Monday July 16th, Above Lock 8, Millbrook - Dukinfield Junction

Well, the weather didn’t play ball and we’re back to drizzle and rain again.

After utilising the sanitary station, we were on our way down the remaining locks. Eight to do today, and although none were completely full, there was only one that was less than half full.

We retraced our steps through the industrial entrails of Stalybridge to the rebuilt section and the four rebuilt locks that take the canal right through the heart of this likeable town.

I also like the new locks here. At three of them, the top paddles are on the same side, standing side by side and on the towpath side which saves you a trek to the other end of the lock to the bridge and then back the other side to work the off side paddle.

Pepperpot blowhole

However, do beware the blowholes of Stalybridge. They lurk literally right behind where you stand to raise the paddle and if you are too quick raising them, you get a spray up the inside of your trouser leg, or a soaked backside.

Pepperpot blowhole

I much prefer the pepperpot style used by the Huddersfield Canal Society on the locks they restored.

Semi derelict mill at Ashton (although there were lights on indide!)

Beyond the rebuilt section the canal passes through another rather grimy industrial section through the surviving mill landscape. The last few locks come fairly quickly and that means you arrive all too soon at the bottom lock with its balance beam-less bottom gates. The “hydraulic” winding gear that opens and shuts the gates seemed even heavier and tougher to work than it did on the outward journey!

Then, through Asda Tunnel, we found ourselves back at Dukinfield Junction where we moored upon the same spot as we had used a few days before. We were delighted to see our friends Jennifer & Peter on “Deryn Du” moored just behind us, although they were about to set off. “Nothing personal” they assured us. We had a good chinwag first before they left. They had set off up the Huddersfield Narrow just a day or so behind us, and had turned round as we had.

Soon after they left, Jo & Keith on “Hadar” arrived from the Ashton Canal, and, having tried unsuccessfully to get in near us, winded at the Old Wharf and turned onto the Peak Forest Canal to find a place to tie up.

After lunch (and a torrential downpour) they came round for coffee and a long natter.

It’s lovely when you meet up with friends on the canal and today was a much brighter day for doing so in spite of the rain.