Saturday Sunshine…..

It is sunny, it is warm, just right for a walk and explore. The Trent and Mersey Canal from Shardlow appealed as a destination. Nor did it disappoint.

Destination for the walk was Derwent Mouth. It is there that the Trent and Mersey Canal merge with the River Derwent and the River Trent. It is also where the Trent and Mersey officially starts it journey north through the Potteries and eventually to the River Mersey near Liverpool. It is also here that the River Derwent ends its journey from the High Peak of Derbyshire. Take the Tent and the next stop is the Humber and the North Seas, all once powerful and important waterways transport network. Today Derwent Mouth is peaceful and a popular location for anglers…

The turning point for the walk is the quaintly named ‘Long Horse Bridge’ which spans the Trent. The current bridge is relatively new. There was an older wooden bridge and there is a clue in the name. It was built to allow horses that were used to tow the barges, to cross the river whilst still towing. It is a long span …hence Long Horse Bridge. Sadley after well over 100 years of use it was demolished one reason being that the foundations were damaged by floods.

The Canal was surprisingly busy. The sunny weather had brought out boats and crew of all shapes and sizes.

I said all shapes and sizes but for me it was the smallest that gave me a chuckle….. an inflatable Canoe – look closely and you will see that it was being Skippered by a tiny Terrier, who was definitely in charge 🙂

An enjoyable busy but very sociable sunny Saturday walk..

Whatever you are doing this weekend….

Please Remember ….

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

27th August

(C) David Oakes 2022