Hotel Narrowboats day 3/5

Once onto the Caldon Canal, we almost immediately turned into a 'staircase lock', which seemed unbelievably complex to those with no prior canal experience, and which was an amazing piece of ingenuity dating back several decades, yet still very much in use now and to be used in the future. 

The view from the top looking down the staircase was fantastic. It was rather scary to watch Henry scurrying around so close to the top of the lock. Luckily, he is very sure- footed!

Once we were at the top of the locks, we quickly passed through the industrial parts of Hanley and then into the main canal, so lush and green . Like the Macclesfield, we were soon only surrounded by woodland and ferns, just so easy on the eyes, and again, such solitude and silence.

There were areas of allotments, with gardens brimming with vegetables, sloping down to the waters below. 

What a gorgeous canal this was. If I ever do another canalcruise, and I think I will, I would choose the rural ones.

It doesn't matter where we are, the service is impeccable! Neil is always there with a smile, and this time a cup of tea and freshly made biscuits for those who have opted to walk.! Amazing.

After lunch, we continued up the canal towards Leek. It seems I misunderstood the details amd thought we would be crossing the aquaduct

And then getting as close to Leek as possible. It seems the idea was to turn before the aquaduct and head back to way back down the Caldon! Actually, I am thrilled I did not hear correctly and continued along certainly the prettiest part of all the canals we had been on. It was breathtaking.

Not only was the vegetation fabulous, but also the cottages along the way were adorned with the most beautiful, colourful hanging baskets.

The countryside was lovely, with rolling hills, stone walls and lush river valleys.

'Lazy days on the Caldon'. It seemed that way as I saw this moored boat, but later there was nothing lazy about my day!

This part of the canal was stunning, particularly as the afternoon sun managed to break through the thick tree canopy and light up the vegetation along the banks of the canal.

The dark waters reminded me so much of our gorgeous West Coast rivers. There was hardly a soul around, and those I met, usually with their dogs, always stopped for a chat. So nice!

Suddenly I came to a section of the river with the most incredible properties and gardens. They made our lovely Mona Vale in Christchurch look second rate!

 Despite that I preferred the view along the canal, with the little section of wild flowers in the corner of the well-tended garden

I figured we would be stopping close to this calm and restful spot, so although I had walked a long way, I carried on enjoying the peace and solitude!

I had nearly reached the end of the tow path when I got a reply to my message saying that the boats had turned before the aquaduct and were heading back down the canal, about 4 miles! 

At this point, I had wonderful scenery but virtually no water, and the prospect of a very long walk, after the forest out in the sun! I did feel a little concerned.

Luckily, a kind boater filled my bottle and another passerby allowed me to call the worried hotelboats. Poor Neil. He even came back to meet me, even though it was a genuine misunderstanding on my part, and I had enough water. I was  not worried about the distance as long as I had water.

However, I was pretty glad to see Neil further down the track and to have company to our mooring.

What a fantastic day. 25 km of walking along a very picturesque stretch of the Caldon Canal!