she settled on her blanket and slept for the trip up to Teapot Turn. Last night was her first actual overnight stay, and despite our fears as soon as we went to bed she settled on hers and went through the night until 6 am this morning when she asked to go out.
We have spent the week sorting through cupboards on City of Durham, and disposing of things that were out of date. One jar expired in 2017 – whoops! We’ve also cleaned throughout, changed the bedding, laundered all the towels, packed clothes and food from home, and of course done the all important shopping for the rest of the stores. Of course Jessie’s provisions were the most expensive – a new harness and a bed for the boat.
Over two days we brought things over and stowed them, and then finally on Thursday afternoon we were able to move over to the wharf for diesel and a pump-out, eventually leaving the marina at 3 pm for a pleasant cruise to Wolseley Bridge where we stopped for the night.
Tuesday 30th March 2021
It seems that our decision to return home for the winter was a good one. The various restrictions that were imposed before Christmas, together with the full lockdown shortly after, meant that it has been nearly six months since we’ve been able to get out on the boat.
Anne’s back is recovering slowly, but I had a bout of ill health that meant I was hospitalised for a few days, and ended up catching COVID while I was in there. Recovery has been very slow, and we were both unsure if we could manage the boat yet. However, when the lockdown eased it coincided with some glorious weather (the hottest March day for 54 years) so we thought we’d try a short trip to feed the geese. This would involve doing Hoo Mill lock in both directions, so we’d soon find out if we had enough strength between us!
As it turned out, we managed perfectly well, and we could feel our strength and mental health returning with every second that we were out.
There were only 6 geese at the field, last year there were thirteen. Those that remained still seemed to remember us and they shouted and flapped across the field as soon as they saw us.
We moored at Ingestre for lunch, and after a few hours enjoying the sunshine and solitude we untied for the trip home. Current rules mean that we can’t stay overnight yet, but that should be lifted in a couple of weeks, so provided that all the medical appointments are out of the way we can start planning our next proper cruise.
Saturday 19th September 2020
Thursday morning began early, with a mission to get down the locks at Bosley and on to Kidsgrove for our tunnel passage on Friday morning.
Now Anne does bear a grudge, and the gap between locks 11 and 12 were playing on her mind for most of the trip down. For the most part the first 6 locks were easy, as a volunteer lock keeper had walked ahead to fill the locks ready for us. As is customary we stopped for a coffee at lock 6 and once we were going again we started to meet upcoming boats at each lock. This made the passage down very efficient. Anne drove into lock 11 and jumped at the chance to finish the Lockside work so that I would have to move the boat into lock 12. Hopefully I didn’t make it look too easy! We swapped back again in the lock, and were soonout of the bottom, in all about two and a quarter hours to complete the flight.
We didn’t stop again until Kent’s Green where we took on diesel and had a pump out, and some delicious ice creams from the shop. (Maybe I should split that last sentence so that it doesn’t read quite so wrong!).
From there it was a short hop to the stop lock, where we filled with water, so all our services were completed. We moored for the night on the aqueduct.
We had to be up early for our 8am transit of Harecastle Tunnel, as you are expected to be there half an hour early for the safety briefing. As it happened, the tunnel keeper had been held up in traffic, so we had to wait while he unlocked his office and pulled the safety boat out of the tunnel. There were only two boats waiting to go through, so with minimal formality we were on our way. The boat ahead was a Sea Otter – made of aluminium, and a very shallow draft. They were out the other end before we were half way!
Emerging into daylight was a bit of a shock, but the sun was out and it made for a very pleasant days cruise. We managed the 5 Stoke Locks well, and after lunch on the move, dropped down Trentham Lock and on to our mooring spot at Barlaston. We had a superb meal in the Plume of Feathers.
We were also adopted by a baby moorhen who has visited several times to ask for food.
Today we stayed in Barlaston, as an opportunity arose to sort out our transport for the coming weeks. Steven was a hero (again) taking me over to Tamworth and then following me back to drop the car at the marina, ready for our return home.
Having been aboard for 3 months, it is an odd feeling to start thinking about home, and only one more night aboard for this trip.
Wednesday 16th September 2020
Once our two days were up we needed to begin the journey home. We did a quick shop at Tesco’s and then reversed out of the basin onto the water point where we topped up the tank.
It was a glorious day for the run back to Marple, and we found a mooring just around the corner from the junction. We decided to celebrate with fish and chips, and Google maps showed the nearest shop at the next bridge – which turned out to be about half a mile a way. Next door to the chippy was a launderette, so we decided to stay another day, and catch up on the washing. The following morning we loaded up the shopping trolley and a bag, and made the half mile walk back to bridge 3. The launderette was closed, and according to the nice man in the newsagents, won’t be re-opening. So we dragged the laundry back to the boat, and set up the washing machine on the boat.
On Wednesday we untied at 8am with the aim of getting to the top of Bosley locks. As there were no locks or bridges to move, Anne was able to have a slow morning. We stopped to replenish the water at Higher Poynton, then carried on, having lunch on the move. With a full tank there was no need to stop at Macclesfield.
During the afternoon we had two swing bridges to negotiate, which Anne managed without problems. We tied up by bridge 51 at 4pm.
Sunday 13th September 2020
We took our time to get started from Higher Poynton as we were both still a little tired from yesterday. The top end of the Macclesfield Canal is very pretty and we enjoyed the run up to Marple in fine weather. We stopped at the trading post for diesel, and had plenty of time to enjoy the views, including sudden glimpses of Manchester in the distance.
We were followed by a day boat into Marple, and they ploughed past us while we were on tick-over to pass some moored boats. Having got in front, they then encountered the junction where they needed to turn around.
Now we were on the Upper Peak Forest canal, which is so awesome! For nearly all of the trip to Whaley Bridge there are glorious views across the Goyt Valley.
There are four lift/swing bridges to deal with on this stretch. The first is a lift bridge operated by windlass, the second is electric and just needs the key of power and a button press.
The swing bridges also need the key to unlock them, but then they are pushed out of the way using old fashioned man-power.
It really is a charming canal, and even the industrial bit, at New Mills is the Swizzles sweet factory!
After a long, hot day we arrived at the junction where the canal splits to go to Whaley Bridge to the right, and Bugsworth Basin to the left. Right in the fork is a large Tesco’s and we wanted to stop for some shopping. I thought our best chance would be to take the right fork, but most of the towpath was reserved for permit holders, and the only couple of visitor moorings were full. We turned in the basin and encountered fuel boat Alton delivering diesel to one of the moored boats. It was a tight squeeze to get past!
Having then turned on to the Bugsworth arm, there was no mooring until we actually reached the basins. I took aright hand turn to visit the upper basins, which were full, but we managed to slot in to the lower basin where we have enjoyed a very pleasant weekend. I highly recommend Bugsworth as a destination!
It was about a 20 minute walk back to the supermarket, and I declined Anne’s offer of the shopping trolly as there was a high footbridge to negotiate and then a scramble down a steep slope. Of course, on the way back I spotted the horse tunnel which goes under the canal and a gentle ramp to the towpath. Ah well, I will know for next time.
Friday 11th September 2020
We set off to climb the 12 Bosley locks at 8.30, and we were already following another boat up. This meant that I had to turn the first lock so that Anne could drive in. Between locks 12 and 11 is a railway bridge and a sharp left turn into the lock. It is fair to say that Anne didn’t manage this as planned, and got the boat into a very difficult position. We didn’t panic. I was able to give Anne clear instructions from the bank and she followed them perfectly, so that within a few minutes we were able to rescue the situation. Unfortunately Anne blamed herself for the mess up, and this put her in a bad state of mind for the next few locks. On the positive side, she spent so much time thinking about lock 11 that she didn’t really notice the next four! We paused our ascent at lock 6 for a coffee, by which time there was a boat descending in the one above us. In fact we met downward boats at all of the next locks which meant that the boat could be driven straight in to each one.
We reached the top in about two and a half hours, and then settled in to some trouble free cruising for the rest of the day. Macclesfield was as busy as ever, but soon we passed the winding hole which marked our move on to new territory as we only got this far when we came up 5 years ago. It is lovely to be on a stretch of canal where we need the map and guidebook! We have spent far too long on familiar waters over the past couple of years.
Macclesfield ends abruptly immediately after the next bridge where a beautiful rural vista opens up.
The next place along is Bollington, with its busy boat yard and then the famous Clarence Mill, now converted to offices.
Another couple of hours cruising saw us just before Higher Poynton where we have tied up for the night.
Thursday 10th September 2020
Our passage through the tunnel was booked for 9 am, with the request to arrive by 8.30, so we were up early and found ourselves second in line. The southbound boats were let through at 8 o’clock and the first one reached our side about 40 minutes later. With the tunnel light and horn checked we were waved through bang on time.
It felt bitterly cold underground and by the time reached the north portal we were both ready for a hot drink. The water above the tunnel wasn’t its usual vivid orange, today it was only a dirty muddy colour. It only takes about five minutes from appearing at Kidsgrove to the sharp left turn onto the Macclesfield Canal, and then our course runs parallel to the Trent and Mersey until it has dropped through the first locks. We then turn sharply to the right to cross over the canal on a sturdy brick aqueduct.
After a seemingly long while we reach Hall Green Stop Lock, which is the official spot at which the canal becomes the Macclesfield. Stop Locks were often insisted on by the older canal company to prevent the new canal from stealing water. Passage through the lock is quick as there is only a difference of about 30cm.
Very quickly the canal takes on its own character, most noticeable in the design of the bridges. Instead of the brick arches on the T&M these are elegant stone structures.
After passing the delightful Teapot Hall, the canal makes its way through Congleton, by which time it had started to rain, so Anne took the camera inside for safety, and even put on the central heating to keep it warm. She kept careful guard for the next hour or so until the rain was fully stopped.
There are some very pretty stretches just after Congleton where the canal creeps along the side of the hills, with expansive views into the valley to one side. We carried on for a couple more hours, finally pulling in at the Dane Aqueduct, with the 12 Bosley locks waiting for us around the corner. That will be tomorrow’s challenge!
Wednesday 9th September 2020
We were exhausted after yesterday’s efforts, and fell into bed by 10 pm as we wanted another early start today.
A fine drizzle greeted us when we popped our heads outside, along with 5 ducks, 2 swans and a baby moorhen who all insisted on being fed before we were allowed to depart. A half hour run saw us at Trentham Lock, which was about three quarters full, presumably due to overnight leakage. Once through there was an hour and a half’s pleasant cruise through Stoke-on-Trent to the bottom of the Stoke flight.
It was good to see boats moored at various places along this stretch. It seems that the poor reputation of the area is finally giving way to common sense!
The bottom lock is an ugly concrete creation, which is both slow to fill and empty. A boat had just finished filling the lock when we arrived, so we had plenty of hands to work them through, leaving the gates open for Anne to bring City of Durham expertly in.
The first three locks have a short walk in between, so Anne hung back at the top of the lock to await my radio call to bring the boat up,to the next one. We met boats coming down at each lock, which made the trip up very easy. Anne is getting very comfortable steering now, and managed to bring the boat up the flight with accuracy and confidence.
At the top lock we were assisted by a retired man who just likes to sped his days helping boats through and having a chat with the boaters as they pass. We turned on to the Caldon Canal, and then winded at the footbridge so that we could get a pump out at the services block. We took the opportunity to top up the water and get rid of the rubbish. The whole process seemed very quick and we were soon on our way again having lunch on the move.
An hour or so later we snagged the last free mooring at Westport Lake, where we have tied up ready to get to the tunnel first thing in the morning.
View more by category: Uncategorized (140), City of Durham (23). .
City Of Durham 