Day 5 Monday

Monday

No need for an early start today for we only have a short run to The Hollybush Inn at Denford where we are due to meet Dave's wife, son and grandaughter. Mind you, the alarm still went off at 0440!

River Churnett. Looking good. Weather a bit overcast

Dave and Trev off to set the lock

Just arrived at the point where the River Churnett (on the right) meets the canal. We had a deliberately slow meander along the river from Consall Forge. All you can hear are wild birds and nothing else. Nature is king here and quite right too

Bit odd and probably done this way for good reason. Old style on
the left new (?) style on the right. We prefer the old

Looks peaceful enough now, treacherous when in flood
always obey the gauge at the lockside 

Cheddleton top lock

Flint Mill just around the corner and well worth a look. Decent visitor moorings
in a couple of hundred yards or so

 The sun began to make an appearence as we moved along and a welcome sight it was too. Just gently cruising along whilst drinking tea is something of an art form that we have developed to take the stress out of our decision making.  Our relaxed mood can change in an instant if required as it does when we think of our friends in government, you know, the one's that look after the interests of the nation

Blue sky and turning into a nice day

 Here we are just arrived at The Hollybush Inn and awaiting the arrival of our guests. This place is another home from home because we have stopped here for a meal for the past four years. You can almost guarantee the quality of the food whatever time of day you eat. They set high standards in this place and they maintain them. real ale available as well

Super setting and a very good place to stop for this is The Hollybush Inn
Always top quality food and beer

Outdoor seating canalside at the Hollybush. It's easy to see why
 it's so popular

 Dave's family appeared and we set off for a little run to the top of Hazelhurst locks. Pleased to say his grandaughter 'Ava' seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. A new canal enthusiast then, we'll take some credit for that. We are hopeful that we can add some video footage of 'Ava's' trip at a later date. She's a little gem

Top lock at Hazelhurst

Defunct railway line but still in place

View from Hazelhurst aqueduct. Walk down the steps from the Leek arm and you
 will be at The Hollybush Inn in no time

Hazelhurst embankment. Nice views. Pity there was no room to moor. The sign
states the time limit for mooring here but some folk ignore it
decent people obey the rules whilst the selfish know there is little chance of enforcement

The Impressive Hazelhurst Aqueduct

Day 4 Sunday

Sunday

Early rise as usual and during breakfast we mulled over going to Leek. it was 0530 at this time and we would easily be in Leek by 0700. That seemed a bit of a waste as there would be little going on at that time and so the decision was made, head for Froghall and so we did setting sail at 0615

A bit of a nip in the air at the present time

The Hollybush Inn at Denford
We plan to be here tomorrow

Approaching Cheddleton with the Flint Mill on the left

Nice plaque at Cheddleton top lock

A fine restoration project

A toot and a friendly wave from the driver

It was still early morning as joined the River Churnett, following its winding trail along the valley with trees and wildlife in abundance. It was almost as if we were trespassing. We wondered at this whilst having yet another cup of tea. All was well with the world, even got a toot from the passing loco. Our aim was the water point at Consall Forge with a need to fill up to get the boat in trim for the tunnel at Froghall. Nice to stop here and relax for a moment alongside the former lime kilns while the tank was filling. Incidentally, for a place so remote the water pressure is exceptionally high, in no time at all the tank was filled and we were once again on the move. Black Lion on the left and the thought that we may well be mooring here for the night added to the feel good factor felt by us all

Under the bridge and you go over the weir or turn left and head to Froghall
You can't really go over the weir even if you were daft enough to try
It's well protected

Water point at Consall Forge

Continuing along the valley at a gentle pace and suddenly we were at Froghall Tunnel. No doubters about unlike last time when it was clear a few thought we wouldn't get through, of course we did with plenty to spare. It's a great pity more boats can't get through because what awaits on the other side is well worthwhile. Whilst most will walk around the tunnel there's no doubting the feeling of achievement when locking down to the basin at the journeys end for we can go no further

Just awaiting the lock before dropping into the basin

Dave contemplates

In its day this would have been a hive of activity. The working conditions would probably have been horrendous, and yet, the hard working folk of the area would have been glad of the employment brought about by the coming of the canal. It is suggested that there were at one time four tramways each bringing limestone to the kilns for burning before the finished product was loaded onto narrowboats bound for Stoke on Trent; and even beyond. The famous Thomas Bolton copperworks is also at Froghall now on a much smaller scale. Not a lot going on there today, then again it is a Sunday

Lime Kilns at Froghall

Froghall Basin

The entire area is spectacular for it provides peace and solitude and a multitude of walks in scenery that is so natural. We saw plenty of walkers and yet the area is so vast they would probably rarely see one another. It's well maintained and cared for and seemingly respected for we didn't see any litter at all

A grand spot, shame more boats can't make it through the tunnel

Just entering the tunnel from the Uttoxeter Basin end

The superb 'Black Lion Inn'

Although you can't actually see it, this is Trev pulling his wallet along!

Super picture

Time to pop over to The Black Lion and sample the beer, be rude not to. We also had to go and book a table for a meal later so there was a good excuse for going early. The rest of the crew are always pleased to see Malc walk in through the door, not because they like him, it's because he's charged with carrying the kitty! We just had a pint and booked our table then back to the boat for showers ahead of the meal, time for a spotof fishing and a cuppa first

A good description of the beer or is it Malc

Last year much to the rest of the groups amusement Malc forgot to bring has CAMRA membership card and so missed out on discount. Not this year though and he was determined to save a few bob.

As always here you are rather spoilt for choice, not just the beer but the menu as well. Trev opted for Lamb Shank while Dave decided on Cod and Chips. Malc went for the Cajun Chicken  

This is Cath taking care not to spill Dave's pint

Malc's meal and he enjoyed every single bit

More than generous portions that represent truly good value for money

This is the menu then there is the specials board

Nice couple
Thanks for taking the time to talk with us and agreeing to have your pic on the Blog
 Might even see you when we return next year

Back to the boat and we got talking to a local couple who clearly appreciate the location. Must be great to live so close to a place like this

Thus ends a busy but rewarding day

Tomorrow It's The Hollybush Inn at Denford where we will meet up with Dave's wife, son and grandaughter

We'll be back...................................................?