Unexpected at that time of the morning.

Thursday 28th

It was a VERY early start. With at least 4 boats turning up last night and mooring nearby we assumed they would want to descend the locks AND,  when we looked at the weather forecast for today it showed showers from about 11am lasting all afternoon. In light of all this we started engines at 6.30am and crept away.

Mist rising from the water. Almost like an Autumnal morning.

Top of Bosley locks and who should greet us but C&RT. "Wow your early" says I. "Start at 6.30 every morning" says he. "Go all over the country, anywhere I'm needed". Very impressed with that statement and he even had time to help us down the first lock before setting off in his van.

I still love this flight. The views are spectacular and although some of the bottom gate paddle gear can be a bit stiff, the majority are a doddle to use. Shame the side ponds are not in use any more but reading the information board by the ponds, the Bosley Reservoir now supplies all the water needed and so water conservation isn't a big an issue as once was.

At the last lock, a boat ascending. So for us from top to bottom only 2 of the 12 locks had to be filled. Lovely when that happens which proves that leaving early can have it's benefits. The visitor moorings at the bottom were lovely, as I remembered but I'm sorry to say as for the rest... it went down hill again very quickly

Vision impaired by the foliage

Love these bridges between 63 and 69 . Far cry to how it was in 2011

In 2011

And now

It's a wonder the cyclist and walkers haven't complained about this.

Right across the towpath

We became stuck trying to make room for another boat. So much overhanging branches that the channel was extremely narrow. To try and save the other boaters paintwork we moved over as far as we could and got the bow stuck! Took a bit of reversing to get off and just in time before the boat reached us.

But in spite of all the lack of maintenance I still think this is a lovely waterway. When views can be seen they are stunning and we stopped at one such view point at Ramsdell Hall. The black and white railings were put up instead of hedges when the canal was redirected so those in the Hall could admire the views. Of course this benefits us boaters very nicely, thank you.

Moored opposite Ramsdell Hall

Rain arrived 30 minutes late. 11.30 instead of the predicted 11am.

And the stunning views on route.

The Cloud. We walked this in 2014. click here if you fancy a look

Bottom of Bosley flight

Railway viaduct crossing the valley

 Known locally as Snake bridges

Mow Cop. This we hope to walk to tomorrow.

And the wildlife