Going over the top

This week we have been travelling on the Rochdale Canal, from Sowerby Bridge over the Pennines to Littleborough and then next week to Manchester. I have avoided doing “the Rochdale” on our travels because it has a negative reputation of being very very hard work. But the plus side is the very dramatic countryside, especially when you go over the top to an aptly named village called “Summit”.

The reputation for being hard work has been borne out, with low water levels, heavy lock gates and sticky paddles, as well as a tree across the canal. And we have not done the hardest bit yet, the run down to Manchester Piccadilly. But we have had a good week, visiting an area where we used to live – Calderdale, home to the “Happy Valley” TV series – in real life with fewer murders.

We have had an evening and a day with Mandy’s brother Stephen, helping manage the locks, and our son Tin has popped by to bring us various post from home. So it has been a week of scenery, family and aching muscles. A good week.

Next week through Manchester. Wish me luck!