Bosley Locks and Sutton Hall

Trepidation / delay from Jan to start as we were about to go up 12 locks to ascend 118 feet.  We were told it would take us about 3 hours to go up, best achieved was apparently 2 hrs 15mins.  Ha Ha! - we did it in 1 hour 55 mins with only 3 locks in our favour.  Reason for speed: Chris was told in local pub how to moor on current lock while partner closes current lock and has time to walk up to and open next uphill lock.

View from top of Bosley Locks

As we have now entered Peak District, scenery speaks for itself: it's magnificent.  There are close woodlands where the birdsong is muted / echoed but there are wide moorlands and valleys where the views are breathtaking.  Came across boaters at B53 Locketts Bridge.  They had gone down Daintrys Road Bridge and got their props damaged due to shallow water in the off-cut.  We had no problem.  Problem we did have was at B47 Broadhurst Swing Bridge.  Passing boater told us they had had some trouble with youths on the swing bridge, "caused them some trouble".  When we got to the bridge only minutes later,the lock mechanism had been superglued and, if not for a boat coming from the other direction with knowledge and equipment, we could have been there for a good while.  CART was contacted to absolve the problem and said they would be there within the hour.

Both me and Jan have decided to return down the Mac as the views are so breathtaking and the local people /  boaters so friendly.

View from the top

After mooring close to the Gurnett Aqueduct we went for a meal at Sutton Hall just a short walk over the canal. Even though we were there early it was very busy. Seemed a very popular meeting place for local successfuls - lots of chelsea tractors and 'pretty' people. Lovely building and setting. Very friendly staff and good beer. The food was ok, not the best meal we have had but ok. However we expected better for the price. Weather forecast not good for today so we will see where we end up.