A long day today… off at 08:40, then a quick 20 minute stop for N & V to pick up some souvenirs from a floating canalware shop.

Souvenir Shopping
The volume of traffic, and the narrowness and shallowness of the channel, made for slow going sometimes.

Past Ellesmere BW maintenance yard….
And Frankton Junction leading to the Montgomery Canal
Got a call from Neil’s sister Ruth, who wanted to visit before they fly back, so we arranged to meet them near bridge 13.
After a bit of to-ing and fro-ing we met up, and spent a pleasant 1½ hours chatting, before getting under way again at 16:40.

We planned to cross the border at Chirk and stop for the night, but the lateness of the hour meant that all the moorings were taken up, so we finished the day moored just 100 yards before Pontcysyllte Aqueduct at 19:40.

Caught this heron (on camera) just after it took off….
Chirk Aqueduct, railway viaduct, and tunnel in the distance.
Looking back… we’re in Wales, now!
Locks 2, miles 18

A good start today at 08:30, and a far better day for weather. 20 minutes brought us to the first of the Baddley locks, traffic coming down all of the locks today made for easy passage with minimal hold ups. Neil was now confident enough to take Seyella through the locks, so Mags had an easy day chatting and watching the scenery go by. In fact, from this point on, Neil spent most of his time on the tiller.

At Wrenbury Mill, the electrically operated lift bridge caused us no problems, although I had had misgivings after a near miss with a car on a similar bridge on the Macclesfield Canal.

At Grindley Brook we passed through the 3 single locks, then had a 10 minute wait and a 10 minute passage through the 3 lock staircase.

Neil and Seyella in Grindley Brook staircase.
The girls dashed? into the shop halfway up for buns and bacon, and got back just as we were ready to clear the last lock.

Across Whixall Moss where a heavy shower dampened things down a little….

Neil and brolly in the rain.
and moored for the night just past Bettisfield at about 18:15.

Locks 12, miles 18

Away from the mooring at 09:10, a cold and damp morning with drizzly showers.
Neil taking turns on the tiller eased the discomfort a little, and a 5 mile run took us to the back of a queue of 5 boats waiting to lock through Minshull lock. It took over an hour to get through, with crews helping each other to speed things up.
This was the shape of things to come, with the whole trip being busy with other boats, mainly hired.

Through Cholmondeston lock, and down to Barbridge Junction where we had a near miss with a boat turning into the Branch from the main line. Neil managed to wiggle us round with a judicious shove off the bank from me, and we were heading south to Hurleston.

On arrival there was a boat coming down the last lock, and one waiting to go up, so I hopped off while Neil manoeuvred to come in behind. At this point Meg decided to peer around the side of the boat, leaned out too far and fell off! Neil acted quickly and hauled her back onboard before she drifted off out of reach.

While this was going on, the boat had come out of the lock, another hire boat, a 70 footer from Viking Afloat had jammed itself across the junction trying to make the turn, holding up several more on the main line and our boat was drifting across the junction while Neil was sorting Meg out, so you can imagine the scene. And my camera was on the boat with me on the bank!

Anyway, we all got ourselves sorted out, mopped up the trail of canal water through the boat, and got going up the Hurleston flight with Mags on the tiller.

Hurleston Locks
We were through the 4 locks by 15:00, did the essentials at the services at the top, then pressed on to and through the 2 Swanley locks before stopping between bridges 11 and 12 at around 17:35.

Locks 8, miles 12½.

A late start today due to poor weather, but the day was brightening when we moved off at 11:45. Through Northwich, and a stop at bridge 183 for a bit more shopping, then to the Marina.

I’ve a problem with the oil pressure readings on the engine. I think it’s the sender unit, rather than a fault with the pump, but I wanted confirmation before going much further.
As usual a crisis was in progress, so it was gone 2 before Kevin could take a look and confirm my opinion, then he had to order the parts required, so we set off again at 15:00. We’ll stop to get the job done on the way back up, later in June.

We pushed on down to Middlewich, through the locks to Wardle Junction, and through the first 2 locks on the branch across to the Shropshire Union before stopping between bridges 24 and 25 for the night. The time was 19:30. We’re not used to these late days, but at least it stayed reasonably fine, and the crew seem to be enjoying themselves.

Locks 6, miles 11.

We moved down to Preston Brook, and waited just past the motorway bridge for our guests for the rest of the week. They arrived as planned, and we set off down to the tunnel. A short wait and we were into the darkness, an interesting experience for Neil and Val. What they didn’t know was that there were 2 more to do before the day’s end!

After a gentle run we went straight through Saltersford and Barnton tunnels, then stopped at Anderton for a look around the boat lift. A very interesting visit, well worthy of the awards it has received. As it is a Bank Holiday, there were several boats moving up and down from the canal to the River Weaver, which made it all the more entertaining.

The cygnets at Anderton are getting bigger. Must be the tourists feeding them.Finally we moved up to our regular spot near Marbury for the night.

I realise now that I’ve slipped up in not downloading the photos from Val’s camera before they left us. That was my intention, so I’ve not taken many of my own. B*****r!

N & V are with us till Friday evening, when Howard will come down to collect them from wherever we are. The original plan was to go down to Middlewich, across to the Shroppie on the Middlewich Branch, then head north up to Chester. But I had a rethink and decided that the Llangollen Canal would be a far more rewarding experience for them. So we’re turning left at Barbridge, heading down to Hurleston and on to the Welsh canal.

The day has made for a poor start to the trip, drizzly most of the day with occasional heavy showers.


Locks 1, miles 9.

Everything went according to plan! We arrived at our rendezvous point near Moore PO at around 10:30 as our delivery was due between 11:00 and 13:00. In the event it arrived at 12:45 with no problems finding us at all. The driver thought we were off on a round the world cruise though, with the amount of stuff we took on board!
Still, you have to top up as best you can when you live on the canal. It’s sometimes not easy to get a decent shop done within walking distance of a mooring.

Thanks to Sue on NO PROBLEM for the advice on her blog about how to go about organising a home delivery to a boat.

We’d just about got everything stowed away when Val and John, old friends from Ingleton, showed up. They were on their way back from visiting family near Oxford, and broke the journey to see us. A pleasant hour or so was spent catching up before they continued homeward, and then we cruised up to London Road bridge to turn around before returning to our Saturday night mooring spot, facing the right way now for our pick up point for Neil and Val at Preston Brook.

Locks none, miles 8.

Just a short hop today to a mooring spot we’ve used before, near Red Brow underbridge on the Bridgewater. Here we are just 30 minutes from Moore, where (hopefully) our groceries from Tesco will meet us.
It’s been a damp and breezy day, but short.

Locks 1, miles 4

Yesterday I spent still doing the finishing touches to my refit in the galley/dinette area, then we set off back north again at 12:25.
A fine bright but breezy day saw us clear Anderton services, then back through Barnton and Saltersford tunnels to moor for the night just past bridge 211, looking down on the River Weaver.
Took Meg for a splendid walk down to the river, along past Dutton lock, then back up to the canal across some fields.

We are heading back to Moore on the Bridgewater, to receive a Tesco home delivery on Sunday. This is the first time we’ve tried this, so I hope it works out OK. We need to stock up as we are collecting Neil and Val from Canada at Preston Brook on Monday morning.

Locks none, miles 6

A fine bright morning, but a later start for us. We aimed to catch the 11:30 passage “window” through Preston Brook tunnel, so set off at 11:00. Both Preston Brook and Saltersford tunnels have time controlled passage restrictions. Heading south, you may enter PB on the ½ hour, up to 20 minutes to the hour, allowing a 20 minute passage before northbound boats enter on the hour till 10 minutes past. Saltersford, being shorter in length, has a 20 minute entry window.
The system works well, and saves the inevitable confusion at busy times when boats meet in the middle!
The distance between Preston Brook and Saltersford is just 2 hours of steady cruising, so you generally go straight in without having to wait.

We followed 2 boats we have seen regularly on this stretch, ETHEROW and PILGRIM, through Preston Brook, but they stopped soon after so we had Saltersford tunnel to ourselves.

Queuing for Preston Brook tunnel
Next is Barnton tunnel, no restrictions here, you just have to look to see that the tunnel is clear before entering. Luckily, unlike Saltersford, you can see right through from one end to the other.

On down past the boat lift to Anderton services, where we did the necessaries, then another 15 minutes saw us at our regular spot near Marbury wood.

Locks 1, miles 9½

Heading south still, from Dunham Massey to Daresbury. We were going to stop at Moore, where there is a handy shop, but decided to press on for another half hour to have a look at possibilities for mooring near road access for friends visiting next weekend.

We didn’t stop at Lymm this trip as we’re OK for supplies.

Lymm from the canal
The day has been fine with sunny spells, but with a blustery wind. Finished the day at around 15:30, time for some more internal work, this time on front corner cupboards.

We stopped at Thorn Marine in Stockton Heath for diesel, and were shocked to hear about the imminent closure of this useful boatyard/hirebase/chandlery. Apparently Peel Holdings, the lease holder and owner of the navigation, want to redevelop the site as luxury housing. See www.thornmarine.co.uk for more details.

Locks none, miles 12.

Away from Castlefield around 09:15, after watching the performance of a couple of hire boats going up lock 92 on the Rochdale, heading for Duckinfield junction on the Cheshire Ring.

Lock 92
Castlefield

A gentle run down to Dunham Massey, where we’ve stopped overnight on our previous trips. It’s good to be back in green fields after 2 days of concrete and tarmac, but Manchester was OK, interesting in an urban sort of way. There’s good shopping at Sale, with a Co-op and a B&Q within easy distance of the canal.

Moored Near Dunham Massey
The Bridgewater is wide and deep, and a lot of the boaters treat it like a motorway, tearing along with huge bow waves. You couldn’t do that on the Trent and Mersey! There are plenty of pleasant moorings once you get clear of the city connurbation, and the anglers mostly say hello!

The batches of youngsters are doing well in this area, with families of ducks, swans and geese, and the odd moorhen.

Canada Goslings near Castlefield
Locks none, miles 9½.

As mentioned on the last post, we arrived at Castlefield yesterday. What I didn’t say was that it was raining when we arrived, which turned into heavy showers, some with hail! Not looking good for the race, but today dawned fine and dry.
Up early and a walk up to the end of the G-Mex to leave Mags and Meg and head off to the start. Howard, with Neil and Val from Canada, should have arrived, but were running late.
I had a good run in near perfect conditions, missing my 45 minute target by just 2 seconds! Still, it’s 4 minutes faster than last year so all that training has paid off. If I keep improving at this rate I’ll be running world class times by the time I’m 55! Micah Kogo won the mens race in 27:21, taking 4 seconds off the previous record.

Post Race
All our guests had arrived by the time I got back to our meeting point, so we had quite a crowd heading back to the boat for a buffet lunch we’d prepared yesterday.
We had Howard, Neil, Val, Ruth and her grandson Connel, Mags granddaughter Melanie, with her children Emma, Joanne and Laura. The afternoon was fine and dry, just as well as we spilled out onto the quay. The kids spent the time playing with Meg, while the adults sat about talking.


Castlefield Party
The visitors didn’t leave till around 15:30, and, as it is around 2 hours cruise to get through Sale and Stretford and out into a decent mooring area, we decided to stop another night and leave in the morning.

21st April to 19th May 2007

Hi all. First off, let me apologise for not updating this log for 6 or 7 weeks. I’ve been pretty busy, what with the refit of the galley and dinette, pretty intensive training for the Manchester 10K, not being able to get an internet signal a few times…….. The excuses are getting a bit thin, now, aren’t they.
Anyway, you’ll be pleased to hear we’ve not been abducted by aliens, got stuck irretrievably in a lock, or sailed off the end of the map.
And here’s what we’ve been up to.
We went down to Orchard Marina as planned on Monday, only to find they weren’t ready for us. So we did the “essential services” and moved back down to the flashes till Wednesday. On our return, we were still not able to get into the dry dock for bottom painting, but we were allocated a berth with power, so I could start on the galley and dinette refit.
The boat finally went in to the dry dock on Tuesday May 1st, so we used a hire car to go back up to Ingleton, and stopped the night with George and Christine. Took the opportunity to catch up with a few friends, but had to dash back to Northwich to get the car back Wednesday lunchtime.
Before we left the marina we had the engine and gearbox serviced, then came away finally on Saturday and went back up to the flashes for the weekend.

Billinge Greene Flash
Ducklings….

And cygnets

We set off north up the T&M on Monday 7th, spent a couple of days near Marbury country park near Anderton, and then took a steady 3 days up to Castlefield at the top of the Bridgewater Canal, arriving on the Saturday 12th, and stopped overnight to check it out. Pleased with the mooring and security, even in the middle of Manchester. Castlefield is only about 10 minutes walk away from the start of the Manchester 10K, so is an ideal stop-over for the race.
We toddled off back down to Marbury, as a BW licence only allows 7 consecutive days on the Bridgewater, spent a couple of days, and then cruised back up, leaving on the 17th to arrive on Saturday 19th, to find the basin packed with Lymm boat club members on a weekend away. We managed to squeeze on the end of the mooring, though.

All in all – Locks 3 (the same one 3 times!), miles 99.

Quick visits to the paper shop and Kings Lock Chandlery meant that we left today at about 09:45.

We followed an Anderton boat down the locks, they are due back to the boatyard tomorrow after a week spent on the Cheshire Ring.

Lock 74 and Andersen Boats hire base.
They were not the only boat moving in Middlewich, there were several boats in each direction, but no-one to share with when we got to Big Lock. Such is life.

A gentle cruise along this very attractive stretch north of the town brought us to Billinge Green Flash, where we’ll stay for the weekend. Planning application for a marina here has recently been declined. It would be a shame to develop such a pleasant spot.

North of Middlewich
This wreck doesn’t get better with time….

Last October

Today

Billinge Green Flash

On Monday we go the last mile to Orchard Marina, where we’re booked in for bottom blacking, and I’m going to make some changes to the interior layout. Watch this space!

Spent a bit of time playing football with Meg. She cheats!
Locks 5, miles 4½

The weather is staying much the same, still bright but cool in the breeze. We got away at 09:50, straight into the first lock of the Wheelock flight. Despite most of the locks being against us, we arrived at Wheelock at around 11:40.

Malkins Bank Canal Services specialise in historic boats
Lock 66Used the facilities, and topped up dog food stores at the pet supply shop, then set off. We were following another boat who weren’t in any hurry, but nor were we, having planned to stop after about an hour.
As the weather was so good though, we decided to press on to Middlewich, arriving at about 15:30.

Moored near Kings Lock.
Tried the fish and chips near the lock again, the last time they were a bit ropey, I’m pleased to say they’re back to their normal standard.

Locks 12, miles 8.

Another bright and breezy day. Went back up to Hall Green on my morning run, and had a chance to say cheerio to Mike and Liz on NB SNECKLIFTER before they set off for Harecastle Tunnel and points south.

We moved off from Church Lawton around 09:45. Fairly busy with boats for a start, then quieter later.

Came upon the working pair Mountbatten and Jellicoe near Snapes Aqueduct, and took advantage of 48p/litre for the red stuff to fill up. While chatting, we found out that these boats have the distinction of originally working on the River Weaver, and were the first commercial carriers to use the newly restored Anderton Lift, carrying lock gates for the T&M.

Mountbatten and Jellicoe.

I calculate that we’re still running at around 1 litre/hour.

We moored near bridge 148, just below Hassel Green, at around 13:30.A fine evening, with a beautiful sunset.

Locks 12, miles 3½.

Off from the mooring at 10:15, and then stopped after 15 minutes to go shopping in Scholar Green. Then off to and through Hall Green stop lock, arriving at Hardings Wood junction at around noon.

I’d seen the Rev Reed’s hotel boats (from an item on “Waterworld”) moored near Church Lawton on my morning run, and we arrived at the junction in time to see them negotiate the tight turn onto the Macclesfield Canal.

Hotel boats "OAK" and "ASH"
Down through the 6 locks of the Red Bull flight, and moored for the night just above Church Lawton.

Church Locks
The day has been bright but with a cool breeze. I’ve resorted back to jeans for today!

Locks 7, miles 4¼.

We stayed put for Sunday, I took advantage of the fine weather to scrub the roof, wash the towpath side of the cabin, and polish a bit of brass.

The gentle tap of a marine diesel on tickover at around 06:30 was SNECKLIFTER moving off down to the locks.

Overnight the fridge had shut down due to low voltage, which was a surprise considering the length of time the engine has been run recently. I’d checked the batteries yesterday so knew they were OK, so fired up the engine to check the charge rate. This was well down, less than 10 amps. The problem was a loose connection on the primary charge wire on the alternator, putting a high resistance in the circuit and causing heat which charred the insulation.
After restoring this and another loose terminal, the charge rate returned to 40 – 50 amps as expected.

After this remedial work, we got away at just before 10:00, down to the top lock of the Bosley flight for water and services, in cool, misty weather.

Towards Bosley Locks.
Had to fill most of the locks before passing down, but even so we cleared the bottom lock by 10 to 12, and stopped for lunch just past the lock landing.

Lunchbreak
View from the Dane Aqueduct.
The weather started to clear soon after lunch, leading to a fine, sunny afternoon, but cooler than the last couple of days. We passed SNECKLIFTER just before Congleton, we’ll probably not see them again as they head south down the T&M when we head north.

Stopped for the night near bridge 86, where we spent the Easter weekend.

Locks 12, miles 8½

Broke the Golden Rule today – never travel at weekends, especially if the weather is good. So, what can I say about today’s trip?
Met lots of boats – those going in the opposite direction always seemed to appear at a bridge, narrows, or shallow corner. I can’t remember how many times we ran aground. Those going in the same direction always seemed to want to go that little bit faster than us. This makes me uneasy, I feel I should go that bit faster than I am comfortable with. I’d normally wave boats past, but it’s not easy on this canal with such shallow margins.

Had to clear the prop of rubbish twice, not including being able to spin it clear with a quick burst in reverse. I’ve got a heap of plastic, twine, fishing line and carrier bags, sitting on the aft swim, waiting to be bagged and disposed of.

Nearly trapped a car between the 2 barriers on a lift bridge, should have read the instructions more thoroughly….

A long queue in Bollington Co-op for a newspaper.

But the plus points… It has been a beautiful day, so I can’t honestly begrudge those boaters who can only get out at weekends.

And we moored not far past NB SNECKLIFTER (see previous post) in a lovely spot about ½ mile before the Bosley flight of locks. I took the opportunity to go and have a chat.

Saw 3 lots of ducklings, the biggest family being 15! I wonder how may will survive.

Oh, and I finished the decoration on the cratch board last night.We’ve decided not to move tomorrow. The roof needs a good scrub, and the brasses need cleaning. Any excuse, eh.

Locks none, miles 9½

Another “2 for the price of 1” entry, today.

After a quiet night on Wednesday, Mags sister Dot, and her husband John arrived around 11:00. Caught up with the news and took delivery of prescriptions, a package of running gear (including some new shoes) for me, and some cable I’d ordered to connect up the inverter remote in the galley. Thanks again, Dot.

Dot took Mags shopping to Asda, while John and I spent the time chatting and boat sitting.

We untied around 16:00, up to the junction to turn around and back down to the lift bridge where we transferred a car boot full of supplies onto the boat. Then we said our goodbyes and set off back towards Marple.

We stopped for the night, after a couple of stops to clear the prop, just after Hyde Bank tunnel. A couple walking past as we were tying up told us we had stopped in a magical place. I have to agree. The slopes of the Goyt valley are full of birds and other wildlife, and the architecture of the aqueduct and adjacent railway viaduct is really impressive.

Overnight near Hyde Bank Tunnel.Views of the aqueduct and viaduct.A bright morning this morning saw us heading off for the 10 minutes to Marple Bottom Lock. We had a really good run up the flight, with most of the locks in our favour and not another boat, apart from a BW workboat setting off for some tree trimming, to be seen! 2½ hours from bottom to top.

And here I have an apology to make to any “Marple-ites” I may have offended by my comment on the last post. The flight is really attractive, well maintained and with well manicured sides. The lower half runs out into the country, while the upper section climbs into the town. As you enter the town from this direction, you see an entirely different aspect, giving a far better impression.

Coming up Lock 13We used the Sanitary Station at the junction, then through the “not so nice” bit on the Macclesfield and out into countryside again.

On through Poynton, busy with boats and towpath walkers.

Poynton

Moored for the night between Br 19 and 20, a pretty spot but also a popular one. We’re one of 4 boats here tonight.

Spotted at Lyme View Marina, maybe we should have bought this one…..?

Locks 16, miles 13 (both days)