Sunday 26th October.

We set off in good heart today as it was to be dry but overcast. After immediately getting into the first lock we set up a system whereby Helen steered the boat, Chris walked ahead to prepare the lock and I opened/closed etc ready to catch him up. Of the thirteen locks we did today  most were separated by a bit of a walk so we got our exercise in.

The canal remains narrow and shallow but Helen kept the boat on the straight and narrow too.

The whole journey down from the summit follows the River Colne which is nevere very far away from you, just as the River Tame was close by on the way up to the summit.

The River Colne separated from the canal by the width of the towpath and about 12 feet in height.

We carried straight on past Linthwaite but we will stop there on our next journey. At Lock 16E the valley has widened somewhat and good views can be had. I'm not sure why Papa Smurff isn't in his make up but it was good of him to help with the locks!

A view across to Linthwaite from lock 14E The mill in the distance is Titanic Mill that was built in the 1911, the year the ill fated liner was also launched. It started to be converted in 2004 now houses 130 flats and a day spa. The chimney has been lost though.

I love the old paths and tracks in the disused industrial areas. They look rural and quaint now but must have been very busy with workers and folk passing from village to village. This track looks as though it is just begging to be explored.

Three locks take you down into Milnsbridge. Chris is taking the boat into the middle one that Helen is just opening the top gate of.

The lowere lock has some lock poetry carved into the beams. Some folk are critical of this but I like it as it doesn't impinge on the working of the lock but definitely adds to the whole picture.

Once moored up it was the fire lit and a cup of tea. After a brief sit I dragged my self off the chair again and outside. Nobody was up for an explore of the town after a hard day but as the boat was the unpainted side to a nice low towpath I decided that I would give it a wash in readiness for painting. In the end I washed, de-rusted and completley painted the st'bd side. It does lock better for doing but I know that it wont look like it after tomorrow!