Buglawton

Bosley to Buglawton (3½ miles)

There are extensive and popular moorings at the bottom of Bosley locks. Half a mile from the nearest road, deep in the Dane valley, this is an extraordinarily tranquil place. The silence is interrupted for a few seconds every now and then by electric trains passing over the massive brick viaduct further down the valley. They look just like Dad's favourite toys! The River Dane is crossed by an elegant but none the less substantial stone aqueduct; just one arch. Notice the modern (1997) footbridge across the spillway just before Old Driving Lane Bridge, no. 57.

The canal proceeds through a long and delightful rural section, having very little contact with the rest of the world. This is the one length where Telford accepted the need to give in to the landscape and follow round the hills and valleys. As a result the canal makes a big loop out to Buglawton then back up to Dane-in-Shaw and around Congleton Hightown before resuming its southerly course. For the first part of this The Cloud (the hill) lies brooding to the east. Just beyond the railway viaduct we pass Crossley Hall, a fine Tudor farm house. Old Driving Lane Bridge and Congleton Bridge, no. 61, both provide good access to The Cloud for those with the puff to climb those craggy heights. The Robin Hood inn is just up the Congleton road when you get back!

From beyond Stannier’s 1st Bridge, no. 62 until Stanley’s Bridge, no. 65, the canal assumes that primordial feel, especially in the right weather conditions - it is heavily tree lined, offering drips after rain and shade on sunny days. This all changes once the turn is taken at Buglawton and the straight mile stretches out before us with its seven bridges in view.

Next: Congleton Hightown