Monthly Archives: May 2014

Gentle day, but a fair cruise. I started at Grappenhall, and am now on the Leigh branch of the Bridgewater, having turned north at Waters Meeting. This is the outskirts of Manchester city. Went by the Kellog’s corn flakes factory … Continue reading →

The weather has continued cool and unsettled, so it is back to having the stove lit, and wearing layers with waterproofs. I cruised onto the Runcorn arm of the Bridgewater canal, which is part of the oldest ‘proper’ canal in … Continue reading →

A week of change! I explored the Weaver Navigation, which is the Weaver river but altered and ‘refined’ for navigation. There are weirs and locks to allow easy movement of big vessels, but there are almost none still using this … Continue reading →

And now for something different… I am in Northwich, having moved north on the Trent and Mersey, overnighting above the junction with the Weaver River navigation, and ringing in Northwich at the very prominent St. Helen’s church. The day was … Continue reading →

Rang at Middlewich Parish Church this morning: an 8 but there were only 6 there, so just the front 6. Nice bells, and great people. Spent a lovely quiet day doing boat stuff, then late this afternoon, after the hire … Continue reading →

Wow. Here I am in Middlewich, all cool and laid back… Met Nick again: he is on his boat on the Trent and Mersey at Stoke, and this is his old home town. He has a car, so journeyed up … Continue reading →

Well, today was an adventure of a different sort, albeit still on the canal and boating. I stayed overnight in the shadow of Beeston Castle (the ruins thereof). There was a quaint hotel/inn/pub mentioned in the guide book (my book … Continue reading →

I’ve toured north to Ellesmere Port, which is a really industrial,…port. Duh! You would think I would have clued-in from the name (though in Britain that could refer to anything over the last 2000 years…). In any case, that is … Continue reading →

Chester. This is a most remarkable place. I arrived after a gentle approach because of the rain and wind. Doing the broad locks singlehanded with a crosswind is really challenging- requiring lots of bump and grind along the way as … Continue reading →

I’m on the move again! Headed north on the Shropshire Union Canal main line, I’m bound for Chester and Ellesmere Port. The canal changes just north of Nantwich, back to a broad canal. Good for maneuvering (not the single lane … Continue reading →