Leek to Cheddleton (Caldon Canal)

Monday 1^st September

Shopping Arcade in Leek

Leek Town Centre

When we got up, it was raining, but it soon went over and we walked up to Leek.  We went a more direct route this time and took about 20 minutes.  It is a nice town with plenty of shops and some old buildings.  We had a wander around and then went for lunch in the oldest tea shop in Leek, it was very nice.

Walked around a bit more, then headed back to the boat.  On the way, we found a Wilko, an Argos and an Aldi.

It turned out to be a nice sunny afternoon.  Two boats came and moored and one of them was a narrow boat with a sort of butty on the front, the boat was owned by a disabled man and the butty used to house his mobility scooter, but he now has it on the back of the boat and so the butty is for sale.  The boat is run by remote control as he can’t steer, it was fascinating to see it working.

We are staying here tonight, then chugging off tomorrow morning. 

 

Tuesday 2nd September

End of Leek Branch

Back through Leek Tunnel

Back onto the main Caldon Canal

Down the Hazlehurst locks

The sun was shining this morning so we headed back down the canal, back through the tunnel and made our way back to the junction.  We then turned right onto the main Caldon canal and went through the three locks, unfortunately none of them were set for us, so it took us a bit longer to get through.  On down the canal and this time under the aqueduct.  This part is not so twisty and windy as the Leek Branch, but it is still as pretty. 

Under the Aqueduct

Past the Flint Mill and through two more locks, then we moored at Cheddleton, near the Churnet Valley Steam Railway.  Went up to the station and had a look for when the trains were running.  They run tomorrow, so we will be going on the train then, we are looking forward to that.

Flint Mill;

Walked along the canal to the Flint Mill, it was closed but we had a look around, hopefully it will be open when we come back up.   Walked up to the Post Office, then came back along the canal and went in The Boat Inn for a drink and an ice cream, yes a pub that sells ice cream!  Then back to the boat.  There is not much signal here, phone or internet, so will have to post this when we are in a better area.  Staying here tomorrow as we are off on the steam train.

Moored at Cheddleton