Canals, Swans & The Monks Causeway

This week there was only 3 of us and we were back to another stretch of the Erewash canal and started from the Gallows Inn and went up as far as the Bennerley Viaduct. This stretch is mostly through housing area's with a bit of industry thrown in and some nice countryside.

Geoff checking the plaque on the bridge. Its commemorating the opening of the canal in 1779

Nest building already

This is not some tropical area its on the Erewash canal

His & Hers

No traffic cones out here!!!

Move it, this is my bit of water!!!

Its Rob of the River!

One small step for a fisherman

Open the gates were coming through

Nice bit of parking

Bennerley Viaduct

Nice spot to 

A bridleway known as Mill Lane which was once an important route linking Nottingham and llkeston. The obvious reference to “mill” occurs at many locations along the valley, but less obvious are the large sandstone slabs almost buried at the left side of the path as you walk down towards the railway with its impressive green bridge linking to Ilkeston. These ancient stones are said to have been placed by monks forming a causeway between Strelley Priory and Dale Abbey. Heading upwards on the Monk’s Way lies Cossall Village with its church dating back to the 13th Century and its connections with D H Lawrence who used Cossall as his inspiration for the village of Cosse

Footbridge over the railway track. Note the mounting block put there for horse riders who have to dismount and walk the horses over the bridge.

Look at me I'm a swan!!!

Some serious work on the canal

Rob & Geoff

The water borne crane lifting some equipment from the barge.

How about this for a tree house.

This was a nice 5 mile walk for just three of us, Ike was at a christening but he'll be back next week.
Cheers