Where is Barden Mill?

We had been chatting with the folk from the boat moored in front of us and they had given us the low down on places where we could moor on our way up to Skipton. They also pointed out various stores, pubs and fish & chip shops along the route. 

By the time we got up on Saturday, they had long gone, heading toward the locks in Blackburn. The forecast for the day was for sunny periods with showers later on. Some of the showers came a little earlier than anticipated. As we were setting off we heard the familiar call of the curlew and saw one landing in the field next to us. We soon realised that there were quite a few other curlew hidden in the long grass. 

As mentioned before, the canal follows closely the contours of the hills and today was no exception. We had lovely views over the Calder Valley and twisted and turned our way towards Burnley. 

It was only as we passed a wide beam boat that we realised that it was a floating dry dock with a narrowboat inside it. 

The chimney of a disused mill being used as a mobile phone mast. 

Just past Hapton the canal crosses over the M65. 

Approaching Rose Grove and an old mill tastefully turned into apartments. 

Yet another old mill but this one awaiting redevelopment. 

At one point, an A road runs alongside the canal. It was a lovely feeling to overtake them all at 4mph while they sat stationery at the traffic lights. 

We had a short tunnel today, Gannon Tunnel 559yds long. Quite short really. 

Now we are getting close to Burnley and this is the Inn on the Wharf. The building just beyond it is an old toll house that now houses a museum. 

We're not too sure what this is! I think it's a boat but probably a houseboat. It doesn't seem to have any means of propulsion. The area we have just come through is known as Weavers' Triangle with plenty of warehouses, tall chimneys and loading bays. 

This is Burnley proper. We are on the 'straight mile' (actually only 3/4m), an embankment 60ft high above the town. It was shortly after this that we met another boat coming through a bridge and, because I had to reverse quickly, I fouled the prop with a plastic bag and somebody's pink T shirt. Not happy! Still, no harm done and I needed a wash! Getting down the weed hatch is no easy matter but I'm getting better at it. 

Here's a view of a typical northern village with regular streets of terraced houses. 

For the night, we moored up just past Barden Mill. Past, in more ways than one. There were signs to Barden Mill, a mill shop selling fabrics, clothes, crafts and gifts. We even found the overflow car park and entrance sign - but no mill! It looks as if it was demolished some time ago, the site being overgrown but with no sign of remaining stones, bricks or wood. A 'late' mill, this mill is 'deceased'.