Bugsworth Basin to Bollington

On Saturday we made the trip back from Bugsworth to Marple passing by the wonderful views and through two swing bridges followed by two lift bridges. It was slow going as it is so shallow and when every boat passed us we ended up being grounded as we had to move over from the centre, most coming the other way had the same problem. 

Moored opposite the marina in Marple

6.5 miles

Sunday morning saw heavy rain, in the afternoon it cleared up a bit and the sun made an appearance so we set off, turning left at the junction onto the Macclesfield Canal. We stopped shortly after for water and the heavens opened complete with thunder and lightening, the worst had passed by the time the tank was full so we were on our way again and passing Goyt Mill. It was feeling pretty chilly by the time we arrived at Higher Poynton so the fire was lit to warm us up.

Goyt Mill

Just before bridge 14

3.25 miles

Monday it rained most of the day so we hibernated.

This morning was another early start going for a lovely walk in the sun up Cage Hill and Lyme Park, where there is a lovely National Trust house in a deer park. On the way back we stopped for a cup of tea at the Tea Cosy, a trading boat, where we had a great pot of tea and biscuits for just £1 each. Unfortunately, going by the nasty notice at the nearby Bailey's Trading Post they don't like a bit competition. We got back to LJ fully refreshed and straight away pulled pins and set off on our way again.

Looking up the canal

I suppose James does look shepherd like, with his stick

The Cage in the distance

And up close

The main house

Poodle wearing gaiters

The Macclesfield has lovely bridges.

Then it was past Clarence Mill and Bollington, mooring up before bridge 30.

5.75 miles

Total 346 miles and 210 locks