We had a fantastic cruise yesterday, started out at 9 and moored for the night at 16:30 having travelled a total of 19.5 miles and 2 locks.
George takes off the centre line at Northwich Town Moorings ...
... we'll reverse over there to take on water ...
Seyella and Moore 2 Life will follow
Early morning traffic jam at Town Swing Bridge
Rock n Roll now back on the visitor moorings whilst they take their turn.
And we're off!
First sign of industry today ...
... and just around the corner we see more ...
... the Anderton Boat Lift on the bend ...
... looking back at the lift visitor centre - I'm sure that someone can tell me who they are ??
That way to the weir and the natural course of the River Weaver
Winnington Swing Bridge (nice flowers!)
Another weir on the River Weaver
Very peaceful looking ahead ...
... and just as peaceful to our stern.
All 3 boats in Saltersford Locks - we're using the 'big' lock - you could probably fit at least 6 narrowboats in here!
Looking at the leaky gates behind us ...
... whilst waiting for everyone to retrieve ropes and leave the lock ...
Seyella in pole position and RnR not far behind
When I took this picture I was going to mention what a spectacular view it has from up there, then when I put the photos onto the computer I saw the moored boat - it's actually moored on the Trent and Mersey Canal near the west portal of Saltersford Tunnel
As we approach Acton Swing Bridge we see signs of civilisation, a sunken cruiser ...
... a couple of large barges ...
... and long term moorings as we veer right ...
... past the Leigh Arms and ...
... approach Acton Swing Bridge. We were last here in September 2010 but visiting the River Weaver from our mooring on the Trent and Mersey ...
... which was just about by that bridge over there!
The footbridge and weir bridge on the natural course of the river ...
... as the convoy makes a left into the approach to Dutton Locks ...
... this skeleton looks as if it's been here for some time!
Dutton Locks - 1847
Roman Numerals mark the Depth / Rise of the lock
After exiting Duttons Seyella pulls over for water and we pull in behind and eat bacon butties for lunch!
A very pretty launch with the shipwreck in the background
Lockside cottages - in No.1 there lives an author according to Geoff ...
... click to enlarge - you will read about the author's books top right and some interesting information about passages through Dutton over the years.
Both Saltersford and Dutton Locks are pairs but in both cases the smaller of the two is out of action ...
... through disrepair - there are three gates to all of the locks (top, middle, bottom) so by using just the top and middle or the middle and bottom gates locks of various sizes could be made available.
The Dutton Railway Viaduct next ...
... carrying Virgin trains.
Moore 2 Life has Ann at the helm and she's got her foot down!
Passing the pretty cottages at Pickering's Wharf ...
... and out once again into the countryside ...
... following the green, narrow cutting of the Weaver Valley ...
She's really enjoying this!
It's not long though before we see the skyline that is Runcorn ...
... but still lots of open countryside on our left ...
This is the natural course of the Weaver at Frodsham; this was the old line of navigation until 1827. We keep to the right along the Weston Canal ...
... to rusty Sutton Swing Bridge - I wonder if it's the salt industry that's done that
M56 ... glad we're going under, not over ...
This industrial landscape ...
... continues along this edge for several miles ...
On the left here is Weston Marsh Lock which gives access to the Manchester Ship Canal - more later
workshops and smoke of the chemical works
That's the Manchester Ship Canal through there running beside the Weaver ...
... as we continue down the Weston Canal.
After reading this notice ...
... it's no wonder someone wants help!
The end of navigation at Weston Point - the swing bridge is now fixed in position - too low for us certainly!
Can Geoff do the turn in one? Yes ...
... our turn now - can we? Yes ...
passing an old lock entrance to Runcorn docks
Did Chas do it in one? not quite!
Extract from Nicholson's Guide 4 page 175 - click to enlarge to see where we cruised to today
(bridge by Entrance Lock (dis))
So, it's taken us a total of 4.75 hours to arrive at our destination, line up in the middle of the channel and pat ourselves on the back!
Time to say good bye to the only living beings we've seen at this huge works and start the return journey!
But not before we've stopped ...
... at Marsh Lock
... to wonder at the size of the Manchester Ship Canal ...
The River Weaver flows from Frodsham cut on the left ...
... to join the Manchester Ship Canal and continues yonder to Runcorn Gap where it's joined by the River Mersey and eventually out to the sea ...
... to the right the MSC flows towards Manchester but for now ...
... it's back to the boats ...
... and off we go once again ...
... under Frodsham railway and road bridges ...
... passing the only other moving boats we've seen today - or yesterday for that matter!
It's been a mixed day wether-wise, lots of cloud, short spates of sunshine and a few spits and spots
Catton Hall outdoor activity centre ...
We moored just around the corner from Cattonhall New Cottages at Devils Garden then tea (and something stronger for some) on Seyella, short pack walk and relax!
In George's words the day was EPIC!
We loved The Weaver - deserted even in the middle of the summer holidays. Did/will you get the chance to pop into Frodsham - very pretty and a great market
ReplyDeleteHi both, yes we've thoroughly enjoyed it but unfortunately didn't get into Frodsham - just a flying visit this time - but we may do it again perhaps next year.
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