Monday, November 1, 2021

Day 35 - 36 Marple to Bugsworth Basin

 

Onwards for the first time along the Peak Forest Canal and it's quite different to any other we've travelled.  It's shallower for one thing, particularly at the edges so not easy to moor up and pull the boat into the bank without the stern at least sticking out into the canal. It's picturesque, on the other hand, lined with woods and with fine views at times over the Goyt valley and to the hills beyond. There are no locks, since it follows the contours of the southern side of the valley.

Wood End lift bridge must be raised and lowered for passing boats; it's operated by a windlass on the offside, so once through Jan waited with the boat while Denis lowered the bridge, recrossed it and got back on board

At Higgins Clough swing bridge, a friendly CRT staffer operated the bridge for us, accompanying our passing with an aria

A little overcast, but it's great to see the moors

 Beautiful stone bridges here

Is that a finger pontoon?
 
Haven't seen this before - a sign warning of Giant Hogweed
 
...and here it is

Little video of the tree lined canal
Treated ourselves to a night at the friendly New Mills Marina.  We bought a bag of coal, anticipating cooler evenings

Overarching woods and a bridge

We passed this boat several times - the owner makes and sells traditional crocheted cabin lace 
 
Furness Vale Marina on the right, facing a row of old 'but and ben' (two roomed) cottages

A long term canalside mooring with neatly stacked wood store
 

Off the mainline Canal and onto the Bugsworth Arm - moored boats making turning a tad tight! 
 

 Cottages near Buxworth as it was renamed in the 1930s, apparently some locals disliked the original.  The basin is stubbornly still known as Bugsworth

Catnap reversed in and moored at Bugsworth Basin - a surprisingly dramatic setting, too

We made it - journey's end!
 
Exploring Bugsworth - the remains of huge limekilns
The third of the three 'fingers' of the basin

 
Absolutely wonderful blue sky
 
Replica tramway wagon - these were used to carry burnt lime, stone and wood

Evening light over Bugsworth
 
The nearby 18th century inn, once owned by Pat Phoenix of Coronation Street fame

Bookshare stall - the top labelled 'Books for Big People'

Wild scabious
 
 

 




 
 
 

Day 35 - 36 Marple to Bugsworth Basin

  Onwards for the first time along the Peak Forest Canal and it's quite different to any other we've travelled.  It's shallower ...