We had decided to move off after breakfast as I had looked at the forecast for today.
We travelled all of three and a half miles to the Dane embankment just out of Congleton, it has lovely views to the hills on one side and a spectacular railway viaduct on the other. We set off on foot and explored the Dane in Shaw pasture between the embankment foot and the railway line.
The blossom on the trees was in marked contrast to the fragrance as we negotiated the steps to the valley floor.
We have not seen as so many dog faeces for years, either side of the steps were a total disgrace. On examination from my lofty height, they were the products of many different dogs and many indifferent owners; is laziness a peculiar local trait?
Once into the pasture, the river Dane meandered and chuckled its merry way over stones and lots of small beaches which could be a delight to a child.
Wood Anemones, Dandelions, Primroses all were in abundance and added their small contribution to the area. Walking back to the loftliy perched boat, was could see two aqueducts; one whcih carried the canal over the river Dane, and one over the abandoned railway line from Stoke on Trent to Congleton Wharf where return loads of sand were swapped for loads of coal. The finishing stonework of the arches was a tribute to the builders of yesteryear.
