Bosley Locks

Yesterday we spent our final day at Lyme Green, walking back to Sutton Hall at Gurnett, for a Sunday roast. Today, having decided on an early start we were underway by 8 am. We needed water, and the next water point was located at the top of the Bosley Lock flight. Our tank was near empty, which could mean, depending on the speed of the tap, up to an hour to fill. We negotiated the ridiculously stiff swing bridge at Broadhurst, and then settled into a blustery three mile cruise. We passed the base of the Four Counties fuel boats, as coal boat Halsal was being loaded for its next trip. On arrival at the locks, the water point was empty so we commenced filling the tank. The volunteer lock keepers made an appearance asking if we needed help down the flight. Just as we were finishing two boats arrived and joined the queue behind us, as another boat ascended through the top lock. Perfect timing for us. We worked our way down the flight meeting several boats on the way up, and arrived at our intended mooring spot on the visitor mooring just prior to the Dane Aquaduct. The mooring was empty but it would not stay that way for long, we do however have good views across the valley. We will stay here for a day and maybe explore a walk along the River Dane.

       

       

                                                  Mooring at the foot of Bosley Locks.

Totals 4 Miles 12 Locks

Running total 318 Miles 190 Locks 13 Tunnels

Lyme Green

Yesterday we moved on from our spot opposite Lyme View Marina. The morning started with rain, however, the forecast was that it would clear by lunchtime. Using the rain radar weather site, we could track the progress of the showers, and by eleven o'clock we were good to go. After two miles we were passing through Bollington, and the moorings by the Aquaduct were empty. Further on through Macclesfield we arrived at Gurnett, and again the moorings were nearly empty. This is so different to a few weeks ago when we travelled up this way. Clearly the holidays are over now and there is less boat traffic about. We arrived at Lyme Green which has the appearance of rural tranquility, but is remarkably close to a very useful retail park, pleasantly obscured from view.

       

                                                          Mooring spot at Lyme Green.

Today we walked back into Gurnett, and took lunch at Sutton Hall. This is a former 17th century Manor House that has been converted into a restaurant/pub. It is also the one time family home of the Earls of Lucan. We kept our eyes open, but there was no sign of the missing Lord. The building has an abundance of large oak beams and heavy oak panelled walls.

       

                                                              Sutton Hall.

       

                                 Previous occupants family crests mounted below the chimney.

As we write this, the wind is howling outside and we are in for a fairly stormy night. Tomorrow however is forecast to fine and dry. We will stay here till Monday by which time we will be in need of water.

Totals 8 Miles

Running total 314 Miles 178 Locks 13 Tunnels

Lyme Green

Yesterday was a longish day for us due to circumstances beyond our control. We woke to bright sunshine, but with the twelve locks of the Bosley flight to do, this was not necessarily a good thing, as it could get very warm. Slipping a way from the mooring, we moved towards the first lock which was set for us with gates open. It transpired that a hire boat crew had been practising their lock operation, prior to commencing their first lock experience, but had to walk back some distance to where their boat was still moored and we were to benefit from it. Feeling a little guilty, and as no boats were opposing, we did turn each lock for them as we exited. The reason for no opposing boats was to become apparent all to soon. Speeding our way up the flight, it all came to an abrupt halt at lock five. Ahead in lock four there was another boat, nb.What a Lark. They had been there for two hours. Further up the flight, lock three had problems with a broken paddle, and the Canal and River Trust were busy trying to repair it. We were going no further for some time.

       

                                                       Halfway up but no further for a while.

Then came some worse news, it was not just the paddle that was the problem, it was the frame which holds it in place that had broken away. CRT staff were in their waders attempting a fix with some long nails, and a small hammer.

       

                                                 Fixing the paddle frame back in place.

       

                                                         All fixed, let's hope it holds.

Now we just had to wait for the pound above lock three to be refilled, and for the first boat, which happened to be the coal boat Halsall, to descend. 

       

Three and a half hours after first arriving at lock five we were finally underway again. It could have been worse, so credit to CRT for sorting it quickly. Once at the top of the flight we filled the tank with water, before continuing towards Gurnett. 

       

                                                        Approaching Gurnett.

The water tap here is the fastest we have encountered, usually when they are turned on it trickles into the tank. Not so this one. Due to our delay we arrived at our intended spot quite late in the day and found the entire mooring full, nb.What a Lark had just fitted onto the end of the line. We carried on into Macclesfield but there were not any suitable spots, so we winded about a mile further on and returned, passing Gurnett on a return journey to a mooring near Lyme Green. This is about a mile from today's lunch location, but will at least allow us to walk off the pudding we are going to have. 

       

                                                          Mooring at Lyme Green.

The mooring is close to a retail park so yesterday's tea was taken at Burger King. It also has a good satellite signal for the TV and 4G.

Totals 7 Miles 12 Locks 

Running total 277 Miles 178 Locks 13 Tunnels