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A memorable day at Bugsworth Basin on the Peak Forest Canal
If anyone ever asks me what I was doing on my birthday in 2010, I shall always be able to remember! John and I walked around Bugsworth Basin and marvelled at the restoration and conservation of this wonderful site. Pennine Waterways website has a simple map of the basin - clickety click
We began at the upper basin wharf where we were moored and walked around the upper basin. Click on the camera icons for first a photo of the upper basin .jpg) and then an old photo to compare (image from IWPS website)
 An evening shot of the wharf
On the other side of the upper basin there is a replica of a jib crane post and the steps up to Silk Hill Bridge, which leads to the Navigation Inn and the village of Buxworth.
The middle basin is west of the bridge
There is a set of steps (now fenced off) that go down to the middle basin. They are set into the bridge and have no other support! Towering over the moorings is the remains of a lime kiln.
 
The site was once criss crossed by tramways, linking the basins to the Peak Forest Tramway. The lines are now paths and the remains of the tracks and rails can be found.
 Old rails between middle and lower basins
We wandered down towards the middle basin again and over the horse bridges. The milestone by lower basin arm reads - 14 1/2 miles to Ashton Junc. A journey we would be taking soon!
 Me and my milestone!
The lower basin had fewer narrowboats moored than when we arrived. At the end are the remains of a stone crushing building.
Lower basin from horse bridges
We walked back to Epiphany along the path beside the lower basin. We were so glad we had experienced this "time capsule" and able to cruise the basins. The upkeep and constant vigilance needed to keep Bugsworth Basin open is ongoing - we are so grateful that this part of our heritage is still there for all to enjoy and learn from.
If you would like to see more photos and detail of Bugsworth Basin, one of the largest inland ports in the UK and its structures, have a look at our photos - clickety click
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