Mow Cop.

This morning Jo and I decided to take a walk up the hill to Mow Cop.

Mow Cop, our destination taken with a telephoto lens, so quite a way off, in fact exactly 1.43 miles from where Hadar is moored.

Some friendly goats.

Entrance gate to Ramsdell Hall.

The level crossing of the London to Manchester main line, looking in the direction of Manchester.

The Globe is in a very sorry state.

getting closer.

Some model buildings in a front garden.

Even closer.

The Cheshire View.

From the Cheshire View the hill gets a bit steep here! This is probably why Nicholson’s suggests walking from Bridge 85, presumably it is not so steep from there.

Almost there.

Even closer.

Last few steps.

Got there, phew!

The views from up here are amazing, despite the weather.

I tried to get a photo of Jodrell Bank from the top of the hill, but the clouds got in the way.

The quarry.

Returning back down the hill.

I did manage to get this better photo of Jodrell Bank further down the hill when the clouds cleared.

Much easier going down that up.

First bluebells.

Pendolino train at speed at the level crossing.

The friendly goats get even friendlier.

Keith.

Oakgrove to Ramsdell Hall Railings.

9.65 miles, 12 locks, 5hrs 15mins.

A dull day, which started cool, and warmed as we travelled.

Passing Alton’s home mooring, Jo and I had a lovely evening out with Brian & Ann Marie at The Wharf in Macclesfield, a great traditional pub with a real pub atmosphere. Was great to have a good catch up on all our news.

Approaching Bosley top lock.

Forget-me-nots and dandelions making a colourful display.

We are moored at Ramsdell Hall railings, The plaque reads:-

The railings
restored

2008/2009

Age takes its toll on us all - and
the Ramsdell Hall railings were
no exception. Over nearly two
centuries, some sections had
become badly damaged.

Thankfully, in 2008, Macclesfield
Canal Society, Congleton Borough
Council and British Waterways
managed to raise funds and
work together to restore the
railings and the stonework
to their former glory.

We are going to spend the bank holiday weekend here before continuing our journey south.

Keith.

Bugsworth Basins to Royal Oak Swingbridge.

20.07 miles, 2 swing & 2 lift bridges, 8hrs 25mins.

A cool start, but blue skies and no wind and lots of lovely warn sunshine soon brought the temperature up.

Carr swingbridge.

blue skies and dramatic views.

Across the valley to New Mills.

Swizzles factory at New Mills.

Beware low flying cars!

Wood End lift bridge.

Turflea lift bridge, apparently as there is no STOP sign one doesn’t have to stop at this bridge!

Approaching Marple junction.

Squeezing through where the old stop lock used to be.

North Cheshire Cruising Club in the High Lane arm.

Highland cattle a fair way from home.

Canalside Community Radio station in the Clarence Mill, Bollington.

Some serious stonework in Macclesfield.

Last view of the Pennines after leaving Macclesfield.

Broadhurst swingbridge is not fixed open to the canal, with this notice attached, this is the one that Jo hurt her back on trying to open and close it.

Keith.