Maria was horseboated along the Ashton and Rochdale Canals to take part in the Rochdale Canal Festival.
See Gallery section for more photographs.
Bilbo and Maria left Manchester city centre from Dale Street, climbing the Rochdale 18 to Failsworth. Many lamp-posts and railings hindered use of a towing line but the crew cheerfully met the challenge of city horseboating.
Maria, Bilbo and the team successfully reached Sowerby Bridge on schedule on 16th July, still as part of the Rochdale Canal Festival.
The return horsedrawn journey along the Rochdale and Ashton canals starts on Monday 27th July.