A Frosty Start…. But sunny

It was a cold start, frosty with mist hanging on the horizon… but the sun was quick to give the day a bright start.  The Rivers have been running high and fast so we headed for Derwent Mouth.  It is here that the River Derwent that starts its life on the high Moors of north Derbyshire. Then runs its whole life down through the county, finally here on the border of Nottinghamshire, it merges with the mighty River Trent heads east and eventually melts into the North Sea.

It is also at this point where the Trent and Mersey Canal starts its journey in the opposite direction heading west and northwards to Liverpool.

Continuing our walk we follow the Canal to Shardlow.  For once we have no wind, not even the lightest of breeze, so the canal in contrast to the fast flowing rivers is as smooth as a mirror

As it is still winter most of the boats are safely moored till Spring arrives. Some of these boats are live-a-board’s, with little traffic on the canal and few walkers on the towpath, it must be a peaceful life.

We also enjoyed the peace with a colourful walk, canal on one side open fields on the other.

Back at Shardlow, once the first port on the Trent and Mersey and a very busy transport hub, you do get a reminder that ‘things’ have progressed form the days of horse drawn narrowboats laden with goods of every description……  todays ‘skippers of their pleasure craft have the benefit of ‘Traffic Lights’, providing, as to day, advance warning of hazardous river conditions.

 

Shardlow Canal Heritage Centre

Once back in the car and heading for home, we hear that the weekend ahead, will bring with it some more bad winter weather…….  just a reminder that we were so lucky to get such a fabulous February bonus day.

Whatever your plans are for the weekend ahead……

Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

11th February

(C) David Oakes 2022