Leek, Denford, Cheddleton and I Told Me So

I decided to fill in a gap in my knowledge with another trip to Leek. I went by bus, which took ages, so that I didn't get there until 10:50. The stroll down the Leek Arm was pleasant, with a good view over the Churnet Valley and surroundings. I reached Hazlehurst, where the Leek Arm joins the main line of the Caldon Canal, at around 12:30 and so decided to stop at the Holly Bush, in Denford, for lunch. This was a good idea, as both food and beer were excellent.


Strolling on, the weather turned a little damp, so I made for the Boat, in Cheddleton. This was also a good idea, as I was able to sit outside, under cover, with another good pint of beer.

Sadly, the weather did not improve and I was now a bit behind time. The Black Lion, at Consallforge, was closed, with a notice outside announcing that it would now be closed on Thursdays. Possibly a blessing, given how late it was getting, but a bit of a disappointment, at the time. The rest of the walk became a bit of a plod, ending at the bus stop in Oakamoor.

One thing stands out from the latter part of the walk. In a previous post, I said that it would take only one bridge on the Caldon Canal, in an obvious place, with planks bolted to it, to make me look stupid. Sure enough, Cherry Eye Bridge, near Froghall, has planks bolted to both sides of the arch on the towing path side of the canal, each with grooves worn into it by towing ropes.