Cheddleton & Leek

Densie near Consall Forge

Apologies for the lack of Blog yesterday - for the first time for ages we were so remote that there was no mobile signal at all. Now we do have some connection but its GPRS rather than 3G and is a little slow.

Anyway yesterday we made the short (2 mile 1 lock in 1.5 hour) jouney back to Consall Forge where the wonderful Black Lion pub is located. We are running short of groceries, there are no shops within any walking distance from the canal, so we decided to eat out. An large hot meat bap at lunch time (with a beer or two) was followed by a walk round the local RSPB nature reserve in the sfternoon and a larger stuff and chips meal (and another beer) in the evening.

Today, another short journey to Cheddleton Flint Mill. This is a 18thC water mill used to grind flint to produce very pure silica for the production of fine porcelain. Before touring the mill we had spent most of the day in the nearby town of Leek, there being a convenient bus stop close to our mooring. It was market day in the town so we were able to buy fresh fish, home made meat pie and veg, which will keep us alive for the next 3 days. Leek is worth a visist - the town is notable for having few national multiple stores and a wide range of small local shops.