We’ve moved along from the Rochdale. We spent a day in Manchester, visiting the Museum of Science and Industry, and really got a great impression of the focus of innovation that centered on Manchester and drove much of the industrial revolution in Britain. I was a varied weather day as well, with thundershowers. Fortunately, we were in the museum or shopping centers for the downpours. Kerry found his favourite Scotch (Aberlour A’bunadh), and Pat found lots of examples of football kit for her grandchildren, so the shopping was successful.
We then proceeded up the Ashby Canal, and the narrow locks were a treat after the many wide ones we have operated all summer. We cruised up them and moored for the night at the top of the Ashby. Yesterday, we moved onward through the Peak Forest Canal in absolutely stunningly great weather. Cloudless sky, no wind, and warm but not hot temperatures made the Marple flight of locks a doddle (British for really easy with no issues). We moored for the night in Marple and enjoyed continuing clear skies for a lovely evening. Today, change. Clouds, breezy and much cooler. A short summer experience.
However, the canal (now the Macclesfield) is still great.
first part of Peak Forest canal
We’ve met more boats today on the MAcclesfield Canal than we’ve met in total since Castleford! I don’t know where they are all going, since the only ways out are Pennine crossings over the Rochdale or Huddersfield, since the Cheshire Ring (a most popular route) is closed by the collapse of a building into the Bridgewater Canal in Manchester (which is why we are on this canal- we had intended to go through Manchester ourselves).
which way is up? Upper Ashton Canal.
Now moored in Macclesfield town, and re-provisioning for the next few days as we begin to head south. For me, this is revisiting some of the canal experiences from last year, and enjoying them, sometimes reminiscing and sometimes noticing things I had missed the first time. Still great fun…
Marple Aquaduct and viaduct, upper Peak Forest Canal
Peak Forest canal, leafy tunnel on a perfect day
