Good Days and Bad Days

I'm standing on the wharf that is the terminus of the Cromford canal. Built at the very end of the 18th century, to connect the town of Cromford to the rest of the canal network, it was early enough to catch the boom years of canal transport - taking out coal, iron and lead ores, limestone, chert and, later, spun cotton from the famous Cromford mills. A financial success then, until its economics were undermined by the coming of steam and rail

It suffered a century of decline, collapsed banks and tunnels before becoming part of the vanguard of the canal restoration movement in the mid 20th century. A significant distance was once again made navigable and horse-drawn pleasure trips became very successful. Sadly, it did not last, the engineering challenges became overwhelming, and the canal fell into another two decades of decline

Now the wheel has turned again. Its scientific, heritage and wildlife value have been recognised by awards and classifications. A reinvigorated restoration effort is ongoing. In an age of tourism, a prime asset stands a chance of survival

Tourists were a little thinner on the ground today than when I took a picture from the same place in Thursday's sunshine. A classic English bank holiday scene