Moving on…

We were on the move again today, another fine sunny day to enjoy.

Looking over the Bollin Valley this morning.

Dappled sunlight through new oak leaves, lovely.


Just a couple of minutes from setting off we had to cross the River Bollin on an aqueduct. A boat was coming the other way so we held off. There is room for two boats to pass, but it’s a bit tight, so why struggle when you don’t have to?

A half hour of cruising through the countryside brought us to Seamons Moss Bridge, where the rural gives way to the suburban.


Heading towards Broadheath there’s a large development on the offside, on the site of the old linotype works. It looks like one of the factory fronts overlooking the canal is to be preserved…

…and maybe the main building too?


From Timperley Bridge there’s a 2½ mile straight, running past Sale and almost up to the Mersey crossing.

Hmm, this could be interesting…

Catastrophe averted, both the shells pulled over to allow the narrowboats past.

Sale started out as primarily farming country, but the arrival of the canal, then shortly afterwards the railway, stimulated it’s development as a commuter town for Manchester, which increased it’s prosperity. There are several sizeable churches visible from the canal, and the clock tower of the town hall can be seen over the rooftops at Sale Bridge. 





The swans and Canada geese thrive in the food-rich environment of the canal.


There doesn’t seem to be as many goslings about this year, though.

Under the M60…


…and over the Mersey


We pulled in near the Watch House Cruising Club for ten minutes for Meg to have a comfort break, then pushed on, past Stretford Marina to Waters Meeting.

Stretford Marina


Waters Meeting

A right turn takes you into Manchester, but our route is to the left, towards Leigh and points north.

Just around the corner the canal passes the large Kelloggs factory, with it’s own dock.
Grain from the US was brought into Salford Docks along the Ship Canal, then transferred to Kelloggs’ own fleet of powered and unpowered barges for the final leg of the trip. Cornflakes and Rice Krispies were produced here, but during WWII, unavailability of imported corn led the company to introduce Wheat Flakes. The factory even had it’s own Home Guard unit and ambulance team, put to use when the site was bombed.

We cruised on for another mile, pulling in on the moorings at the Trafford Centre.

Tomorrow we intend to be back on CRT waters, on the Leeds and Liverpool Leigh Branch, probably stopping at Plank Lane.

Locks 0,  miles 9