Day 3 Monday

Monday

Water level gauge indicating it was
safe to proceed.
If it's in the red then stay in bed

Another early start, this time 0545 and a gentle meander to Cheddleton and beyond. The rain had finally stopped and we hoped better weather was on the way. The forecast for the rest of the week was very encouraging. Arriving at Oakmeadow Ford lock where canal meets river we were met by another boat telling us the river level was too high. We were horrified, after all this was the purpose of our journey. It transpired that it was too high the previous day but a look at the gauge assured us all was well. The level indicator was out of the red and just into the green. This was something of a relief as the main purpose of our trip was to get to Froghall and a river in flood would not have been at all helpful. Safety first though and had the gauge been in the red area then we would have turned back and reverted to plan B (not that we had a plan B of course)

Moored at Consall Forge. Just taken on water and about
to move to the mooring opposite the 'Black Lion'
At this point we are in the shadow of the old Lime kilns.
The river leaves the canal here and goes beneath
the bridge to the rapidly flowing weir

The river flowed quickly and our boat moved along at a nice steady pace between tree lined banks. Approaching the watering point we reminded ourselves of the need to top up the tank to ensure the boat was trimmed to get through the height restricted Froghall tunnel. Whilst filling the tank we pondered a visit to the clearly visible Black Lion pub and decided that having missed it last year due to time constraints we would venture inside.

Malc was sent on a reconnaissance mission whilst Trev and Dave did a little fishing. On Malcs return the report was very positive and so we decided to stay here for the rest of the day

There stands 'The Black Lion'

The Black Lion Public House
It's not often that we dedicate a complete Blog post to a pub (It's the next post)  but this is an exception, indeed the pub is an exceptional place in an exceptional place. First impressions on approaching are it's a little quaint and in a nice scenic setting. Step inside and one immediately feels at home. The place is warm, welcoming and friendly. The staff are first class and we were to find a menu with a wide range of food at reasonable prices. We sampled the menu and have no hesitation at all in recommending this pub as a place to eat and drink in what has to be one of the best locations in the land. The view of the railway with it's tracks almost outside the front door, then the canal is in sight along with the river all surrounded by trees and this has to be Britain at its best.

We were so impressed with this area and the pub that we elected to spend the following day here after we had completed our mission of passing through Froghall tunnel and entering the basin at the start of the Uttoxeter canal. That's tomorrows plan and it will require our usual early start but now we must retire for the night and see what tomorrow brings

'BEATRICE'
On the way to Consall we passed 'Beatrice' moored at Cheddleton. Malc talked to one of the volunteers for a while

'Beatrice' is used as a trip boat mainly for children of all ages and abilities. Run by volunteers she take kids along the canal and teaches them about the system. Great way to introduce youngsters and maybe the not so young to the delights of the canals

Beatrice at her mooring

 Beatrice is a registered charity visit their website

Nice video of some youngsters enjoying their canal trip