Monday 20th June

Consall Forge to Cheddleton via Froghall

Due to the rain we did not set off till after 11am but we only had to get to Froghall and meet Andy there. There is now a guaging board at Flint Mill Lock which, as expected, was showing that we could not fit through tunnel.  Although Jacob has been through before it did involve some scraping of paintwork and the new chimney which sticks out through the roof fitting would need cutting back. So we moored just after the last 65ft winding point.

We had lunch on board again, then after Andy arrived we went to have a look at the restored lock and basin the other side of the tunnel. There were no boats at all that side, probably due to the new guage. Then we set off for Cheddleton. We had noticed an increase in the flow on the river section at Consall but on the way back and we struggled to get through the Black Lion railway bridge. The current past there above the main weir was now even stronger and it was clear that the level had risen too. So we made slow progress up to the lock. When we got to the lock we noted without surprise that that the flood guage was now in the red.

Moored for the night above the locks in Cheddleton near the mill. Still no 3G or TV. Went for dinner in the Red Lion then on to the Black Lion for more beer.