Day 11 - Engine Lock to Leek

Saturday 13th June

7 miles, 5 locks

Our first morning on this tour waking up to rain although nowhere near as bad as was forecast.

Quiet morning on boat knitting, listening to Classic FM, reading, route planning. Rachael phoned during this excitement and found it very amusing.



Hazelhurst locks and the Leek branch

Rain stopped around lunchtime so we set off through two lift bridges and five locks towards Denford where the Caldon divides into two at Hazelhurst junction. We took the right fork towards Leek. Water very shallow and made passing the three boats we met very interesting. The canal has been cut into the side of a hill and the scenery is unusual from the boat (ie hills on both sides). Even thought the skies were grey it is stunning. Only wish the sky was blue!







The tiny Leek tunnel

Went through a very narrow tunnel before winding and mooring. We are at the end of the line.



















Leek market place

Walked the mile or two into Leek which was very nice, lots of antiques and gift shops. Found Joules pub which we felt impelled to try having cruised past the brewery on Thursday. From there, with the help of the bar staff, we organised an Indian takeaway and a taxi. Had to eat in boat as weather still cold and damp. Shame as there is a lovely grass area where we could have put up the tables and chairs. Never mind.






Enjoying a Joules!

Me too!