Harecastle and the Rising Sun

Today started overcast and the weather forecast changed to rain in the afternoon. Our main aims for the day were fill with water, go through the Harecastle Tunnel, and get some supplies from Tesco.

Entrance to the Thomas Telford Tunnel

The Harecastle Tunnel is 2926 yards long and takes about 45 minutes to pass through.  It is one of three parallel tunnels. The first built by James Brindley, the second by Thomas Telford so that there was a two-way traverse, the third built many years later to take Stoke Kidsgrove railway.  Due to subsidence the Brindley tunnel was closed, and the rail tunnel also ceased to operate, leaving the single file tunnel of Telford's still operating.  Due to modern diesel engine fumes a fan system was introduced to clear the air within the tunnel.

We filled up with water while waiting for our turn to go through the tunnel.  We were told we would probably have to wait for an hour.  It is only wide enough for one way traffic so boats move in convoy organised by CRT.  There were about 7 boats in our convoy.

Taken by Jan inside the tunnel

Once out of the tunnel we took a left turn onto the Macclesfield Canal and then promptly took a right turn and crossed over the Trent and Mersey Canal via the Poole Aqueduct. Just over the aqueduct we moored and walked to Tesco for supplies (Jan says thanks to Chris for buying an All Terrain Shopping Trolley (ATST!!) - not quite 4x4 but far better than having to carry shopping bags. By the time we returned to the boat the rain had started to we moved up one lock (very deep at 1 ft!) and moored by bridge 87 only a few yards from the Rising Sun pub.

Mow Cop Castle

Super atmosphere in the pub.  Locals and visitors treated alike, very friendly.  A great plus for us as they are also very dog-friendly.  We've put a comment on Trip Advisor re the pub and their food as we were really impressed with all.