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