{"id":56684,"title":"Pints, Peaks & Packing for Tennessee","description":"After a couple of nights at Lyme Green stocking up on supplies, we cruised the short mile up to Gurnett Aqueduct.  What a gem of a mooring \u2014 peaceful, pretty, and perfectly placed between two good pubs and a garden centre (dangerous combination). It also happened to be Chris and my 12-year \u201cFacebook friendaversary\u201d \u2014 who knew a long-lost school connection would lead to all this? So obviously we celebrated in style with dinner at Sutton Hall","content":"<p>After a couple of nights at Lyme Green stocking up on supplies, we cruised the short mile up to Gurnett Aqueduct. What a gem of a mooring \u2014 peaceful, pretty, and perfectly placed between two good pubs and a garden centre (dangerous combination).<\/p><p>It also happened to be Chris and my 12-year \u201cFacebook friendaversary\u201d \u2014 who knew a long-lost school connection would lead to all this? So obviously we celebrated in style with dinner at <strong>Sutton Hall<\/strong>. The food was absolutely wonderful. Sutton Hall itself dates back to the 16th century and is a beautiful Tudor manor house, all timber beams and history \u2014 the perfect setting for a little celebration.<\/p><p>On Friday we walked into <strong>Macclesfield<\/strong> and were genuinely pleasantly surprised. It\u2019s a lovely market town with real character. Historically, Macclesfield was one of the world\u2019s biggest silk producers in the 18th and 19th centuries, earning it the nickname \u201cSilk Town.\u201d You can still feel that heritage in the architecture and atmosphere. We checked out the moorings there but decided they weren\u2019t for us \u2014 much nicer where we were \u2014 although we did join the library, which now means access to an audio library. Boating win!<\/p><p>Saturday took us to the <strong>Macclesfield Silk Museum<\/strong>, which tells the story of the town\u2019s silk industry and its global impact. It\u2019s fascinating to see how such a small town once led the world in silk production. We may also have come away with some wallpaper for the boat\u2026 stay tuned for decorating updates.<\/p><p>Sunday was a relaxed four-mile wander around the local area. It really does have that quintessential English village feel \u2014 one for future consideration, perhaps? We finished (as you do) with a pint at <strong>Ye Olde Kings Head<\/strong>. Rude not to.<\/p><p>From there we cruised up to <strong>Bollington<\/strong> and laced up our boots again, this time heading up to <strong>White Nancy<\/strong>. Built in 1817 to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo, this iconic white landmark sits high above the town and rewards you with stunning views (and slightly aching legs). Another very lovely village.<\/p><p><\/p><p>Wednesday delivered all four seasons in one day \u2014 sunshine, snow, rain and hail. Canal life keeps you humble.<\/p><p>On Thursday we moved up to <strong>Lime View Marina<\/strong>, mooring just outside while we sort a spot for Chris for the next 10 days. I\u2019m heading back to TN over Easter to see Bex and Stephen. Chris is staying with the boat this time but will come back with me in the autumn.<\/p><p>We walked into <strong>Poynton<\/strong> for a bit of charity shop treasure hunting and found Chris a brand-new wax cotton coat \u2014 admittedly off-brand, but brand new and just \u00a37. A proper bargain.<\/p><p>We also finally met up with <strong>Coalboat Alton<\/strong> for much-needed diesel and coal\u2026 which was less of a bargain. \u00a3300 for diesel and three bags of coal. Ouch. From there we cruised another mile to <strong>Baileys Trading Post<\/strong> to moor up while I\u2019m away. Talk about an expensive day \u2014 we even lost the chimney cap to the canal thanks to the wind!<\/p><p>So my bag is packed (along with shopping requests from both kids). By the time you read this, I\u2019ll be in TN with my two favourite humans, ready for tight hugs and, I\u2019m sure, a few drinks with friends too.<\/p><p>Sometimes canal life stretches you in every direction \u2014 but right now, I can\u2019t wait for those hugs.<\/p>","urlTitle":"pints-peaks-packing-for-tennessee","url":"\/blog\/pints-peaks-packing-for-tennessee\/","editListUrl":"\/my-blogs","editUrl":"\/my-blogs\/edit\/pints-peaks-packing-for-tennessee\/","fullUrl":"https:\/\/andaway.teemill.com\/blog\/pints-peaks-packing-for-tennessee\/","featured":false,"published":true,"showOnSitemap":true,"hidden":false,"visibility":null,"createdAt":1780313668,"updatedAt":1780314643,"publishedAt":1780314643,"lastReadAt":null,"division":{"id":430712,"name":"Narrowboat And Away"},"tags":[],"metaImage":{"original":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/d5qlcl56kszdj8bwomzimavzexb9zz9pbmtynwztjnmpebtl.jpeg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/d5qlcl56kszdj8bwomzimavzexb9zz9pbmtynwztjnmpebtl.jpeg.jpg?w=1140&h=855","banner":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/d5qlcl56kszdj8bwomzimavzexb9zz9pbmtynwztjnmpebtl.jpeg.jpg?w=1920&h=1440"},"metaTitle":"","metaDescription":"","keyPhraseCampaignId":null,"series":[],"similarReads":[{"id":55627,"title":"18\/3\/26 Fields, Food & Firsts \u2013 Cruising Onward on AndAway","url":"\/blog\/fields-food-firsts-cruising-onward-on-and-away\/","urlTitle":"fields-food-firsts-cruising-onward-on-and-away","division":430712,"description":"After tackling Mow Cop, we rewarded ourselves with a gentler day, with a walk to Little Moreton Hall.  Now part of the National Trust (which we decided to join), this truly is a gem.  Little Moreton Hall is a stunning Tudor manor house, famous for its wonky, timber-framed structure that seems to defy gravity","published":true,"metaImage":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/xzsibzk2ydnooxutuvlft1oos85lhadvubrd5rtaiermduh6.jpeg.jpg?w=1140&h=855","banner":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/xzsibzk2ydnooxutuvlft1oos85lhadvubrd5rtaiermduh6.jpeg.jpg?w=1920&h=1440"},"hidden":0}],"labels":[]}