Return Trip from Consall Forge

We planned our holiday so we could have time to relax for a few days at Consall Forge. It is one of our favourite places on the system, completely isolated with no phone or internet signals. On this occasion we did not take our boat to Froghall, but we did had a very enjoyable walk, rewarded by a nice cold pint at the Black Lion on our return. As we were there over the weekend, the steam train was running as well.

The Black Lion, Consall Forge

Morning sunshine, view from our mooring

Lime Kilns

Churnet Valley Steam Railway

Proof that I do let go of the tiller and let Ian steer once in awhile

One of three sculptures depicting the local industries

Ivy Road electric lift bridge

Regeneration in Hanley

Misty morning near Fradley

Kegworth to the Caldon Canal

The time has arrived for our annual holiday, although the blog is a little after the event, we felt we still needed to record it on the blog. Photos are mainly of the Caldon as we have put that many on already of the Trent and Mersey. We set off on Friday 28 June with friends Paul and Jo on nb Repent at Leisure, heading for Trent Lock at tea time, just managing to moor before the rain. After that we were very lucky with the weather and it got hotter and hotter.

Great Haywood Junction, heading towards Stoke on Trent

 

Nice to see the kilns still preserved in Stoke

Sharp U turn from the lock on to the Caldon Canal

Statue of James Brindley at Etruria

Bedford Street staircase lock at the start of the Caldon, 19’3”

Obstruction, the site of a light railway swing bridge

Hazelhurst Locks

Hazelhurst Aquaduct, the Leek arm above

Flint Mill

The River Churnet

Moored at Consall Forge

Langley Mill Boat Rally – May 2013

We can now say that we have completed the Erewash Canal.  12 miles long and 15 locks. Six boats from the Soar Boating Club, Serenity included set off last weekend to ensure our mooring spot at Langley Mill. The boat rally was arranged to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the restoration of the Erewash Canal.

Trent Lock

Long Eaton

SandiacreLace Mill, Sandiacre, built in 1890Cloud House and Sandiacre Church

Passing under the M1

 

Waiting for the rest to arrive, eventually there were over 60 boats lined three abreast.

Langley Mill basin, the junction of the Erewash, Cromford and Nottingham Canals

A lovely weekend was had by all, the weather behaved and the sun shone. All the stores were busy and especially the beer tent. A big thank you to the organisers.