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Hollybush this night. Good ale, great food, as always, also met a nice couple. Hello Linda and John. I'll post your pic later.
from the diary
Heavy rain started the day and so it was decided to partake of a light breakfast before setting off. As we slipped our mooring the rain continued unabated. At this time Dave uttered the words "it's going to go off, trust me" It was ok till he said "trust me" we know from experience that the opposite usually happens, anyway Me and Trev resolved to remind Dave of his words later in the day
Despite the rain there was no danger of the river being above its safe level when we joined it and that was the case as a look at the level safety indicator confirmed all was ok
Heading downstream towards Consall Forge the tree lined stretch was pleasant enough and suddenly the rain stopped, as Dave said it would. He was to remind us of this many more times during this day
Approaching
Consall Forge and the final water point before Frogall Tunnel gave us the opportunity to take on water. There is a water point after the tunnel but our boat would not get through due to limited headroom
A look at the Pearson's guide, to determine the journey time to Froghall was called for and by chance a glance at the stats for the winding hole (turning point) just before the tunnel that we intended to use, suddenly revealed it would not be possible. The winding hole is 65' wide and our boat is 68' oh dear flippin 'eck! (or words to that effect) What now...............after a brief discussion the decision was taken to turn the boat at Consall. Easier said than done and although it looks wide enough it wasn't believe me we tried and were just about six inches short of making the turn. With the increasing likelihood of taking the boat closer to the river weir (Karen wouldn't have been too happy if we had taken the boat over that particular obstacle) there was nothing for it other than to head toward Froghall and the next 70' indicated winding hole, it appeared after we passed the overhanging structure that is a part of Consall Forge railway station
Arriving back where river and canal split the opportunity was taken to consider our mission, declared before we ever set off, namely to find the 'Spirit of the Caldon' Digging a hole at least 200' deep in the shadow of the former lime kiln we uncovered the 'Spirit of The Caldon' and our mission was accomplished. A bottle of 'Glenfiddich' Single Malt appeared from the ground as if by magic. This miracle was duly toasted. The place is a veritable haven for those with a vivid imagination. Looking through the trees beyond the railway bridge stands The Black Lion pub, reputedly a fine place to stay for food and ale and so it must be because this came from the canal grapevine. Sadly we were unable to visit this time as the weather was looking to take a turn for the worse
A sensible place for the evening was deemed to be The Hollybush at Denford .....and so off we went. En-route to Denford we stopped at Cheddleton where our three idiots considered a visit to the well preserved and working railway station would be worthwhile. We had seen the steam train running and it seemed reasonable to us that the station cafe would be open. sadly it wasn't, well it was but as a private venue for educational purposes involving schoolchildren. Nice to see them getting a glimpse of the past we thought. On then to Denford taking note of the significantly improved towpath, compared to last year, between bridge nos 42 & 44. Mooring just before the Hollybush there was time for a little fishing by Dave and Trev. Malc elected to pull his toe nails out with pliers rather than partake
Hunger pangs told us it was time to eat and so we walked the short distance to The Hollybush. The setting is superb with the little row of terraced cottages and backdrop of a tree lined hill. Tennyson would have written a poem about this place and that's a fact
Whilst at the table Dave asked a question about the real ale and Malc felt the need to educate both he and Trev reminding them that he is a member of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) After speaking on the subject for a good half hour Malc pointed out he was pleased to have added to Dave and Trev's education on the subject of beer. This hit home because Dave was heard to say "Well that taught me a lesson" We got talking to a couple, Linda and John, at a nearby table and shared a laugh and a joke or two with them. Living locally they were able to confirm the commonly held view that this is one of the best eating establishments around
More to be added
Hollybush this night. Good ale, great food, as always, also met a nice couple. Hello Linda and John. I'll post your pic later.
from the diary
Heavy rain started the day and so it was decided to partake of a light breakfast before setting off. As we slipped our mooring the rain continued unabated. At this time Dave uttered the words "it's going to go off, trust me" It was ok till he said "trust me" we know from experience that the opposite usually happens, anyway Me and Trev resolved to remind Dave of his words later in the day
Despite the rain there was no danger of the river being above its safe level when we joined it and that was the case as a look at the level safety indicator confirmed all was ok
Heading downstream towards Consall Forge the tree lined stretch was pleasant enough and suddenly the rain stopped, as Dave said it would. He was to remind us of this many more times during this day
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| Moored and about to take on water at Consall Forge |
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| Our boat at the water point and in the shadow of the Lime Kilns This is the point at which the river leaves the canal |
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| Looking towards the river bridge with the weir just beyond The 'Black Lion' is just out of sight to the left |
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| 'Black Lion' Consall Forge |
Consall Forge and the final water point before Frogall Tunnel gave us the opportunity to take on water. There is a water point after the tunnel but our boat would not get through due to limited headroom
A look at the Pearson's guide, to determine the journey time to Froghall was called for and by chance a glance at the stats for the winding hole (turning point) just before the tunnel that we intended to use, suddenly revealed it would not be possible. The winding hole is 65' wide and our boat is 68' oh dear flippin 'eck! (or words to that effect) What now...............after a brief discussion the decision was taken to turn the boat at Consall. Easier said than done and although it looks wide enough it wasn't believe me we tried and were just about six inches short of making the turn. With the increasing likelihood of taking the boat closer to the river weir (Karen wouldn't have been too happy if we had taken the boat over that particular obstacle) there was nothing for it other than to head toward Froghall and the next 70' indicated winding hole, it appeared after we passed the overhanging structure that is a part of Consall Forge railway station
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| The Lime Kilns at Consall Forge What a hive of activity this would have been in years gone by |
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| "The Spirit of the Caldon" |
Hunger pangs told us it was time to eat and so we walked the short distance to The Hollybush. The setting is superb with the little row of terraced cottages and backdrop of a tree lined hill. Tennyson would have written a poem about this place and that's a fact
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| Hollybush Inn at Denford |
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| Warm, welcoming and friendly Super public house in every respect |
Entering the welcoming pub with its open fire was just the right thing to do. Three pints of ale (Wainwrights) were promptly pulled by a very attractive young lady, we had three more after this and then ordered food. fabulous menu and reasonably priced. Soup first and then the main course. Trev always goes for the posh stuff so he went for the Braised lamb Shank whereas Dave and Malc had Cod & Chips and Sausage, egg & chips respectively. fantastic food. Impossible to fault this place, no wonder its popular
Whilst at the table Dave asked a question about the real ale and Malc felt the need to educate both he and Trev reminding them that he is a member of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) After speaking on the subject for a good half hour Malc pointed out he was pleased to have added to Dave and Trev's education on the subject of beer. This hit home because Dave was heard to say "Well that taught me a lesson" We got talking to a couple, Linda and John, at a nearby table and shared a laugh and a joke or two with them. Living locally they were able to confirm the commonly held view that this is one of the best eating establishments around
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| Linda and John. Great couple. Met by chance and had a real laugh with them Sorry we couldn't stay longer. Hope we meet up with them again next year |
More to be added
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