Through the tunnel

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!