Summary

Here's a link to our Canal Holiday 2015   click here

Summary of the holiday

Nice countryside and plenty of colour

The Boat
MARTHA
Starting with the boat. 'Martha' was top class in every respect, plenty of room and lots of equipment. A very well equipped galley and more than comfortable sleeping quarters. Two showers proved to be of benefit. Engine never skipped a beat and the steering position with tiller in one hand and throttle in the other was very comfortable. Heating was first class, not that we needed it very often

The Caldon Canal
Very much understated, this remarkable waterway has everything for the canal enthusiast. It's history and engineering pedigree make it a great way to find, and in many ways experience, the past with today's comforts. We know that some folk would describe this canals beginning as grotty (that's one of the kinder phrases that has been used) that's not a true reflection or description of the area at all. It is rural at the start and folk do throw rubbish in but that's city life and something that some people do. It should not deter anyone from making this canal a holiday route because it just has so much to offer. We should not forget the Trent & Mersey canal as this was our initial route to the Caldon. Again this canal is well maintained and a pleasure to cruise. The graffiti artists have been busy in the Stoke on Trent area. One does wonder what makes these people tick, still it takes all sorts

The Pubs
Contrary to what many might think we didn't visit that many pubs but those that we did visit have our endorsement. They are all good in their own way and we could find little at fault in any of them. The find of the week was without a doubt The Black Lion' at Consall Forge and has left us with wonderful memories of a place that few people know of. It's a unique pub in a unique area. The Hollybush Inn at Denford is well known among canal boaters and why not. It is a fine pub, noted for its quality food at reasonable prices

The Eating Places
Well most of our food was eaten in pubs or on board. However if it's a cafe you want then the stand out exception would be the 'Village Kitchen' in Milton. It's nice, friendly and welcoming. The village of Milton is too easy to pass by and that's a shame because, apart from good moorings,  it does seem to have a range of shops that supply all the boater would need. There's even a tattoo artist! (Why not)

The Hire Firm
Canal Cruising Stone
A fine company to deal with. They know what they are doing and they do it rather well. Their inclusion of fuel in the holiday price is appreciated and to be commended. Those that charge extra for fuel will never get our business. They don't deserve it either

Thank you Karen (Canal Cruising. Stone) for providing first class service. It is appreciated

Plenty of room at the back and all the controls and gauges within easy reach

Day 8 Saturday

Saturday

Awake at 0500 for a light breakfast. Boat tided and cleaned. Not quite cleaned for as we attempted to vacuum (yes a vacuum cleaner is provided) we realised that the engine needed to be running to help the load on the inverter. There was a boat alongside us with folk on it and we doubted they would be awake at that unearthly hour and so they would not have thanked us for starting the engine. We just had to leave it and apologise to Karen and staff later.

All belongings were packed into bags, funny how there seems to be more going back that when we started. It's also odd that each year we manage to leave something behind. This year it was to be the barbecue (don't ask)

Our plan had been to go into Stone for breakfast, however, the time was now 0700 and with nowhere to eat until 0800 we decided there was nothing for it other than to head for home.

Thank you Karen and Staff at Canal Cruising, Stone, not forgetting 'Martha' of course for a fantastic holiday

A summary of the holiday will follow soon and also, more pictures will appear on the daily pages, a lot more and some better editing

Dave looking intense or rather deep in concentration as Malc took this photo
Trev asked him what he was thinking and he told him he was thinking of telling
Malc where to shove the camera!!!

Mission accomplished
'Martha' berthed in the basin at Froghall. What a destination

We must mention the excellent works undertaken by the many volunteers of The Caldon and Uttoxeter Canals Trust. Without them and The Inland Waterways Association this exceptional waterway might well have been lost forever. 

Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust website 

Inland Waterways Association website

Visit the website of Canal Cruising. Stone. Staffordshire

Day 7 Friday

Friday

Up and away just after 0500 and once again we were leaving the rural for the urban as we approached Stoke on Trent, but not before exploring a bit of canalside history although not to a successful conclusion , or was it? A brick wall alongside the canal didn't seem to have any purpose, so why was it there? A bit of exploring was needed at this point

Fairly long brick wall, but why?

A little exploring just past the wall mentioned in the previous photo and there are
traces of an abandoned railway line, so perhaps the brick wall was there to
stabilise the bank.  A look at the ordnance survey map later did confirm the
existence of a railway line along side the canal. Mystery solved

After solving our little mystery it was time to move on. Ivy House lift bridge soon came into view. Funny how as we prepared to raise the bridge there was no traffic in sight and yet again as soon as the bridge began to rise, cars came in both directions. I think it's called 'Sods law' never mind we were soon on the move again and heading for the water point at Etruria.

Ivy House lift bridge with Dave at the helm of 'Martha'

After Ivy House lift bridge, and whilst appreciating a number of new housing developments canalside, there is plenty of evidence of the canals illustrious past as it provided  a means of transport from place to place. Some derelict buildings and some thriving it would appear

The missing letters on this building had us wondering for a while. Then we
realised this is the famous Emma Bridgewater factory

Not obvious from this photo but there was plenty of activity going on inside

Another mystery and this one remains unsolved. A bit anonymous to say the least

We  arrived at the water point at 0800 and although the hour was late there was very little boat movement

At the water point and it can be noted that Trev is carrying rubbish for disposal
whilst making a phone call. This is known as multi-tasking. Men are very good at this!

Having topped up the tank and removed the rubbish we set off to negotiate the tight turn from the Caldon into the Trent & Mersey. Having Trev at the front with the pole certainly helped in this respect and then on to work the five locks of the Stoke flight, all of which were against us

About to join the Trent & Mersey. The great man seemed to approve

Passing the wharf at the Etruria Industrial Museum

This would have been a busy site with boats entering/leaving the site in either
direction and with locks to negotiate either side

Well kept towpath and the industrial theme remains. Pity about the graffiti

 Stoke railway station is just a few hundred yards away to the left

Didn't take too long to get out into the country again and as soon as it was convenient we stopped for breakfast/lunch. In warm sunshine and relaxed fashion we polished off the food and set off once more toward the base in Stone

A nice mooring location and a sign on the bridge
simply consisted of the word 'Pub'  with an arrow to
show the way. It would have been bad manners
to miss it so we gave it a try and nice it was too

A stop near Meaford pointed us to a pub by the name of The Lakeside Tavern. A fine pint, just one, called Lancaster Bomber, went down well. We wandered back to the boat ready for the locks that were waiting for us. Our timing was a bit out of kilter because as we approached the top lock there were three boats queuing and there seemed a bit of a delay.

We had a laugh with these two ladies and promised to put their photo on the Blog.
Promise kept and if you see this ladies you owe us £2,000 for this publicity shot

Eventually we descended the locks and soon arrived at our hire base in Stone and began the delicate manoeuvre of mooring which entailed turning the boat around using the time honoured method of pole and engine. Worked well and we had time for showers before heading into the beckoning nightlife of Stone. The Poste of Stone and then the Crown of India to be more accurate. Both very good it must be said.

All too soon it was time to return to the boat

Back on-board we discussed the merits of this holiday and concluded that whilst very heavy rain for the first couple of days did nothing to spoil things it was regarded as the low point. Now the high point was going through the Froghall tunnel and then mooring in the restored basin. It is a special place. Of course the Black Lion will go down in our memory banks as one of the best pubs we had ever encountered. It wasn't just the pub it was the location as well. One without the other would still be good but the two together and maybe 'Utopia' is the right word in this instance

The boat of course has to have a mention. Engine quiet and never missed a beat. All the controls are there for the steerer to use along  with gauges in clear sight and as far as inside goes the fit out was first class. Everything we could possibly have wanted was provided and as we prepared for our last night on board we reflected on the past week with great appreciation

Day 6 Thursday

Thursday

Once again off to our usual early morning start, this time it's 0530 and we had enjoyed our marvelous overnight mooring near Endon. Now it's time to head toward the village of Milton. We may stop for the night there, or perhaps before or after, not too sure at this stage.

Not long after leaving our mooring we went past the arm that is home to
Stoke on Trent Boat Club. It's a nice secluded spot yet not far from the city

Shame about the barriers as this would have been a nice photo with the bridge
reflected in the as yet undisturbed water. Can't be helped, the work has to be done

One of the five locks that make up the Stockton Brook flight
Well maintained and a pleasure to work. As they all are on this canal

The impressive Stockton Brook flight of locks soon came into view, everyone against us as is the way of things. Then on a particularly tight bend we managed to meet a waterway maintenance boat towing a massive dumb boat. This we negotiated successfully thanks to the skill of the maintenance man and good luck on our side it has to be said

The feeder from Knypersley reservoir gently mixing and adding to the
water from the upper pounds

Seemed like a good time to have breakfast and so we moored just beyond the canal feeder from Knypersley reservoir, after the lift bridge

One of the old lift bridges that are to be found on this canal. Now hydraulically
operated but in years gone by these would have been opened by hanging
on to a chain attached to the balance beam. Brute force as we recall

What we had not realised is that not too far from this mooring spot is a village pub that goes by the name of The Foaming Quart. It's about six hundred yards along the track accessed at the lift bridge. Had we known of its existance we might well have stopped here the previous night, then again we had a barbecue so  maybe not. It is one to remember though

Setting off once more we discussed the wonderful weather we were experiencing, it was the best day so far and getting quite warm.

Milton soon came into view
After mooring we had a wander into the village and once again went into the café known as The Village Kitchen. Just as nice as last time and the ladies in there remembered us (probably because of our good looks) It is a nice café with friendly service and a nice choice on the menu at reasonable prices. We knew this as we had visited the same place on last years holiday. Another late breakfast/lunch and we wandered into the local co-op for some provisions and with that task accomplished we headed back to the boat

We had to visit this cafe after last year. Just as good now as it was then

Dave and Trev decided to partake in a spot of fishing whilst Malc wrote up more notes in the diary for the Blog. Malc also attempted yet again to get onto the Blog but as the app on the mobile phone didn't want to work he tried using the laptop and tethering the mobile phone to it. This worked ok but was dependent on a decent signal and it kept dropping out. Malc elected to continue making handwritten notes and bring the Blog up to date on his return home in another week or so

Excellent moorings at Milton and plenty of shops (you can even get a tattoo here)
Don't want to dwell on it but for a small village it is well served with shops
There's a great book shop here as well. Even the Pearsons guide mentions it

Dave had spotted a fish and chip shop in the village and so we decided to get fish and chips for tea. Smashing place (or should that be plaice) and that particular meal went down very well. In fact it was superb

After eating we discussed the merits of our boat and agreed it was the best yet. We had used the heater a couple of times in the wet weather and found it to be very efficient. Even little things like sliding galley windows to help ventilation were noted. There were lots of little extras that you might take for granted and perhaps would not get with other firms

Trev. Relaxed and ready to talk politics or football

An early night beckoned as we needed an early start tomorrow for we hoped to get back to base to enjoy the delights of Stone on the last night of the holiday

Day 5 Wednesay

Wednesday

Nice countryside as we headed toward Cheddleton

Rising for our usual light breakfast at 0500 we were surprised to see it fairly misty. However it was not so bad as to prevent us moving along, and so after taking on water at Consall we headed back along the river in relaxed mood and wondering where we would be come nightfall. Plenty of time to contemplate the day ahead as we left the river and meandered along the canal

Approaching Cheddleton Dave and Trev elected to take the trek up the mountain to visit the local shop for some much needed provisions. Malc said he would move along to the moorings just past the Flint Mill

Now mooring a boat single handed is as easy as it gets, unless your name is Malc. It would appear that as Malc got to the mooring spot he jumped off the boat with the centre rope and of course forgetting his damaged knee he somehow pushed himself off the boat, his knee could give in anytime, having succeeded in take off and landing without inflicting injury upon himself,  he then started to pull the boat into the side. Unknown to him the rope had snagged on something and so when he exerted all his pulling power to bring the boat in, the rope released and he fell backwards, now that would be bad enough but he was at the edge of a small embankment at the time and of course fell down it

Having clambered back up he was dismayed to find his cap at the bottom and so had go down again to retrieve it. He was lucky to escape with severe bruising and managed to have a good laugh about it despite the pain. He did eventually manage to moor the boat before the arrival of Dave and Trev and after explaining what happened then had to endure their mirth (should have kept it quiet really)

One of the water wheels at the Flint Mill. Not working at the time and the
place was closed. I was informed that they rely on volunteers to open it
That's fair enough, people are busy and getting volunteers is never easy.
Malc wandered around the outside taking it all in along with plenty of photo's

Malc decided to explore the restored Flint Mill. Sadly it wasn't open at the time. It relies on volunteers to man the place. However, there is plenty to see outside including the two impressive water wheels that power the machinery inside. This place would have been a hive of activity in its heyday. It's great that enthusiasts have restored it to working order so that future generations can experience the way things were first hand

The Mill Race. Clever how the engineers used the flow of the river to drive
the water wheel and in turn the machinery inside the mill

Eventually setting off for Hazelhurst junction with no particular plan in mind, it became one of those lets see where we end up days. Thing is if you make specific plans you either end up rushing or not arriving, better to be a bit more spontaneous, that's the secret, We moored at Hazelhurst Junction at lunchtime and after backing into the Leek arm just below bridge No1 lunch was taken

Top lock at Hazelhurst with what appears to be a former lock keepers house
in the background. A beauty of a house, wonder if they'd swop?

View from the embankment near bridge No 1 at Hazelhurst
It was here that a friendly waterway employee explained that there in no by-weir to feed the main line to Froghall at this point there is instead a valve that takes water from the upper to the lower and this is manually operated. Interesting to find that out as we always assumed there was a by-weir at every lock. There you go, live and learn

After lunch and a spot of fishing it was time to move along and see where we might end up for the night. We mulled it over whilst taking on water at the excellent Park Lane facility and decided to just look for a quiet place as a barbecue seemed like a good idea. We moored for the night at a spot just short of the village of Endon

A nice photographic scene. How can it be improved?

Having moored we decided to use the barbeque and what a wise choice that was. A nice meal with a few bottles of beer to wash it down and the night ended well. Only disappointing note was none of us took any photo's of the barbecue as it gently cooked our burgers and sausages to perfection. We've used disposable barbecues in the past and they've been pretty much a waste of time so this time around we had a small portable unit that worked a treat. Don't think we needed the hundredweight bag of charcoal that we brought though

Wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Day 4 Tuesday

Froghall

Here we are still at Consall Forge ready to make an early start for Froghall, but not until we had gone back slightly to top up the water tank.

Moving back to the water point alongside the former lime kilns
topping up the tank and ready for Froghall Tunnel

Moving along and taking in the fine scenery of the Churnet Valley we soon found ourselves gliding past boats moored before the tunnel and there were one or two knowing glances that seemed to say "look at those idiots heading for a tunnel they can't get through" get through it we did and with plenty of clear space between us and the roof.

Entering the tunnel dead slow. Quite an experience and
a first for our band of musketeers

It was something of an anti climax really for we had wondered all along if we would make it although Karen's assurance that the boat would get through easily enough as long as the water tank was full rang true and so after clearing the tunnel we entered the restored lock, that heralds the start of the Uttoxeter branch of the canal, dropping down onto the superb moorings created by those responsible for this restoration project

Words alone cannot describe this scene. You have to visit
this place to appreciate what has been done

A fitting tribute without a doubt

The basin at Froghall is splendid, isolated and a great place to spend a day. The former lime kilns add to the interest and there are numerous walks that take the explorer around this splendid area. It's probably a walkers paradise and why not. There is a visitor centre here but it was closed on our arrival so not sure what that would have to offer. Ample car parking make this remote place easily accessible for those looking for peace and quiet

The restored top lock of the Uttoxeter Canal
Even James Brindley would have been impressed

Froghall was also at one time a mooring for a horse drawn trip boat now sadly departed we know not what the story is but will attempt to seek further information out of general interest

This is the end of the Caldon Canal at Froghall
This building is now a private property

After a spot of late breakfast/early lunch we left this splendid mooring and ascended the lock before entering the tunnel and finally leaving this remarkable place in our wake as we once again headed for the Black Lion at Froghall

Lining up ready for the lock as we head back to the 'Black Lion'

Nice to moor near enough outside the pub and wander in for a lunchtime pint. Sitting in the beer garden we could appreciate the wonderful views whilst listening to the water running over the river weir. Chickens wandered about completely untroubled by our presence and it seemed the world of nature was at peace with mankind

Our three bank robbers enjoying a pint in the beer garden
This photo will probably be featured on Crimewatch one day.
It was taken by a rather attractive young lady who after seeing Malc
taking a pic of Dave and Trev offered to take one of the three of us

The young lady in question and her fella. We had seen this couple walking along the canal as we left Froghall and now suddenly here they were at the Black Lion having clearly arrived before us. It's a long walk.
Nice couple. We told them we would put their pic on the 'Blog'.
"Thank you for taking our photo earlier"

We booked a meal, for later, in the pub and set about to explore a little of the area. That's when the rain started, fortunately it didn't last too long and once again in a place where there is so little there is much to do and much of interest

Into the pub and another first class meal. The portions were on the large side but we managed although Trev didn't do the mixed grill the full justice it deserved. Have to admit me and Dave were a bit shocked when we saw the size of that particular meal. It would be a challenge for anyone and Trev vowed to return again one day and eat the lot

Dave and Trev planning on a course of action while Malc took off
for a walk along the canal with camera in hand. It seems Dave was
going to tidy the boat whilst Trev did a bit of fishing

What did we say about Dave tidying the boat?

Finally it was time to return to the boat for the night but not before reflecting the magnificence of Froghall and then, once again, on what we all three considered one of the best pubs ever

The Black Lion Pub

"UTOPIA"
The Black Lion Public House
Consall Forge
http://blacklionpub.co.uk/

Just imagine. A whole page dedicated to a pub.
We've never done that before. Is it justified?

The answers easy "of course it is"

Here's the pub taken from the other side of the river Churnett, with the
canal and railway line in-between. Whilst this pic takes in the view
it doesn't do it justice. You really do have to see it for yourself

Great staff and this is 'Julie' Friendly, pleasant
and knows how to pull a pint.
 She deserves a pay rise. Take note Jason!

Now you do need to stop look and listen because the only way
in to the Inn is across the railway line

Is 'Utopia' a bit over the top. Well it's a matter of opinion for this is as good a pub as any of us can remember and better than most, a lot better. Amazing that a public house should be built in such a location for it is as far from civilisation as is possible. Not really, but it feels like it. The place has everything you might want and yet is unspoilt and set in magnificent countryside. They even offer free WiFi now that's a bonus in the middle of nowhere. Friendly staff, real ale and good food what more could you want. Photographs don't do justice because it is the whole area that has appeal not just the pub

Consall Station, taken from the superb beer garden, with
the platform overhanging the canal

The thing to do is sit in the garden with a pint and take it all in. Sitting in the beer garden is the perfect way to appreciate the setting. Chickens wander around completely untroubled by human presence. Look a few yards to the left of the beer garden you can see the railway station of Consall preserved by enthusiasts of the Churnet Valley Railway. The line passes the front garden of the pub and if you are into the nostalgic days of steam then you cannot fail to be impressed as a train goes by. take a look at the Churnet Valley Railway website for more information

A nice view along the line of the valley

Look ahead and the Caldon Canal is in your line of sight as it meanders left toward the overhanging platform of Consall Station. Look beyond that and there's the river Churnett cascading over the weir, beyond that and the trees hide the very private road that leads to this incredible place

The waters of the river Churnett tumble gently over the weir

Words don't really do justice to what's on offer and talking to others they were of the same mind. It seems this place is a well known haven among those that enjoy walking as a hobby. It's a nice place to quench a thirst right enough and if you need something more substantial then the food on offer will ensure you go for another walk to burn it off

Great beer and the opportunity to spend a little less
In fact the more you drink the more you save
That means next time we go we'll save as much as we can

At this juncture it's worth mentioning that Malc as an avid member of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) had forgotten to bring his membership card. Had he done so he would have saved 20p a pint on the beer. Everyone but Malc thought that was quite funny

The beer say's it all. "Lets have another"

More pics of this place and people in the next post