Cliffhanger.

Today being Sunday meant a walk into Milton to find the paper and a pint or two of milk. I decided on the Co-op rather than the One Stop Shop. I was delayed a little after a chat with a guy who is mooring close to us and says he spends a lot of his time on the Caldon, and was telling me that he was getting a bit of bother from C&RT! We stayed tied up until the Archer's were finished and set of in the sun. There were loads of folk on the tow path. As I was getting the lines three cyclists came past I wasn't looking really as I was on the grass, not the cycleway. I was shocked when I was nearly taken off my feet. The second cyclist had a dog on a lead that decided to go one side and the cyclist the other! It was a bit like a staffie so was a bit weighty. I did stay upright, and the dog seemed okay too.

We were soon at Engine Lock that I thought would take a fair bit of leveling as the bottom gates were leaking badly at the bottom seal, but it was fine. Helen soon warmed up too.

Helen Liked Norton Green Lift bridge as it was just a push button.

Just past the bridge is the feeder from Knypersley Reservoir. It was navigable as far as the Foaming Pint pub, but no longer.

You would get a lot of house for your money if you acquired this old Victorian water works pumping station. It would be a really nice challenge too. At the stone work at the bottom of the photo you can see that there was an entrance to a dock here.

As you can see it filled the grassed area right up to the building. The pump was powered by a coal fired steam boiler, and the coal was brought by canal.

The Stockton Brook five locks are very pleasant to work up, especially in the sun. It is a nice scene when you get to the top too. 

By the lock is what looks like a converted stable. There is also a wharf just after the main road bridge too.

Once clear of the locks the vistas open up and there are views of the hills to entice you onwards. Not quite a Rochdale or Huddersfield Canal views but welcome non the less.

The little roundabout is all that remain of a rail track spur off the 'main line' on the left of the picture to the Victoria Flint Mill behind the camera on the off side that was worked by a water wheel.

These beasts barely lifted their heads as we passed. We stopped at Park Lane Wharf and filled up with water and dropped the rubbish off and were soon on our way.

Hazelhurst Junction is as pretty as a picture. Straight on, under the bridge and down three locks is the way to Froghall. To the right and on the level takes you onto the Leek Arm.

What a cliff hanger to leave you with!!