Bugsworth ...

the one about the Highland Cow 

by Peter and Marjan Adlington

'Twas brilig, and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe ' Somehow those lines from Jaberwocky capture an idyllic week in which the sun shone all the time and nature was at its Spring best. So this report is not really about the boat, except to say that we went up to Bugsworth Basin and back in lazy fashion.

Walks, wonderful walks! On the Sunday we moored at Bollington aqueduct and climbed up to the 'White Nancy' folly and along the ridge for a mile or so. You get spectacular views across the Cheshire plain from there, with Stockport, Manchester and the airport in the distance. On our return from Marple we moored at Adlington basin and walked into Lyme Park. Once again, perfect hiking weather with wonderful nature all around us. Both walks are thoroughly delightful and highly recommended if you have half a day to spare.

We travelled with friends who are very keen bird watchers, and there was plenty for them to see, both along the canal bank and in the sky above. It was quite a fly past at times (buzzards and swifts), not to mention an otter (the animal type, not the aircraft) which was spotted a mile or so north of the Heritage marina.

And what about the highland cow? Luckily we got some photos to prove it, because you wouldn't believe it otherwise! There we were, gliding along the Peak Forest canal near Marple and minding our own business, when a young highland cow came trotting along the towpath towards us. It took one look at the situation, hesitated, then plunged into the water just in front of the boat before swimming across the canal and scrambling out on the other side.

After we got home we met someone with a great suntan who said that she had been to Lanzarote. In reply, we said that our matching tans had been obtained in Macclesfield. It had been a splendid week.

	On the ridge near the White Nancy monument
	Felix the cat of Whalley Bridge
	Foal near Lyme Park
	Bluebell woods in Lyme Park
	What happened next ?
	Scrambling out of the canal
	Return to Heritage