Tramway and Reservoir

On Wednesday, 27^th I went and had a chat with the warden about staying at Bugsworth Basin for a few days more, which wasn’t a problem this time of year as it is quiet so we are staying until the 3^rd Feb.

We went for a walk up the Peak Forest Tramway, this tramway brought the limestone to Bugsworth where it was transshipped onto boats. It wasn't too wet and muddy and found this chimney, all that is left of a mill, soon to be housing me thinks. We took a little detour, well we followed a sign that said Old Hall Inn 150 yards so it seemed a good idea. Lovely Old Hall with great beers and food they also own the Paper Mill Inn over the road, both well worth a visit if in the area.

We walked over Silk hill to Whaley bridge and onto the Toddbrooke Reservoir which supplies the Peak Forest Canal with water. It was a bit breezy on the top but it was a good walk, then we walked back into town and needing sustenance we hunted out a pub that we found in April when we were here on Braidbar's hire boat Tiree. It was shut on that occasion but we were pleased to find it open this time. The Shepherds Arms, what a real gem of an unchanged pub this is, good beer and the locals are a friendly bunch, we had a good couple of beers and a good laugh there, you must hunt out this pub if you are in the area.

Today had a walk into News Mills along the towpath to find a hairdresser for Martina, guess what? Monday must be the day they don't open! Found a good butchers though so we are set up for meals for the next couple of days.

Wednesday we will leave here and head to Marple to the laundry. We are going to be a bit trapped on the Peak Forest and northern Macclesfield Canals for a little while Bosley and Marple locks are closed for engineering work to be done on them. So we will not be able to break free until early March, not too much of a problem really as there is a few miles (28 infact) between the locks so we will be able to keep ourselves occupied.