Back to an old favourite

Monday & Tuesday we spent at a favourite place for us, Bugsworth Basin on the Peak Forest Canal. But, of course, we had to get there first. This meant tackling the 16 locks at Marple. 

Soon after setting off we crossed an aqueduct but alongside us was an even bigger railway viaduct. We also had a small tunnel to contend with but nothing like Standedge! 

Just exiting the first lock. We were lucky that a boat coming down the flight was being helped by friends who would be walking back up to the top. They said that they would set a few locks in our favour to help speed up our journey. 

Thank goodness that we're back to our usual paddles. 

 

A very nice old mill now turned into business premises. 

And look at the shaped stonework at the lock entry. 

All the way up we met walkers, including a WI group, and at one point Brigid had two families helping her with the gates. They were all interested to see the locks being worked. 

Here we are at the top, about to arrive at Marple Junction. 

Now onto the Peak Forest Canal, travelled several times by us in the past. 

Some folk will recognise the sweet factory at Newtown. 

And, here we are at Bugsworth Basin. The basin was originally built to bring the canal as near as possible to the limestone quarries at Doveholes. 

We stayed overnight and all day Tuesday to catch up with washing, cleaning and servicing the engine. 

The Basin is quite extensive with arms all over the place. 

The Navigation provided a good lunch for us, so not much work in the afternoon! 

Our boat is just in front of the 2 boats on the right. 

Plenty of boats moored here. 

As you can see, the sky is very heavy and the washing took ages to dry properly. 

Not a brilliant picture but us again from the other side. 

Crumpets for tea and Australia DVD this evening.