Off from Little Lever down to Nob End (yes it is a real place. see link on canal page), and set off down the Bolton to Bury arm of the canals, no final destination in mind, just see where we end up. The canal at the start is dry , due to a major breach in 1936.This part of the canal was very overgrown and almost impossible to recognize and it was cleared during the winter of 2010 by volunteers of the canal society but nature has now taken control again.
Past the site of the old paper mill and onto the canal that is still in water, our first sighting of the swans and the cygnets following this we come to the part of the canal at Ladyshore Colliery which closed shortly after the end of WII . The famous old steam crane which was used to lower goods from the canal to the yard below is the next major thing we come across. I think Fred Dibnah always wanted to restore this but unfortunately it is now left to the weather, and think it is well beyond any economic restoration.
Under the bridge , which is sometimes a bit of a challenge as the tow path here is very narrow and cobbled, the canal is now well populated with wild life, and at this time of year young cygnets.
Further along the canal the cobbles begin which is the most uncomfortable part of the trip, and dangerous especially when they are wet. At the end of last summer Graham nearly came a cropper here slipping on the wet cobbles and nearly ending up in the canal (not advisable).
Heading on we come to the lowered Water Street in Radcliffe which now blocks the canal, so it’s up onto the road and life in your hands getting across the busy road. Down the other side Graham shoots off down the road to a ramp that rejoins the canal, but I take a short cut down some steps, bad move and bike ends up at bottom in a heap oh s**t.
Off now the nicest part of the canal in my eyes. This part the tow path has been made into a good quality cycle/footpath and on either side the land is flat with views across fields .Now on our left Elton reservoir comes into view, it was constructed and opened in 1842 as a feeder for the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal . Today water is still taken from the Irwell at Burrs Country Park and taken by feeder channel to Elton reservoir which in turn feeds the remains of the canal.
Over the bridge and across the canal now heading for the reservoir we are disturbed by the loud sound of a modern trams from Manchester. Onwards and upwards we climb the bank of the reservoir and Graham goes for it, but says the bike slipped and down he goes. Around the canal we head towards Bury town centre and see a sign for Transport Museum and decide to have a toot around.( See Media Page)
Time to head back now for a brew.
