Cheddleton Flint Mill and Leek

The journey to Cheddleton began with Vicky trundling along the gravel towpath in her chair while the dogs trotted alongside. We didn't know what kind of surfaces it would be able to handle but have been impressed. It's opening up so many opportunities to get out and do things. Soon after setting off Vicky came accross two cyclists dunking a bike wheel in the canal. When she found out they hadn't got the equipment they needed to fix the puncture, she radioed Will, who moored near them and lent them the bike toolbox we have onboard. Unfortunately there was something wrong with the wheel meaning that even with the right equipment they couldn't fix it on the towpath. They appreciated the offer of help all the same.

Vicky met up again with Will at a stretch of moorings with services. Here we spotted a number of familiar boats we'd seen on the Trent and Mersey and Caldon canals. After filling and emptying we carried on, taking a left at Hazelhurst Junction, staying on the Caldon Canal instead of turning on to the Leek Branch.

Four locks later we were very happy to find a mooring space at Cheddleton Flint Mill. If we'd had to carry on it would have meant 2 more locks, which would have been pretty exhausting in this heat. The moorings were only for 48 hours but we cheekily hauled Rainboat back into a spot just before the limit began and stayed longer.

Unfortunately the flint mill was closed while we were there so we didn't get a tour, but one of the two wooden water wheels above the nearby River Churnet was running which was nice to see.

The next day, with Vicky's chair, we set out for a drink at The Red Lion. It was off the towpath and up the hill a short way. Unfortunately it didn't open 'til 4pm. It was a nice day so we decided to make our way up an even steeper hill with no pavement, to Cheddleton Old School Tea Rooms for a cuppa instead. On our arrival we were disappointed to find it had closed at 15:30, just 10 minutes ago 😪 Determined to get that drink we pinned our hopes on The Black Lion a little way down the hill. (Apparently the Churnet Valley is referred to as Little Switzerland as a result of these hills!) It was third time lucky when we found the pub was not only open but a really nice place to visit. It was accessible, had a great selection of alcohol free drinks for Vicky, a delicious hoppy ale called Flower Power on tap for Will, gravey bones for the dogs and a choice of bar nibbles in large kilner jars for us both. We'll definitely be making a return visit on our way back up the Caldon.

There wasn't a pharmacy nearby so the following day we took the Number 16 bus into Leek for Vicky'sprescription. It was 'an experience' getting the chair onto and off of the buses, the drivers weren't particularly pleased to see Vicky as it meant they had to get up and get the ramp into place, but we did ok in the end. It was amazing being able to trundle around Leek without becoming exhausted. A lot of shops had little steps making them inaccessible but there were plenty that had ramps. Vicky's prescription wasn't in Boots but we were happy enough to repeat our trip the next day to pick it up. Leek seems to be a thriving town, with many independent shops. It's centre is mostly pedestrianised, although the lack of drop curbs was a little frustrating. Vicky and the chair nearly went head over wheels when the front wheels hit a curb and the back wheels lifted up!

There was an indoor market made up of booths, where Will bought a pork pie and delicious blue cheese while Vicky chatted to a pair of women who had complimented her tattoo. They worked for a local mental health charity getting people involved in allotment gardening and crafts. We took some rabbit ears and dreamies back to Rainboat for the furries and loaded up Vicky's lap with 30l of cat litter from a great pet shop. There was also a handy Aldi for groceries and some accessible charity shops to peruse. There was even a Vintage Market being held on the Saturday! To cap off our trips to Leek the last bus driver was very friendly and even refused to let Vicky pay for her journey. It more than made up for the grumpiness of the others.Read more