Three ways to get through Froghall Tunnel

We left our lovely quiet - once the geese had stopped honking - pontoon mooring in the basin at Froghall and came up the lock. There we topped up with water and observed a man get into his inflatable craft.

Brian told me he had driven from Derby with his folding bike, now stowed on board with two large bags. He was off up the Churnet to Cheddleton. He would be a lot quicker through Froghall Tunnel than us ...

... as would this paddle boarder.

On leaving the lock we turned right, away from the tunnel, to go to the very end of navigation.

And here's a shot looking back at the wharf buildings, now Hetty's Tearoom.

At about 1230, as arranged, Nev and Rachel (and Leia the dog) arrived to help guide us through the tunnel. As before, they were in the bow and I was at the stern. This time I had loaded the boat even more, with some logs I cut from a fallen branch and some pieces of broken concrete tidied from amongst the trees. I believe the boat didn't touch the tunnel brickwork at all.

Cherry Eye Bridge doesn't look too healthy.

We dropped off Nev and co at the next lock and we had an excellent cruise to Cheddleton/Denford. This really is a superb canal. This is Oakmeadowford Lift Bridge, the only one I didn't photograph on the way down.

Tomorrow we should at least get up the three Hazlehurst Locks before the worst of the weather hits. We will aim for the services at Endon and then, perhaps, stay put for a day.