Finished the Peak Forest Canal this evening, and what an experience. The canal is perched on the edge of steep hills, and provides great views throughout. We went to Whaley Bridge overnight, and moored in a very noisy basin (busy road right beside) but had a great time exploring the pubs of the village. We then went to Bugsworth Basin, which is a very well restored trans-shipment point for limestone and gritstone: both essential materials for the industrial activities of the area. The canal was important in the shipment of these heavy goods, and carried more than a million tonnes of them over 50 years.
We had our first rain, which had been threatening for a couple of days. The pictures of the valley scenery are all misty and grey- not the best, but very interesting for us to view.
one of the last locks on the Huddersfield Narrow
Mike learning about lift bridges on the Peak Forest Canal
Anne doing the same!
Mike demonstrating skill in steering the boat
Marple aquaduct and viaduct behind
another tunnel- this one with towpath and lots of room
Virginia creeper beginning to change to the scarlet colour of fall
We’re on our way on the Macclesfield Canal, towards that town, and then probably further, depending on time. We’ve made good progress and might get to Scholar Green before Anne and Mike need to return to Saskatchewan. The weather is decidedly beginning to feel like fall, though the bright sunny breaks does cause peeling of jackets. The leaves are just starting to turn and fall, creating a coating on the water (and on the prop of the boat!). 
the end of the Huddersfield locks, all 74!
our lock experts
Marple junction at the start of the Macclesfield canal
