Marple

Today the wind was not so strong but it was still strong enough to make it chilly out of the sun. We left Bollington around 10:30 and had a very pleasant cruise to Marple. Being Sunday, walkers, cyclists and joggers were enjoying the towpath.

Sunday at Higher Poynton

Goyt Mill, Marple
We reached Marple around lunchtime and moored up close to the Ring O'Bells. Their trip boat, The Bell, was on the point of arriving with 18 people for three-course Sunday lunches so our plan for a midday meal had to be changed. In the end we booked for roast dinners in the evening. They were sizable and tasty. Needless to say we didn't manage to finish them.

Sunday roasts at the Ring O'Bells, Marple

Following the meal, a walk along the locks at Marple was called for. The historic boat Elizabeth had moored up at junction with the Peak Forest. Powered by a Gardner engine, she was on her way back from a rally at Bugsworth.

Historic narrowboat Elizabeth

We looked at the top half-dozen locks and remembered our trip up the locks three years ago when we got firmly stuck. This time I noticed a roller by the bottom gates of Lock 9 where Stockport Road crosses the canal.

Bridge Roller, Marple Flight