“Eleven Locks and New Horizons.”

Thursday 19th February turned into one of our busiest cruising days yet. We travelled from the Broughton Arms to Red Bull Services, tackling 11 locks in just 2 miles. Safe to say I’m feeling pretty confident with lock work now — practice really does make perfect!

We stayed around the Kidsgrove area for a couple of days. Chris finally got a much-needed haircut (after my attempt ended in mild disaster… I won’t be opening a salon anytime soon). We also enjoyed a walk along the Macclesfield Canal, scouting out the route for our next stretch of cruising.

After turning the boat around, we headed back towards the Broughton Arms to meet friends, stopping overnight in Church Lawton. While there, we visited All Saints Church, a beautiful church dating back to the 11th century. With Norman origins and centuries of additions and restoration, it stands as a quiet reminder of the village’s deep history and enduring community.

We later met up with Helen and Jane at the Broughton Arms for dinner, a pint, and another quiz night — always competitive, always fun! The following day we treated them to their very first narrowboat cruise. Just a couple of locks, but in perfect weather — a proper introduction to canal life.

The next few days turned wet and windy. Helen and Jane headed home to East Sussex, while we embraced slower days filled with countryside walks… that naturally included chips, beer, and cake. Balance is everything.

Eventually, we cruised back to Red Bull Services to empty rubbish and the toilet, and refill with water before setting off onto new waters — the Macclesfield Canal. We found a stunning mooring overlooking open countryside and settled in for the night.

The next morning brought glorious weather, so we walked up to Mow Cop Castle, home to The Old Man of Mow. The views were spectacular. The dramatic folly at the summit was built in 1754 by Randle Wilbraham as a romantic feature designed to resemble a ruined medieval castle. But this spot is also significant for another reason — in 1807 it became the birthplace of the Primitive Methodist Church, when open-air meetings here sparked a movement focused on passionate preaching and working-class communities.