Portland Basin

I have to say this lower section of the Peak Forest Canal has been a mixed bag. There have been some grungy bits but never lasting too long before you once again retreat to a more rural feel. The spot we moored at last night was quiet with a remote feel about it. When I say quiet, that's notwithstanding the pair of Tawny owls hooting at each other - one sounded like he was on the roof, he was so loud!
As we set off this morning, we soon came to an even nicer section, with well made up towpaths and some beautiful houses

Whereas the upper canal followed the Goyt valley, the lower section follows the Tame once you get beyond Romiley and the Woodley Tunnel. Somewhere in the Stockport area the 2 rivers combine to form the Mersey which is just as well. Can you imagine Ferry Cross the Goyt sending Gerry and the Pacemakers to stardom?
We have only had a couple of hours on the go today and are now tied up just shy of Portland Basin, where the Peak Forest, the Ashton and the Huddersfield Narrow canals all come together. All in all, not a bad spot if you don't mind tip toeing through goose poop!

Elaine holding on whilst I look for a Sky signal

It's quite an interesting spot, largely due to the free museum in the canalside warehouse, built in 1832, burnt down partially in 1972 but now housing some fascinating exhibits allowing you to look back at housing, schooling, shopping, working, drinking and praying in the past.
We took in the museum after stocking up on provisions plus kindling and logs - another 4 miles walked, half under burden as we carted our goods back to the boat. Must be doing us some good, surely?
Tomorrow, we head towards Manchester. Hopefully, we can moor in Piccadilly Village but there's probably only room for 2 boats so we will cross our fingers. If we are lucky we'll over night there then go straight through Manchester the next day. If not, it's all the way to Castlefield Basin in what would probably be a 10 hr day so it will be an early start tomorrow just in case.
We had never intended completing the Cheshire Ring as we didn't want to do what has always been known as a very dodgy part of the route. In the Seventies when the route was opened Police would on occasion escort boats down the flight, such was the threat of trouble from locals. However, we simply don't have time to go all the way back as we have to be in Leigh by the end of the month. I'm sure that things have improved massively, not least because of the amount of regeneration that has taken place throughout East Manchester. That said, we don't want to overnight on the flight in case someone decides it would be a hoot to drain the pound. The paddle gear is handcuffed but that has never stopped the yobs in Wigan and we have no reason to think this is any better.
So, it's up and at 'em tomorrow with a packed lunch at the ready - no stopping allowed!