Welcome to the link with Canal Holiday 2013

Caldon Canal

Thank you for looking at Canal Holiday 2012 - Now's the time to see what our three lunatics have planned for the next trip during 2013

This years holiday - just click this link

Announcing Canal Holiday 2013

Caldon Canal - Here we come!

It's now January 2013 and here we are planning our next adventure. We know where we're going but not sure yet when or with what company

Last years epic trip that saw us embark on a two week cruise in May, featured in this 'Blog', is not going to be repeated as funds are suffering a bit (same for most folk methinks)

We must resign ourselves to having just a one week trip and much as we liked the experience with 'Cheshire Cat Narrowboat Holidays' we recognise that we cannot use that excellent firm this time. Why not? Well the aim is to visit and cruise the Caldon Canal and that cannot be done in a week from the Cheshire Cat base near Audlem

We know where we are going but at the present time we do not know our starting point. There are some hire boat firms not too far from the Caldon and so in the coming weeks it is our aim to visit at least two of these to check on availability, suitability and cost

this was the design for our handout card in 2012

 

this is probably the design for our handout card 2013

Why do we handout these cards? simple really, we just want to share our experience with folk along the way and promoting the 'Blog' might help to promote the canals - so it's a worthwhile exercise

 

 

Canal Holiday 2012

More to be added to this page

Overview
In short, a fantastic holiday. Started well and got better. The weather was not particularly kind to us so we chose to ignore natures tempests and just get on with it. As for the boat, the best yet. She handled perfectly and the engine ran quiet and smooth, never missed a beat

How did we fare.

Route
Our route took us south from Audlem to the junction with the Staffs & Worcs at Autherley where we travelled along to the junction with the Trent & Mersey at Great Haywood and then headed north toward the Caldon Canal

After completing the Caldon we headed north from Eturia and then on to Middlewich where we took the Shropshire Union link to Barbridge and eventually returning to our holiday base near Audlem

Pubs
Part of the original plan was to publish a review of the pubs we visited. Quite frankly this would have been unfair because all the pubs we tried were good and all had at least one real ale on draught. It could be said that some were better than others but then that's perhaps a matter of opinion. What's a matter of fact is they were all good or very good.

Food
We ate well and our excursions to pubs/cafes and restaurants are referred to in a bit more detail within the pages of the Blog

The boat
Very comfortable and well equipped, perhaps as you would expect, however this firm provided that extra that made the experience even better. Best equipped galley we've ever had and very well laid out in a carefully designed recessed area

• Television with built in DVD (good quality)
• Radio/CD player (good quality with stereo speakers)
• 240volt power  (with seven sockets)
• Micro Wave (handy and saved the gas oven a few times)
• Fuel included (no surcharge)

Attention to detail (things you don't normally get or expect)

• A supply of paperback books
• Waterway guides
• Selection of DVD's
• Quality waterproofs
• Twin centre ropes

Anyone reading this could well think its patronising a narrowboat hire company. The reality is this was an excellent firm and had it not been then the Blog would have said so

Best bits
It was all superb, however, the Caldon Canal was far better than we expected. Only regret is we were unable to stay on it a few days longer. This really is a gem of a canal for lots of reasons. Too many to go into here.The three of us were unanimous in our feelings of great respect for those that saw the future for this canal, and fought for it, so that it would remain open as a leisure waterway for the benefit of all.

Updates

Latest - The final part of the story is a summary of the holiday and I'm currently working on this (9 June) Should be published in a few days or so

Day fourteen of the trip now updated (updated 9th June)

Comments:
If you have anything at all to say about the Blog, good or bad, then please send a comment.

All comments are moderated which means they have to be approved by me before they are published. This is to avoid spam

If you do not want your comment to be published then please add don't publish and I promise it will not appear on the Blog

I'm more than happy to hear from anyone about possible errors in the content on the Blog

I started to increase content on the pages I've posted in a random way and now realise it has to be done more methodically. I'll now start adding more content to each page from the handwritten notes I made and will also add more photo's. I shall start on day one of the holiday and work through to the end. That sounds practical and logical. In the meantime, thanks to everyone for following the Blog

This makes a change from the canal

The Wanderer Returns

I am now back at my home address following this fantastic canal holiday. I will be updating the Blog with a lot more information and photo's. Also I will address the comments that are awaiting moderation. I have also reset the times of posts to GMT. (They were USA Eastern Pacific which accounted for some strange times appearing)

The Olympic Challenge

The Olympic Challenge

Did we meet the challenge? Read on

The Cheshire Cat looks on in admiration at the medals

Taking each element of the challenge it was fairly even. I (Malc) took no part in the Fishing but made up for it in Relaxing. As for Curry, Pies and Beer. It was too close to call. So we all did our bit in true team spirit. We feel we emerged as winners

As to the question of finding the missing Drink. We did our best but failed

It may well be that we shall have to try again

We had some excellent real ales and so our efforts were not in vain

Back at Base

Pic of 'Misty Dawn'' safely moored and unloading has commenced. Tried to post this yesterday without success. Gremlins in the phone I think.

Sadly there was no real ale available or I would have asked Dave and Trev to stand at the end of this pontoon with a pint in their hand and with the caption -

'This is probably................the best pier in the world'

A fitting finale to a great story

Back to Base

Early start and boat returned to the Marina. End of the holiday but not the end of the story. If you have left any comments I'm sorry they have not appeared. I cannot access them from the mobile blog app I'm using. When I return to my home next week I'll have full access to the blog and will edit and add more content from the written daily account I've kept. In the meantime, thank you for following the blog.

Coole Pilate (day 14)

Hack Green

Interesting bit of recent history here. There's a 'secret' bunker within easy walking distance. It's a well kept relic of the 'Cold War' days and it's open to the public

Take a look at their informative website.

Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker

Hack Green locks

Coole Pilate

Moored here for the night at the excellent facility  provided by British Waterways. Several bench type picnic tables, each with a barbecue stand alongside. We would have tried a barbecue but for the fact It's raining heavily. A pleasant meal on board awaits then.

Note: I'm reminded that this facility was provided, and many more besides, by The Shropshire Union Canal Society with support from British Waterways. I'm happy to put the record straight and also acknowledge the wonderful works undertaken by SUCS and other similar organisations

here's a link to the excellent Shropshire Union Canal Society website

Sculpture (day 14)

Early start today. Heading toward Bunbury with a stop at Calveley, on the way, for water. Turned at the winding hole just before Bunbury lock then moored for breakfast at Calveley. Very relaxing start to the day

The view below is at Barbridge junction and the building you see is I believe the only remaining part of what was at one time a large transshipping area that straddled the canal. I'm going to do a bit more research on this if I can

A nice paint job methinks

The entrance to the Llangollen canal at Hurleston junction. I took the picture with my phone and just guessed how it fitted into the frame because the sun was shining and I couldn't see the screen

Never let it be said that we ignored the arts. This sculpture of a dog was carved from a tree and is one of several along the canal embankment at Nantwich. Wonder if Its bark was worse than its bite!

Nantwich appears proud of its Riverside community area, and why not. Those responsible have done a very good job

Nantwich is the kind of place that has kept it's heritage and managed to fit the old and new together in a way that gives its population and visitors all that they may need in a pleasant environment

This is a perfect place for boaters to stop for it has good and plentiful moorings and the town centre is just a short walk from the moorings

Nantwich Civic Hall

Classy building

Later in the afternoon we set off for the leisure area at Coole Pilate

By Canal to the 'Indian Ocean' (day 13)

A visit to the 'Black Lion' and a few pints of 'Cheshire Cat' prepared us for a meal at the 'Indian Ocean' Nantwich.

Real ale and a fine unspoilt pub and next door to an Indian restaurant. What more could you wish for

A fine place to eat - we agree it's the best in town and there are at least four others to choose from

so how's that for an endorsement

A Fishy Tale (day 13)

Still at Barbridge
Dave's caught a fish. Trev's caught a fish. Malc's caught a cold.

After the excitement of last night at the Alex a quiet day seemed a good idea and so we took the bus into Nantwich and had a wander around calling in at Harrisons for a spot of Lunch. Then a wander along the river walk (see previous post) before returning to the boat for a spot of fishing

What awaits? Already got that one covered it's an evening in Nantwich calling at the Black Lion for a couple of pints and then next door to the 'Indian Ocean' for the best food in Nantwich

This really is an ideal location with the excellent bus service. Had we realised a little earlier we could have travelled into Chester for the morning for the bus company offer an all day ticket at a fixed price and you can make as many journeys as you like - really good value that - cost of an all day ticket £4.80

en-route to Nantwich and the 'Black Lion' followed by a meal at the 'Indian Ocean'

Not sure why I've taken a photo inside a moving bus other that to perhaps advertise the fact that it's an excellent service with a bus to Nantwich or Chester every thirty minutes from the canalside at bridge No 101

A Quiet Corner (day 13)

We had a walk into Nantwich for some provisions and came across this memorial stone. A poignant reminder of a distant time.

I tried to find more information on this airman's grave and came across a local Nantwich website that tells the story in some detail. The link is below

More information about Lieutenant Arthur L Brown

click to enlarge

This is the walk by the River Weaver where the airman's grave
is immaculately maintained in a quiet area

Crewe Alex (day 12)

The previous post on the subject only scratches the surface. We had moored close to the main Nantwich Chester road and had a convenient bus stop less than two minutes walk from the boat. The buses are frequent, every half hour during the day. The bus took us to Nantwich and then onto Crewe where we planned to eat before the match. Prior to kick off a visit to the Bombay Indian restaurant was deemed appropriate. This place holds many happy memories from a long past misplaced youth.

A fitting start to an epic night. At the ground the atmosphere was electric. The big screen and crowd of about 400 in the lounge gave a real match feel to the occasion and we were pleased to have made the effort to see the game here.

It was nice to meet Andy, Wendy and Sean. As well as being dedicated Alex fans they are also following the blog. Nice people. After Crewe won it was clear the celebrations were going to last for some time. However, we had to think about returning to the boat whilst there was transport available. We had a taxi from Crewe station because the buses had finished their scheduled runs toward Chester. Taxi cost us £21 but we agreed it was money well spent

All in all a most enjoyable day and one that will remain in the memory for a long time

The question in our minds at this time is Will Crewe win at Wembley in the play-off final?

Crewe Alex (day 12)

Covered a lot of ground for a very good reason. Needed to get to the 'Alexandra Stadium' so that we could watch the 'Alex' in the second division promotions play off match. It was being shown on a big screen in the Executive Lounge. Crewe won and now go to Wembley for the final. Well worth the taxi fare to get back to the boat.

Aquaduct Marina (day 12)

Started the day at 05.30hrs. Top rope was frozen to the roof of the boat. We moved a couple of hundred yards to the water point unable to tie the boat because there was no flexibility in the frozen ropes. Nothing for it then other than to just hold the boat until the tank was replenished. Didn't take long and then we were on our way. Not really May weather. Long day but one with a purpose. More next post.

Just reached Middlewich. The Kinderton Arms looked a little forlorn as we passed. left us wondering if it will reopen at sometime. Hope so for it had a reputation for being a most welcoming place to spend an evening

The village of Church Minshull lies in the distance and in the valley before it runs the River Weaver as it gently meanders to its ultimate destination of the River Mersey. Strictly speaking it joins the Manchester Ship Canal first

We called into the Aqueduct Marina for a pump out (won't go into detail on that subject) First class service by the way.  Whilst there we took advantage of the excellent catering facilities in the 'Galley' All in all a fine and welcoming place to break your journey

Misty Dawn looking at home in this superb setting

This got me to thinking. If I had a boat this would be the place to moor. It's a perfect setting and it's got everything. It's so good I'd probably stay on the boat and never leave its confines

here's a link to the website of Aqueduct Marina

This was one of the few days when the sun did appear from time to time. No time to dwell on this because we had destination Barbridge on our minds

Just passed bridge No 2 and soon will be at the junction where we intend to moor for the night

Our mooring on the main line and close to the busy road between Nantwich and Chester

Cheshire Cheese (day 11)

Utopia

Called this place Utopia in the last post for a very good reason. Here's a pic of this canalside pub. Call In the night before you do Heartbreak Hill. It will be ideal preparation. Of course if you've just completed Heartbreak Hill then call in anyway - you deserve a rest. Note: Heartbreak Hill is the old boatman's term for the 26 locks that take you from Wheelock to Stoke on Trent.

Good atmosphere as soon as you walk in. Fine beer and a good choice of food

These photo's don't really do justice to the quantity of food we had

The landlord actually seemed to enjoy running the pub and he'd a nice line in humour

 

So there you have it

 

The latin name for Wheelock

is

Utopia

 

well it ought to be

Utopia. The Cheshire Cheese at Wheelock

Cheshire Cheese

What a great pub. Nice atmosphere as soon as you walk in. The food is amazing value and there's a lot of it. When the holiday is over and I begin to edit this Blog I will have more to say about this village. No pictures yet due to the link on my phone being a tad slow.

this brief video captures the end of the shower

We just moored and suddenly the heavens opened and down came the hailstones. I only caught the tail end of it as it didn't last for too long. The hailstones were massive and we certainly felt fortunate to have missed that particular shower

Proper Fish & Chips (day 11)

Wheelock

Just stopped at Wheelock. Smashing little village. Found a great traditional English Fish & Chip shop. Good food and value. It's just a few yards from the canal. The name, 'Liz's Plaice'

We called in at lunchtime for a feast. It was a pleasure to see a proper Fish & Chip shop. Big choice and even bigger value. Nice friendly staff as well.

Popped in briefly in the evening and met Liz. It's clear she's very proud of the awards she's won and the certificates on the wall indicate a quality business. We couldn't believe how good this place was, or should that be plaice?

See what the local newspaper had to say

An interesting information sign. Carefully thought out and well placed

View of the wharf from the main Crewe to Sandbach road

Thurlwood (day 11)

Thurlwood

Site of the now vanished steel lock at Thurlwood. More at a later date.

Lock No 53 at Thurlwood on the left. Whilst on the right is the now vanished steel lock that was built to combat the effects of subsidence. It seems it was not successful and there is no longer any visible trace of it. Just a piece of waste ground

Photo's of the steel lock were taken in 1971 when Dave and his wife Brenda were with me and my soon to be wife Kay as we travelled the Four Counties Ring in a small fibreglass hire boat

Those really were the days

An impressive and probably very expensive structure. Wonder what it cost?

'Britains got Summer'

It's 05.30hrs and hammering it down also very windy. Welcome to summer!!! You got to laugh

We'll be on our way after a cuppa.Heating is on and we are very comfortable.

Harecastle Tunnel (day 10)

Etruria

Moored here close the the site of the former Festival Park and went in search of provisions and something to eat.  Came across a Morrisons store where we ate well and shopped a bit and then back to the boat and prepare to go through Harecastle Tunnel

This short arm just past the Festival Park Marina was once a hive of industrial activity. For it is around this area that the mighty Shelton Bar Steelworks complex was spread. I recall passing this point in 1971 when a large canopy that was a part of the complex covered a part, or maybe all, of the canal

Travelling along toward Harecastle tunnel the area looks quite rural and yet the reality is it's mostly urban beyond the canal banks. The various bodies responsible for the area have done a decent job, I think they have anyway

The old and the new or perhaps history and progress in these two photo's. I don't know anything of the history involving the now derelict building but suspect many years ago it would have been turning out goods on narrow boats made from materials that were delivered by narrow boats

The vast Westport lake gives a nice feel to this section and many boaters choose to moor here either before or after they pass or have passed through the tunnel for it is not too far from this point

Waiting for the tunnel keeper to give us safety instructions and clearance to enter the tunnel.

About to come into daylight as we approached the north portal. Dave steered the boat though in a very respectable thirty-three minutes. We were the lead boat

Nice looking pub as we entered Kidsgrove but not for us this night for our intended mooring location was just past the British Waterways wharf between locks 44 & 45

We had a relaxing evening with Dave and Trev doing a spot of fishing between the rain showers