Bats in the Basin! - Froghall

Friday 3 August

We were up early and went down  Hazlehurst Locks and onto the Froghall Arm of the Caldon Canal.  At Oakmeadowford lock you join the River Churnet and due to the river levels being low at the moment, we were safe to proceed. 

Consall Lime Kilns built around 1810

We moored at the visitors moorings near the water point , next to the Consall Lime Kilns.  Limestone was loaded with layers of coke from above and a fire lit below.  As it burnt  through, quicklime was produced and extracted from the bottom of the kiln.

remnants of quicklime in the kiln

This was then mixed with water to produce slaked lime which was then used to make mortar and plaster for the building trade and by farmers to make the soil less acidic.

Over the pedestrian bridge (not accessible by road) and over the steam railtrack is the Black Lion pub, where snacks and meals are available. 

Black Lion Pub

The Churnet Valley railway train track runs alongside the canal and during the season a steam train  passes through the picturesque railway stations/ticket offices.  

Saturday 4 August

We set off on our quest to go through Froghall tunnel and reach the end of the Froghall branch and moor in the basin.  The tunnel is only accessible by boats with maximum dimensions of 4ft 4' high and 5ft 6'wide at the cabin top. 

Measuring at Flint Mill Lock

We were not sure if we would be able to go through, however at Flint Mill Lock there is a measuring gauge so after JUST scraping through this we were fine to proceed through the tunnel.  You can wind just before the tunnel if you are unable to fit through.  it is an extremely tight squeeze, however we made it through ok with Chris on bended knees at the tiller!!!

Entering Froghall tunnel on our knees

The Froghall basin is lovely and peaceful, during our stay there was just one other narrowboat - onboard was a lovely new friend for Nugget - Cooper, a cheeky patterdale dog! Remember to stock up at Leek or Milton as there are no shops within easy walking distance, although tea, cakes and snacks and ice-creams are available at 'Hettys' Tea Rooms. 

Froghall Basin

The CRT facilities are great here and the wildlife  is abundant with butterflies, fish, a resident heron and 'BATS'.  During the evening we saw numerous bats skimming the water feeding on the insects, a wonderful sight to see.    

The Froghall Heron

We went on a walk (trek) up to Ipstones for some supplies at the convenience store . We mostly followed the green walk from Froghall Forge park and this also takes you back through Foxt another local village.  There are plenty of walks round here, it is lovely and quiet as there are no main roads in the vicinity and the scenery is wonderful .