Day 2 Sunday

Sunday

Just left the overnight mooring and approaching th
 tight right hand bend on the approach to Bedford Strret Locks

Waking soon after dawn a light breakfast was taken before casting off at 0530 and gently nudging into the lower chamber of the Bedford Street staircase locks. The centre gate took considerable force to open and the paddles either side of the gates are as hard as it gets. We had taken note of the heavy rain forecast and it seemed imminent so we prepared the wet gear for the inevitable

Entering the lower chamber of Bedford Street Staircase Locks

Once the bottom gate closed there is an impressive view
of the centre gates.  Formidable sight don't you think?

Moving on from the staircase locks, Hanley Park soon came into sight and we pondered for a while trying to imagine this place in its heyday when it would have been very much a part of the 'social scene'. It's clearly well cared for and whilst wanting a look around the continuing rain made it a less than attractive thought in our minds and so we carried on. The canal winds around some fairly steep bends and there is a fair degree of the old and new to take in. Some of the buildings really are derelict but we should remind ourselves and others that these buildings were built close to the canals because canals were the best form of transport at the time. The buildings/factories also contributed a lot to the area in providing much needed jobs to a more than willing workforce that certainly improved living standards for most

Part of the history and heritage. It deserves it's place
and in its day would have provided employment for many

The lift bridge at Ivy House Lane soon came into view and we marveled at the new control panel installed in double quick time when the previous one had failed. Credit to the Waterways Trust it has to be said. There's something about pressing a button and watching a few tons of bridge slowly lift to open the waterway for our boat to glide through. The hydraulics, electrics and mechanical engineering certainly were not available to the old boatmen and they must have needed considerable strength to open this bridge purely by rudimentary mechanical means in their day

On we continued still finding our way round the tightest of bends soon aware that we were leaving the conurbation in our wake. Some way to go though before the real countryside began and of course it continued to rain in buckets. We couldn't have cared less for this was our chosen holiday and the weather can be kind and unkind, for now it was the latter. meantime Martha's engine purred along nicely

Milton came into view and it was here that we stopped for a proper breakfast which we combined with lunch since it was late morning. Bacon rolls all round with steaming hot tea and we were ready to explore the village. There wasn't really much to explore as it was Sunday and everything was closed save for the paper shop and mini markets

After our short break we again set off heading for a place to stop. We didn't know where that would be of course and just elected to gently wind our way along and take in the views. The rain didn't help in that respect. A few more relaxing stops along the way helped us to dry off a little before setting off again each time

After dropping down the flight at Hazlehurst we looked forward to mooring as near as possible to the waiting and welcoming Hollybush Inn. Couldn't believe it, after passing a line of moored boats there was a space for us right outside the pub

The impressive Hollybush Inn
A great pub in a wonderful setting

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Mooring at The Hollybush Inn after a fair old drop of rain along the way. It was time for shower's and a change of clothes before we made our way into this excellent pub. Meals were ordered and whilst waiting we had a pint of Thwaites. Can't remember what the ale was called though, it was very nice as was the meal. Just remembered it was Wainwrights beer. Reasonable prices and large portions make this a fine place. We did know what to expect as we had stopped here the past two years. The standard has always been excellent. You really should not miss this place. It's also dog friendly



After the pub we retired to the boat where the evening talk was about the merits of football and the way the game has gone downhill. We had differing views on what was wrong and eventually it was time to turn in and continue the discussion next day, maybe!

This is a great place to moor for a night or two

Take a closer look at The Hollybush Inn