Bosley Locks and the Trent and Mersey

This section of the Cheshire Ring is very familiar to us – though no less interesting for that. I found that I hardly consulted the map.

Coming through the Royal Oak Swing Bridge at Oakgrove, commonly called Fool's Nook

 

One of many herons - this one stood it's place as we passed

 

Our first mooring berth with nb Alcantara at Mr.Massey's, Cowley Farm Bridge No. 51

Bosley Locks – there has been lots written about this wonderful flight of 12 locks. They rank amongst our favourites on the whole system and are generally lock-wheeler friendly so that we can both take turns. The views are stunning, looking over the the quarried face of the Cloud. Everytime I see it, I feel like I want to run up it!

My photos don't really do the view justice, so I'll just put one in as a visual reminder of a very enjoyable 2 hours locking down.

Bosley Cloud

Lock-wheeling with a great view!

Coming into the bottom lock, Bosley Flight

We moored overnight on rings at Bridge 86 (the footpath to Little Moreton Hall). First time we've been able to get in at this popular spot. The TV reception was good as we setttel down to the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

The next morning saw us follow the southern end of the Macclesfield Canal to the stop lock at Hall Green. The lock cottages look so much better now than some time ago.

There are two cottages, one for the Macc keeper and one for the Trent and Mersey Company keeper. There is only the Macc Lock 13 is use now!

This section of the Hall Green Branch is most intriguing as it passes over the Trent and Mersey mainline running down to the Cheshire Plain.

Approaching the corner at the old Piper's Yard – Red Bull

 

Looking down at the Trent and Mersey from Poole Aqueduct

Gate replacement work at Hardings Wood Junction (Lock 41)

Looking up at the Macc Canal – Poole Aqueduct



This next section, dropping down the flights of locks, is truly majestic early canal technology. Built round 1777, is it James Brindley's finest work?

Many of the locks are paired and both locks operational – a definite improvement from years ago.

 

Waiting for the lock 47 to fill – see the long shot of the paired locks

Paired locks needing remedial work – Church Locks 47 & 48

Coming through Upper Thurlwood Lock 53 with canalside cottages

Coming through Lower Thurlwood Lock 54 with smart modern houses

Interesting overflow weirs at Pierpoint Locks – their purpose?

Hassal Green Lock 58 and the M6 – I know where I'd rather be!

We had the sun out to welcome us into Cheshire as we dropped down, mooring at a country spot above Malkin's Bank. Again, good TV reception for SCD!

Evening visitors

Our weekend mooring (note the white bags to warn walker of the ropes)