Rain, rain and more rain! Windy, very windy and even windier! We do not move!
Sunday 9th June
The rain and wind have moved off and the morning dawns bright and quiet so we are eager to get moving. A relaxed and pleasant morning follows as we make steady progress along this beautiful canal. We take the decision to follow the main line down to Froghall when we arrive at the very pretty Hazelhurst Junction . This is a winding and picturesque stretch of waterway, and with it being a Sunday there are plenty of folk walking, cycling and generally enjoying the canal and it's environs. The canal runs parallel to the Churnett Valley Railway for a large part and we received some cheery waves from those on board the train, sadly today, not being pulled by steam.
Obstacle along the way!
The remains of an old swing bridge
The Flint Mill at Cheddleton
The Hazelhurst Aquaduct
We went under it and over it
Consall Station
A tight fit under the waiting room and platform!
Once passing through Oakmeadow Ford Lock the canal joins the river Churnett and winds through beautiful countryside before it gets very, very narrow, passing beside (below, see photo) the Consall railway station and gradually getting narrower, shallower and even more narrow as it winds it's way along to Froghall. Sadly, Hunters Moon is too high to pass through Froghall Tunnel but there is a winding hole and good mooring before the tunnel.
Once moored we took the short walk to Froghall Basin, which is charming, and explored the Limekilns before enjoying an ice cream from Hetty's Tea Room. And, Hooray, the rain had held off all day.
The profile gauge for the Froghall Tunnel
at Flint Mill Lock
Froghall Tunnel, too low for Hunters Moon to pass
Tranquil Froghall Basin
The Limekilns
Monday, 10th June
Although rain was forecast for today we woke to a bright, sunny morning if very cold so made a prompt start back towards Hazelhurst Junction, where we planned to take the Leek branch of the canal down to Leek! Once again we were lucky and the rain held off until we were moored at Leek.
Entering Leek Tunnel
Neither of us can remember a season on Hunters Moon when the weather has been so cold and miserable and still having fires in June. Where is summer?
Sorry to keep on about the weather but it is rather testing!
Lovely photos of a pretty part of the world. I am surprised you got in the Leek tunnel even - looks a tight squeeze. Froghall only meant for frogs? The little station is so toy town, lovely. Us boaters understand the need to mention weather esp when its relentless wind and rain- it certainly messes things up. Keep cosy! France is same - not cold but heavy rain. Bah! Xx
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