Sept 18

Wow! We finishes the 74 locks and 32 km of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, and it lived up to its reputation as a wonder of the canal system. Spectacular views, amazing engineering, the Standedge tunnel, and all. Only the last 2 km or so was industrial ‘unfun’, and so the canal remains one of those that anyone who likes canals must put on their list. Although there are lots of locks, most of them are relatively easily operated, and in good repair, though the western locks are tougher than the eastern side. The canal is shallow, and in need of dredging, but the canal tunnel chaperone said they were on the list for dredging this winter, which would really make this canal enjoyable.

The Peak Forest Canal. We overnighted in Romiley, and had a special carvery meal in the Spread Eagle pub. Today we ascended the 16 locks of the Marple flight, which intimidates people- for absolutely no good reason. Easy to operate, assistance from a lock keeper, and little traffic meant we did the flight in under 2.5h and didn’t rush. This gave us enough time to make it all the way to the end of the Peak Forest Canal at Whaley Bridge. The scenery continues to be amazing as the canal is perched along the side of the hills, and crossed deep valleys on aquaducts, including the Marple aquaduct just before the Marple flight of locks. We had a great day, and the weather continues to be unbelievably good: sun, light breezes, and highs in the 20’s. The afternoon was a little hazy, so some pictures will have to wait until tomorrow.