Caldon Cruise: Day 5

The water level in Cheddleton was a little better this morning, but still not back to normal.  I had an appointment to do a podcast interview at the Flint Mill, so while I did that Adrian walked up to get some milk from the One Stop in the village.  It turned out Easter eggs were now reduced.  It was also raining, and as we are meeting family tomorrow we set off; it was about 1030.  It was very slow going because of the lack of water — in the bridge holes we came to a virtual stop, and at one I thought I might be better getting off and pushing.  When we got to Hazlehurst Aqueduct, there was an ABC hire boat going over it as we went underneath.  At the locks, a Black Prince boat was going up ahead, but then the ABC boat was coming down, so we swapped in the first pound.

The top lock is very attractive.  In fact the whole area of the locks and junction is pretty, even in the rain.

I did a lovely turn onto the Leek Branch, which involved doubling back on yourself, but the ninety degree turn onto the aqueduct wasn’t so good.  We were now going over the main line we’d just come along.

The Leek Branch is lovely, with bluebell woods on the offside and occasional glimpses along the valley.  As it was still wet, I decided I’d leave photos until the return journey in a couple of days time.  Towards the end of the branch, the canal opens up into a big pool, with the tiny Leek Tunnel off in one corner.

Inside, the tunnel has a re-lined section, so in that sense (and in that sense alone!) it’s a bit like Blisworth.

There’s only about half a mile of canal after the tunnel, and the Black Prince boat was turning at the final full length winding hole.  We came through the bridge and turned into the winding hole so they could go back through; then we completed our turn and reversed back to the moorings.  The first space was the only one big enough, but again it turned out that depth was an issue in places.  We had lunch and lit the fire, and then in mid-afternoon the sun surprisingly came out.  We headed out to the end of the canal where the feeder comes in, and then walked through to industrial estate to locate Morrisons and the rest of town.

4 miles, 3 locks.  (26 miles, 25 locks)