Peak Forest Canal Beginning at Whaley Bridge
Saturday - July 6th.
I was met at Whaley Bridge station by my hosts on the Swan and Mallard. They helped me carry my suitcase through the little village to the Canal Basin where the two boats were tied up ready. Two couples run the boats, Teresa and John and Jane and Terry. Swan and Mallard are both boats and travel independently, unlike the boat and butty arrangement from my last trip. The other passengers are Sally and Bob from Seattle and Joan and Alf from Basingstoke.

As soon as everyone had arrived we were underway. I sleep on the larger of the two boats (the Swan) and so travelled on it today. We have gone under quite a few bridges (including a lift bridge and a swing bridge) and passed beside Furness Vale and New Town. On one side were lovely views of hills and fields, while on the other we passed little houses which backed onto the canal with lovely gardens right down to the water's edge. There is quite a lot of traffic on the canal (The Peak Forest) but it is all very leisurely. From Bridge 23

We tied up for the night after about two and a half hours travel, some where near Strines, although there is no town actually on the canal for some way.

The sun was shining and I went for a ramble in both directions before returning for the evening meal.
Day Two
Introduction