Easy locking down into Cheshire.

We’ve had a good day today. Well, we deserved one after yesterday! It was bright and sunny as we moved the short distance to the water taps above the locks. We were just in time to meet our visitors (and lock helpers) for the day.

First thing this morning there was a huddle of C&RT guys around the locks, and a workboat moving down. All in preparation for the stoppage tomorrow. There’s some new gates in the compound near the facilities block.

Workboat and crew heading down Lock 6

There were several boats heading down today ahead of us, the last opportunity for a month to drop down below Grindley Brook, and we needed water so it was gone midday before we moved down to the landing to start our own descent of the three-rise staircase.

Heading down to the locks, Val, Yen and Mike on the towpath

Hi! Gongoozler on bike, Mike, Yen and Val in the shade.

What a change in the weather from yesterday!

Just an hour saw us down and out of Lock 6

I don’t very often get to see the inside of a lock chamber…

Mags has stayed inside with John and Harry the dog.

Lock 6, bottom lock

Under the disused railway bridge, crossing into Cheshire
The Cheshire/Shropshire boundary follows the canal from here for just less than a mile before heading off eastwards. So this side, where we’re moored below the locks, is Cheshire, but 20 feet away across the water is Shropshire.

We had home-made vegetable soup and bread for lunch, before our guests set off for their respective homes, back into Wales and up into the Yorkshire Dales.

It was really great to see you all again, and thanks for the help. See you soon!

More visitors tomorrow!

Locks 6, miles ¾