We awoke to a chilly misty morning and cast off early (by Toby’s standards!) at 8.15. The mist soon cleared, and the views opened up with some incredible views over the hills. Only three swing bridges today and lots of locks which are great for the bingo wings and thunder thighs!

We met a Scottish family on a hire boat, the daughter Ishbell  stayed with us and helped us through a flight of locks, she was a superstar and moved some of the heavy ground paddles that I couldn’t move. We went through another flight with another hire boat, they were so impressed with Toby’s steering, they asked if he’d been on a helming course.

We’re now at the summit of the Leeds and Liverpool canal, and tomorrow we’ll start our decent. Romy’s chocky cookies, birthday carrot cake and plum & coconut cake have gone down a storm.