A short hop to near Rode Heath

Rain, rain, rain. Here in Cheshire we've by no means had the worst of the UK's wet weather but the towpaths have certainly had their fill and we've spent many a day huddled inside Rainboat listening as a light patter turns to heavy drumbeats on her roof, while droplets splash against and run rivulets down her windows.

When in the motorhome we spent many a rainy day travelling. Things are different on a narrowboat when you need to stand on the stern with your hand on the tiller, so travel is usually reserved for dry days. However, with our food cupboards beginning to run low, today we waited for one of the short dry spells and did a short hop between locks. Vicky put coats on the dogs and walked them along the muddy slick of a towpath while Will piloted Rainboat. The rain resumed just before we pulled in but thankfully it came on slowly.

The spot we chose was a straight section just shy of Thurlwood Lower Lock at Rode Heath. The field opposite hosted a neat grid of saplings with canes and trunk guards; part of Matthews Nurseries. Beyond an ivy bound hedge on the towpath side, grew a weather-beaten crop of brassicas and more saplings. Further along the towpath this flowed into Rode Heath Rise; the site of an old salt works turned open parkland. Will passed one of the entrances to it when he walked into the village to get supplies from the small Permier shop and enjoy a pint at the Broughton Arms.Read more