Macclesfield in the Drizzle

Late start about 10.00am - couldn't tear ourselves away from the peace and tranquility of our surroundings - just nice to chill.  Canal alternated between high vistas open to picturesque deep valleys to tight woodlands.

As you can see from photos below, it is pointless to tank through the countryside as there's so much beauty to behold. It was unfortunate that the weather was misty and drizzling so we could not see the distant hills.

We were not really looking forward to convert from the beauty of the Macclesfield canal to the suburbs, but it has been an eye-opener of what can be achieved in conversion of history to modern age without losing the feeling of the area.

View of Bollington from Bollington Aqueduct

View of Bollington from Bollington Aqueduct

Although we have cruised through the very outskirts of Manchester today, there are some very pretty villages, some of which have become suburbs without losing the character of the original.  It is obvious from the mill buildings, mill owners' houses and adjacent terraced houses what manufacturing history is attached to this region.  The birthplace of Hovis bread was in the mill adjacent to bridge 38/37 - now converted very aesthetically into canal-side dwellings.  The most impressive mills is the now-converted huge Clarence Mill.  We believe this was the original silk mill of the area and now houses small businesses, a canal-side cafe and converted apartments.

Clarence Mill Bloomington

Clarence Mill Bollington

Clarence Mill Bollington

Fellow boaters had advised us to moor at bridge 37 as there is a Co-op store only a few yards from moorings - very useful for topping up - and to use the 24hr pontoon past the bridge.  Looking at Nicholsons' Guide, there were 2 water points around B37 on the left side - these are now redundant and the water point is just before Peak Forest Cruisers.

We weren't sure which direction to take at Marple Junction but, having looked at the 16 locks towards Manchester (Ashton canal)- "no problem going down" says Jan but as, we have to come back up them sometime next week, it has been voted a definite no-no.  So we are heading towards Whaley Bridge along the Peak Forest.  Spot doesn't care as long as she can get the usual attention and chews! 

Once showered we popped to the Boars Head in Higher Poynton. A good pub doing simple pub grub. The staff were very friendly. The beer was Thwaites and Black Sheep and slipped down well. Jan had lambs liver and I had home made mince beef and onion pie. Both were very tasty and very good value for money. Compared to the meal we had a Sutton Hall it was much better and considerably less than half the price. We will eat here again.

PS Chris's birthday today!