Cromford & Alderwasley (part 1)

This Sundays walk was along the Cromford canal, which is near to Matlock Bath, and up through Ambergate woods to Alderwasley for a light lunch at the Bear pub. The day started very well, a typical early winter day, but VERY mild. Later on, it turned to drizzle but overall, it was a lovely walk. I really enjoy walking along Cromford canal. I also like to ride my bike along it. It's an interesting place at any time of year, as there's always something to see. It looked a bit drab, what with most of the leaves on the ground due to recent high winds, but there was still the odd 'resident' around to photograph.

This is the Cromford end of the canal. The canal was built to supply power and transport for the local cotton mills, built by sir Richard Arkwright. If you click the link (above), you can read all about Cromford and link to sir Richard from there. Don't forget, click on any of the pictures to get a bigger version.

I love the way the light reflects in the still canal water. The stark reflections of the almost leafless branches has something about it as well. It's usually quite busy on this stretch on sunday afternoons but, apart from the odd one or two people, today it was quiet.

There were still water birds about. This one looked very young, and kept bobbing under to try and thwart me taking a picture.

But I GOT 'IM!!!

Further on, below Lea, the canal gets quieter and seems to take on an even more serene mantle. This really is a 'sigh and look' place. Although the road isn't far away from the canal, it never seems to impinge on the quiet.

(Please go to next part below - part 2)