To Anderton Boat Lift & Down To The River Weaver

We left Middlewich on Tuesday morning after Sharon had had her hair cut, very nice she looks to, well she always does to me.
We had a lovely cruise along towards Anderton, on the way we passed this new marina being built, look how long the pontoon's our. Don't know when it will open but it looks almost complete apart from adding the water !!!.

We called at the service station in Anderton and filled with water and emptied what needed emptying.
We were lucky to get the last mooring in Anderton.
Wednesday morning I went down to book are passage on the famous boat lift and was given a 11.30 slot. I walked back to Tacet and we were about to have breakfast when Sharon heard the lift operator he told us we could go on the first lift down which was 10.00, so we quickly got ready and moved to the holding moorings. We were given the ok to follow another boat on to the lift.

The Lift From The River

The Boat lift was built in 1875 to lift boats up/down on to the Trent & Mersey Canal from the River Weaver. It is a fantastic piece of engineering which lasted nearly 100 years when it was found to be suffering from metal fatigue and was closed in 1983 . However after a lot of fund raising the lift re-opened in 2001.

The Lift in profile shows the wonderful engineering and simplicity of the structure.







The lift has 2 water caissons each holds two boats,one caisson  goes down and raises the other one.
Taking Tacet on to a River for the first time was very exciting and a joy to handle her as she sped along in the deep clear water (WONDERFUL).
We moored at Northwich and was very surprised how lovely the town is with lots of little interesting shops to look around. Sharon was very happy as there is a Waitrose right by the canal.

Waitrose by Night.

We Filled with Diesel from Halsall whilst at Northwich, she is a trading boat and covers the Four Countries,  it's good to support these guys as they offer a very needed service.





Thursday we left Northwich at lunchtime and headed down stream as we wanted to go through one of the locks, well at Saltersford lock we were surprised by the size of the lock it was massive glad we had a lock keeper to operate it.

Massive.

The Gates are leaking a little

We cruised up passed Acton Swing bridge and turned round as we would have been late for the next lock Dutton Lock.. We returned to Saltersford Lock and have some lovely moorings for the night.

Time Travelled Tuesday  3 Hrs Distance 8 Miles

Time Travelled Wednesday 1 Hrs Distance 1 Mile

Time travelled Thursday 3 Hrs 6 Miles 1 Massive Lock

Total Distance Travelled is 366.5. Miles 

75 Locks (Broad) 196 single locks and 17 tunnel's, 1 Massive Lock

Total Tunnel length 8193  yards   
Total Time 213.5 hours  

WE ARE LOVING IT  LOVING IT.

Middlewich FAB Festival

We moored at a lovely spot on Tuesday evening and watched the sun go down, I took this picture and got a pleasant surprise with the sunset reflection on the side of Tacet.

Wednesday we slipped the lines and cruised the 7 miles to Middlewich, we were unsure if we would be able to find a nice mooring as it’s the FAB (Folk & Boat) festival which is on from the 19^th till 21^st June.

It’s a festival around the town of Middlewich and along the towpath. All the pubs have bands on over the 3 days and there is a festival arena on a field.

We found a nice mooring North of Big Lock and took a quick walk along the towpath. A lot of boats were already there and some of the trade boats as well.

Friday we took a look at some of the Trade boats and found James and Debbie off Lois Jane,

James and Debbie run the Pen Makers Boat and James makes all the pens on-board. They also have Dudley who is the 3rd crew member

James And Debbie

Dudley On-Board

We had a chat with Barry from the Homebrew Boat and discussed a potential purchase from him.

Barry From The HomeBrew Boat

Friday evening we went to the Boaters gathering at Middlewich Narrowboats and bumped into Rob & Suzi from NB Swap Frogs who we met at Crick 2 years ago.

They invited us for a cup of tea over the weekend which we took up and visited them on Sunday for a chat. They have been living on Swamp Frogs for 2 ½ years and our Loving it.

On Saturday Mike & Karel who we had spent a great week with on the Llangollen came up to see us and have a look around the Festival. It was lovely to see them again and they may visit us when we are in Liverpool next month.

Sunday Sharon & I took a walk around the festival and purchased some very nice jams from the Jam Butty Boat.

what a great name for the business as they sell there stock from a Butty boat. A Butty boat was an       un-powered boat that was towed behind a powered Narrowboat.

We stopped for a chat with Barry from Home Brew Boat and finalised a purchase of a wine making kit which will provide us with 23 bottles of the falling down nectar.

Sunday evening we went out to catch a couple of bands we wanted to see, one being Thrill Collins a trio who we excellent and do cover versions of 80/90s songs.

We then went to Big lock Pub to see Tom Kirkpatrick a 21^st century one man band. He was also very entertaining to watch and got everyone singing along with him.

 It was then a short walk back to Tacet for bed.

Today Monday we have restocked the cupboards and fridge and Sharon is hoping to get her haircut tomorrow before we set off to Anderton Boat Lift to take us down on to the river Weaver for a couple of days

Time Travelled Wednesday 3 Hrs Distance 7 Miles

Total Distance Travelled is 351.5. Miles 

75 Locks (Broad) 196 single locks and 17 tunnel's,

Total Tunnel length 8193  yards   
Total Time 206.5 hours  
WE ARE LOVING IT  LOVING IT.

Lymm To Anderton

We left Lymm Monday mid-morning after having a walk around the village, we had a fantastic evening the night before in the Bull's Head pub.

The cruise along the Trent & Mersey Canal was lovely, the sun was out there was a few more boats today and it's good to see so many people enjoying the canal's.

We pootled along just enjoying the view's. We approached Preston Brook Tunnel which is 1239 yards long and to narrow for boats to pass so its managed on a timed entry, on the hour Northbound and on the half hour Southbound so at 2.30 we entered the tunnel leading a convoy of 4 other boats.

And 1239 Yards Later The Exit

The Entrance To Preston Brook Tunnel

We moored just after Bridge 212 and this was the view from are window this evening.  Lovely

Today we made our way to Anderton as I wanted to get some information about using the boat-lift which takes you down to the River Weaver. 

We plan to go down the lift before we go to Liverpool Docks in July. We have to more tunnels to go through today one is the Saltersford Tunnel 424 Yrds long and Barnton Tunnel 572 Yds long.

We arrived at Anderton and I got the information I need about the lift.I then decided to wash Tacet.

No Photos battery on camera ran out .

We are heading back to Middlewich for a Festival this coming weekend.

Looking for his Lunch .

Time Travelled Monday 5 Hrs  Distance 10 Miles

Time Travelled Tuesday 3 Hrs Distance 6 Miles
3 Tunnels 2235 yrds long

Total Distance Travelled is 344.5. Miles 

75 Locks (Broad) 196 single locks and 17 tunnel's,

Total Tunnel length 8193  yards   
Total Time 203.5 hours  
WE ARE LOVING IT  LOVING IT.

Buzzin In Manchester.

Tuesday we woke to this lovely sight from our bedroom window. 

We left knowing we had 16 locks in Marple to do
The very first lock was against us and seemed very deep, Sharon took these Photos of the slime covered walls

We were through the locks in 3 hours and although they were mostly against us we had a very enjoyable time.






At Marple Aqueduct we were lucky enough to catch a train passing on the bigger higher bridge built for trains. Makes me wonder if it was the train company showing they were bigger and better than the canal system.

You Don't See This Very Often
Tacet & Train

We moored at bridge 10 by Haughton Dale Nature reserve, on the peak forest canal after we had done some shopping at an Aldi we had spotted in Romiley.

An Open Topped Tunnel

                                                         
Wednesday we set off the short distance to Ashton -Upon- Lyne as we were told this is the safest place to moor before doing the 18 locks on the Ashton then the 9 double locks in to Manchester on the Rochdale canal. We had a quick look around the Museum. We did a quick search on the internet we found a new marina had been built at the top of the Ashton Locks so a quick phone call and we are moored at Portland Basin Marina Droylsden.  An early night for us as we have 27 locks to do tomorrow.

Time Travelled Monday 5 Hrs  Distance 5 Miles 16 Locks
Time Travelled Tuesday 3 Hrs Distance 6.5 Miles. 
Time Travelled Wednesday 3 Hrs Distance 5 Miles
Total Distance Travelled is 308.5. Miles 

66 Locks (Broad) 177 single locks and 14 tunnel's,

Total Tunnel length 7769  yards   
Total Time 182.5 hours  
WE ARE LOVING IT  

27 locks Into Manchester

We were up and ready to leave Portland Basin Marina Droylsden for 7.00 and through the first of the 18 single locks at 7.15. The sun was up and although this part  of the Ashton Canal has got it's self a bad reputation it was a pleasant and peaceful cruise.
Some of the locks are quite hard and very slow in filling. At one lock I spied a supermarket trolley in the water right where the white bollards are where people tie their boats. so it was swiftly removed and placed (carefully)  over a safety fence near by.
As we approached the lock no 2 I noticed the pound between 2 and 1 was nearly empty so we had to top it up with enough water to get us in to lock one. Nice to see so much redevelopment going on.

Lock 2 looking back

Then we made our way on to the Rochdale canal and headed towards Castlefield Junction  The second lock we encounter is under a building and rather a bleak place as it seems some of the 
homeless people use it at night to sleep in the dry.

Going Underground . 

The next 7 locks were a bit of a struggle as we have never seen so much water in any canal it was running over the tops of the lock gates.

Flooding in

Can't see the top of the lock gate.

It is a bit of an odd run in to Castlefield as at times you lose the towpath and have to use chain operated locks as the balance beam are very short.

Looking Back towards Piccadilly 

We only encountered a few gent's who had been drinking the falling down water but they were quite chatty and no problem although we had heard different stories about these gents.

So at 3.00 Pm we managed to moor in the last remaining place in Castlefield and partake in our own falling down water as this was well deserved.

We are shopping in Manchester tomorrow.

Time Travelled Thursday 8 Hrs  Distance 5 Miles 18 Single Locks 9 Double Locks

Total Distance Travelled is 316.5. Miles 

75 Locks (Broad) 196 single locks and 14 tunnel's,

Total Tunnel length 7769  yards   
Total Time 190.5 hours  
WE ARE LOVING IT  

Marple 16 Locks, Marple Aqueduct

Tuesday we woke to this lovely sight from our bedroom window. 

We left knowing we had 16 locks in Marple to do
The very first lock was against us and seemed very deep, Sharon took these Photos of the slime covered walls

We were through the locks in 3 hours and although they were mostly against us we had a very enjoyable time.






At Marple aqueduct we were lucky enough to catch a train passing on the bigger higher bridge built for trains. Makes me wonder if it was the train company showing they were bigger and better than the canal system.

You Don't See This Very Often
Tacet & train

An Open Topped Tunnel

We moored at bridge 10 by Haughton Dale Nature reserve, on the peak forest canal after we had done some shopping at an Aldi we had spotted in Romiley.

Wednesday we set off the short distance to Ashton -Upon- Lyne as we were told this is the safest place to moor before doing the 18 locks on the Ashton then the 9 double locks in to Manchester on the Rochdale canal. We had a quick look around the Museum. We did a quick search on the internet we found a new marina had been built at the top of the Ashton Locks so a quick phone call and we are moored at Portland Basin Marina Droylsden.  An early night for us as we have 27 locks to do tomorrow.

Time Travelled Monday 5 Hrs  Distance 5 Miles 16 Locks
Time Travelled Tuesday 3 Hrs Distance 6.5 Miles. 
Time Travelled Wednesday 3 Hrs Distance 5 Miles
Total Distance Travelled is 308.5. Miles 

66 Locks (Broad) 177 single locks and 14 tunnel's,

Total Tunnel length 7769  yards   
Total Time 182.5 hours  
WE ARE LOVING IT  

Onwards To meet Friends At New Mills Marina

We left Fourlane Ends on a lovely sunny Friday Morning and made our way to The Trading Post for some diesel, 72p a litre so a good price. We topped up with 59 litres then reversed back to the water point. We set off again and sneaked on to the very last mooring at High lane for the evening.

Saturday morning and we set off to meet our friend’s Isobel & Keith who live on their Dutch barge narrow boat Harlequin Pearl at New Mills Marina. The scenery is fantastic.

Lovely Scenery 

Mum, Dad And Little one's

Keith & Isobel

We arrived at the marina at 12.30 and reversed on to our mooring space. It’s been awhile since we have seen them both so it’s fantastic to see them again.

We settled in and got together for a good old chat before taking a walk in to New Mill’s then walking to the Soldier Dick pub for a meal and a few beers. On returning to the marina we had a nightcap or 3 and said goodnight at 01.30.  
           

Sunday and we had decided to walk to Bugsworth Basin as there was a gathering of Gardiner engine boats their for the weekend.

We had planned to travel down to Bugsworth Basin in our boats but thought better of it and we were right in walking as the Basin was full of some lovely boats to look over.

We had a drink in the Navigation Inn before walking back to New Mills for a well-deserved BBQ and an enjoyable evening was had by all.

We said our Goodbyes to Isobel and Keith Sunday evening as they both have work on Monday. It was really great to see them again and with luck will see them again later in the year.

Monday we set off after filling with water and emptying the cassettes, a lovely cruise back up the Upper Peak Forest Canal and I have said it once and I will say it again the views are fantastic. We have moored for the evening just before bridge 21 for the evening and tomorrow we will be doing the 16 Locks down through Marple.

A Lovely Bridge don't see many like this in Suffolk Its in Goyt Valley

One Day We'll be Millionaires 

A Disused Mill

Sharon Taking Photo Of Keith & Isobel

Swizzels Matlow Factory they make love-hearts, drumsticks and other sweets

Time Travelled Friday 3 Hrs  Distance 4 Miles        

Time Travelled Saturday 2.5 Hrs Distance 6 Mile

Time Travelled Monday 2 Hrs Distance 3 Miles

Total Distance Travelled is 294. Miles 

66 Locks (Broad) 1161 single locks and 12 tunnel's,

Total Tunnel length 7294  yards   

Total Time 171.5 hours 

WE ARE LOVING IT  

Lovely Views and a Odd looking Cow

We woke to high winds again on Tuesday and decided to have a chug up to Congleton which was only a short cruise away. So we set off at 9.45 and were moored up at 11.00.
We needed some provisions so walked in to the town and were very pleasantly surprised at how nice a town it is. quite a few shops to look in as well as a Market on Tuesday, also a Morrison's and Aldi.
So we stocked up for the week ahead and made our way back to Tacet and Eddy. The high winds stayed all day so we stayed put.
We passed over the traffic when we left on Wednesday









Wednesday and the sun greeted us when we woke. We have a bit of a busy day today as we have the 12 Locks at Bosley to do.
I know, I know I keep going on about the lovely scenery but the Macclesfield Canal is a really beautiful canal with the hills and valleys oh and an odd looking cow !!

We arrived at the bottom of Bosley Locks and found there was another 2 boats going up in front of us, Which was fine as the weather was so nice it was a really relaxing time going up the 12 locks which by the way raise's the canal by 118 ft.

Odd Cow

Cloud Fell 

Cloud Fell

Tacet In One of Bosley Locks Lock with Cloud Fell in background

A Snake Bridge.

We Moored at The Fools Nook Pub for the evening and had planned to go for a beer but the place is closed what a shame a dry night for us both.

Thursday and we were up and left with the sun shining on our backs and headed to Bollington for a look round, nice little place but we did not stay long. We then set off and moored at Fourlane Ends on a very nice mooring. I have been watching a Heron Fishing in the bridge hole, this photo was taken about 200 yrds away so sorry for the lack of quality but he does have a fish in his mouth.



Time Travelled Tuesday 1.5 Hrs  Distance 2.5 Miles 
Time Travelled Wednesday 6 Hrs Distance 7 Miles 12 Locks
Time Travelled Thursday 4 Hrs Distance 8.5 Miles
Total Distance Travelled is 281. Miles 

66 Locks (Broad) 1161 single locks and 12 tunnel's,

Total Tunnel length 7294  yards   
Total Time 163.5 hours  
WE ARE LOVING IT