Steam and the Steep Steps

Tank engine reversing

I set off on foot walking Lottie past Cheddleton Flint mill and the nearby locks. Having admired the view I turned back and set the locks for our boat. Lottie enjoyed sniffing round every part of each lock investigating every space. 



scenic station

Locks swiftly descended we carried on to Cheddleton Steam Railway where there was a vacant mooring adjacent to the station. By the time we had moored steam was rising from a tank engine in the siding. Armed with dog and camera we strolled over to investigate. There were no scheduled trains for today but the station was open. We walked round and were in time to see the tank engine set off down the track. The open gateway led to the clean and pretty platform with ticket office and waiting room that could have been built for a film set. 

Kitchen car

From behind the barriers we could see much of the rolling stock. There were two steam trains and several large diesels. There were plush first class carriages containing seating with padded arm rests. Further along were Spartan but function second class carriages where the bench seating had thin arm rests and plain tables. There was a restaurant car and a kitchen car which struck us as unusual. The whole area was bright with painted woodwork and 

Guards van

flowers blooming in well weeded beds.

Steam engine passes our boat

We cruised parallel to the railway track for a few minutes then met our next lock. It was soon dealt with, but Lottie was slow returning to the boat as she had so many interesting corners to sniff. On clearing the lock we saw the tank engine returning so Paul stood on our handy gas locker to get a better view and photograph it. As the steam trains only run on Sundays we are unlikely to take a trip on one but at least we saw the tank engine in action.

Lime kilns

As the trees and bushes were just starting to burst into leaf we could see across to the hills and valleys unhindered by the hedge line. The next lock took us onto the river which twisted and turned between the steep sided hills. We moored at the lime kilns just before the river and canal parted company.

Lottie and the checkered art

Lunch over, Lottie was keen to explore so we let her lead the way. She inspected some local tiled art then started up some steps so we followed expecting them to lead to the top of the lime kilns. They did, but we turned a corner and another flight of steps appeared. After that another - we kept going up and up. The map mentions devils staircase and it felt as if we were on it. Up up up! Surely this path must go somewhere amazing for someone to build all these steps. We reached the top far above the trees. We found a beautiful meadow climbing still higher. We trekked to the top. The view was amazing looking down on so many trees. Somewhere far below was our little boat hidden by the trees on the sheer slope. The reason for building the steep staircase to connect the canal with a meadow far from any sight of housing  remains a mystery.

Up and up

After catching our breath we set off back to the boat. I counted over 200 steps but the descent was easy.

After a comfort break we left our mooring. Soon we passed a pub perched on the hill far from the road. It was packed with walkers even though some had only trekked from the car park on the far side of the river.

The top of the Lime kilns

We rounded a bend and the canal narrowed and squeezed along a stone wall. Above was the railway station of Consall Forge whose waiting room was built cantilevered over the canal so that we looked through the wooden foundations at the railway tracks. Station left behind we descended our last lock where the profile of Froghall tunnel was hanging over the exit. If you can pass below it you can pass through the tunnel. Our boat caught the corners of the profile so if we ventured into the tunnel, crouching as we steered, we might become wedged tight. Unsurprisingly Paul decided he wanted his boat intact!

Still going up

On that final part of the cruise to Froghall we met a narrow boat as the canal tapered to single boat width. Paul squeezed to the bank and the other boat slid by as we grated on the bottom. If we had met round the corner someone would have had to reverse – no easy feat in a narrow boat.

On reaching Froghall Paul passed the winding hole as the map showed it directly in front of the tunnel. He had to reverse to the moorings which he did expertly- it does help that there was no wind.

After a day exploring at every opportunity Lottie still wanted to drag us round Froghall as soon as we moored up. Obviously she has missed her narrow boat adventures over the winter. 



Out in the open but not at the top

We went to look at the basin beyond the tunnel. The restored basin was lovely but we were disappointed not to be able to follow the canal on foot towards Uttoxeter. Instead we found the end of the Churnett valley railway. After all the walking today the crew are rather tired.