Today was another opportunity to walk on waterways, this time the lovely Peak Forest Canal. We have previously walked on a section of this canal today provided another opportunity. In fact today would be our longest day walk since 8th May on LEJOG in Gloucestershire near Tewkesbury.
It was another bright clear day and the autumn colours and reflections still lovely. We took the train to Flowery Field and joined the canal at Bridge 4. That is near Newton Hall which is one of the oldest Medieval buildings in the country dating from 1370.
The Peak Forest Canal was begun in 1794 but was not completed until 1805. Our route today revealed the challenges that contributed to the delays in its completion. There were two long tunnels. The first was the Woodley Tunnel which is 176 yards long, and very dark as we walked through. The second was the Hyde Tunnel but you can’t walk through that one so we took the route over the top.
Just before Marple was the Marple Aquaduct. It was finally opened in 1800 and carries the canal 100 feet above the River Goyt. It is the tallest masonry arch aquaduct on our canal network.
It leads into the beginning of the Marple Locks, a line of 16 locks that bring the canal into line with the Macclesfield canal. The two canals meet at the toll house on the edge of Marple where we met one of the volunteers with the Canal and Rivers Trust.
From lock 16 the route levelled out again and we made our gentle way into New Mills where we caught a bus back to Glossop. A brilliant route and a lovely day. The highlight was a lesser spotted woodpecker: easier to spot when there are fewer leaves on the trees.
From Psalm 139
You notice when I go out and when I lie down: you know all about me.
Schools out and the pupils from New Mills joined the bus, chattering and laughing together, but cold in their blazers. Not really winter wear.
We pray for children and young people. Keep them safe in your care.
God grant a quiet night
JAL 20.11.2019 Flowery Field to New Mills