Leek Branch, Caldon Canal

The Leek Canal is a short arm branching off the Caldon Canal, which itself branches off the more substantial Trent and Mersey Canal. Retracing our passage along the Caldon, we cruised under Hazelhurst Aqueduct and ascended the three Hazelhurst locks. Will did a nifty 160° turn at Hazelhurst Junction and we started out towards Leek, our route taking us over the Hazelhurst Aqueduct. We'd now passed point from which the waterway would close in a few days but water levels were still exceedingly low.

The Leek Branch was just as beautiful as the Caldon, with verdant green woodlands climbing up the slopes either side. It was hot again and as we'd already done some locks, we stopped just before Leek Tunnel for Vicky and Tiger to take a rest. This area was technically a winding hole but it was so wide that boats could easily turn without us being in the way. It was a lovely open mooring spot, but an underwater ledge at the bank kept scraping Rainboat's hull, so after Vicky's nap we decided to go through the tunnel. Vicky set off in the chair with the dogs, planning to take them over the hill and meet Will on the other side. The steep steps ahead put a dampner on that plan but Vicky didn't want Tiger getting stressed and she still thinks of the chair as an aid opposed to something she needs, so she went ahead and climbed the steps. Not her best decision. She was trembling when Will emerged from the other side of the tunnel after an uneventful passage through. Getting into the side was difficult because of the collapsing bank and low water, but we managed to swap places and Will walked the dogs along to the final winding hole for boats our length while Vicky sat and steered Rainboat. It was a popular spot and we only just squeezed in.

A few hundred yards ahead was the end of the Leek Canal; a Silver Propeller site with a 45ft winding hole. The Inland Waterways Association allows boats like Rainboat who are over 45ft to submit a photo from the larger winding hole as evidence of our attempt to reach the end. This is our 12th Silver Propeller location; only 8 more to go before we visit the 20 sites required for the commemorative silver propeller.

We only stayed for one night but Will managed to cycle to Morrisons and then set out again to Leek for more groceries. We saw a few groups of pupils from a special school hiking for their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award and saw them again the next morning returning from their night of camping. The second group was lured towards the boat by Abby, who was sitting on the step, basking in their adoration. They then spent 10 minutes fussing Tiger and Leo until they saw the third group had almost caught them up 😂Baca lagi