Stoke on Trent ( Westport Lake )

We set the alarm for this morning, a very early 8 am. Within 20 minutes of getting up we were underway, hoping we would not have a queue at the water point, by Hall Green stop lock. We were in luck, it was free, so we commenced filling our empty water tank and had breakfast while waiting. A number of boats passed us heading north, and approx. 40 minutes later we set off for the end of the Macclesfield Canal. At Hardings Wood Junction we turned right onto the Trent and Mersey, and headed the half mile or so to the northern portal of Harecastle Tunnel. Having travelled through here only a few weeks ago, we had cleared the roof of items that were too high, and were prepared at the back of the boat for the CRT horn and headlight check. There were two boats in the queue ahead of us, and a further two arrived shortly after. Boats were still heading north in the tunnel, so we had a short wait until they emerged. There is a bit of a turn as you exit, and a Black Prince hire boat did not make a very good job of it, striking the bank quite hard. Unfortunately for the steerer there was a large audience, which is usual when things go wrong. Once the second boat cleared the tunnel we were on our way. We had one objective in addition to the transit, and that was photograph the tunnel skeleton in his alcove.

       

Not the best photo in the world, but not bad in the pitch black, whilst moving, using an iPhone. For anyone reading this wanting to know where he lurks, travelling south he is 450 yards in on the port (left) side. After emerging into the daylight at the southern end, it was just a short hop to our intended spot at Westport Lake. We will only spend one night here, then tomorrow head for Barlaston.

Totals 4 Miles 1 Lock 1 Tunnel

Running total 329 Miles 191 Locks 14 Tunnels

Scholar Green

Today we made our turn onto the Macclesfield Canal, but first we had Harecastle Tunnel to navigate. At 2926 yards it is the longest tunnel passage we have made so far. The weather as we departed Westport Lake was grey and gloomy, with rain threatening to make an appearance at any time. This did not matter so much, as nearly one third of our day would be spent underground. On arrival at the tunnel entrance we just caught the tail end of a boat, disappearing into the tunnel.

       

We moored up to speak with the friendly tunnel keeper, who was Naomi, and she then gave us a safety briefing. The good news was, the boat we saw entering the tunnel was number six in the convoy, meaning we could continue without waiting, as the maximum convoy length is eight. We removed the satellite dish and chimney, to enable us to pass beneath the black and white striped gauging arch at the entrance, and that was it, we were on our way through. 

       

                                                        Harecastle Tunnel - Southern Portal.

Once inside the tunnel, the pair of doors at the entrance were closed behind us, and large and very noisy fan was started to provide ventilation. The tunnel is single way traffic, although once beyond the narrow entrance it opens up to about 14 feet in width. This is due to it having had a towpath in the past, which has long since been removed. By the time we reached halfway the noise of the fans had almost disappeared, but the ever constant draft made it a chilly passage. The water was also starting to become rusty brown in colour. Just under five hundred yards from the exit, we saw the famous skeleton that is painted on the wall. We passed too quickly to get a photo, but now we know where he is, we will get one on the way back. About forty minutes after beginning the passage, we emerged from the northern portal and immediately noticed the colour of the water.

       

                                                          Harecastle Tunnel - Northern Portal.

This rusty colour is caused by the iron ore found in the local region leeching into the canal. The queue of boats waiting to head south was into double figures, so some of them would have a long wait. A few hundred yards further on, was Hardings Wood Junction where the Macclesfield Canal leaves the Trent and Mersey. We made the left turn after a brief wait due to some traffic congestion.

       

                                                                   Hardings Wood Junction.

The two canals run parallel for about 400 yards during which time the Trent and Mersey is lowered by two locks. The Macclesfield then passes over the top of the T&M via an Aquaduct, and continues its journey north into open countryside. We navigated the stop lock at Hall Green, and then filled the tank with water, before continuing the short distance to Scholar Green at bridge 87. Here we secured the boat, then headed off to the Rising Sun P.H. for lunch.

       

 

        

The pub is dog friendly although we had left Oscar behind, and it has an extensive menu of home cooked dishes. The steak and ale pie was my choice, due in part to it being a cold, wet, miserable day. We are moored adjacent to Mow Cop, a hill, the top of which is 1100 feet above sea level. On the top is the ruin of Mow Cop Castle, which we can't see today as it is shrouded in cloud. We plan to stay here a day or so and hopefully the weather will improve before we leave.

Totals 4 Miles 1 Lock 1 Tunnel

Running total 263 Miles 166 Locks 13 Tunnels