Short cruise to Cheddleton

Hazlehurst Top Lock

Hazlehurst Bottom Lock

Hazlehurst Aqueduct

Cheddleton Flint Mill

It was raining heavily when we got up and the weather remained wet until midday.  Then it seemed to clear so we set off.  There were a few showers en route but not bad enough to make us stop.  The first point of interest was Hazlehurst Junction where the Leek Branch of the Caldon leaves by the right and then swings around on an aqueduct over the main line which in the meantime has dropped by 3 locks.

This takes a bit of working out.  We are still definitely on the west side of the Pennines yet the river Churnet which is now alongside the canal is flowing eastward and in due course will join it.

The Hazlehurst locks are in an attractive wooded setting with a whitewashed lock cottage.  Beyond the locks the canal is narrow and progress is slow but the scenery rural and hilly.  By 2pm we have reached the village of Cheddleton where we will spend the night.  Its main claim to fame is the restored flint mill driven by a waterwheel.  Just across the main A road through the village there is also a South American restaurant which we hope to visit this evening. But we found little else to attract a visitor.  The pub next to the canal with a painted sign advertising their meals has a handwritten notice in the window saying "We do not serve food!".

Hopefuly tomorrow will bring better weather.