The Runcorn Arm

This is quite a pretty arm to traverse with very few boats travelling and several places to moor.   I am not sure that the town at the end would be top of the holiday destination list, but it has all the essentials as far as shops are concerned.
We moored in the wrong place last night, although it was quite safe but it was rather dark and dismal as we lost the sun too early.   It was our own fault as we had stopped short of the bridge we were aiming for and where the recommended moorings were.

Our departure this morning was delayed by the rain.....more mutterings from Geoff.....however we eventually set off just before 11.   Soon after our mooring we passed a fairly large housing estate with some strangely designed houses.....

One block had created a fantastic mural...this is exactly the same design houses as in the previous picture

The trip was mostly rural until the far end

The end of the line.  We didn't fancy mooring here so turned and a little way back there are convenient mooring rings by the Brindley Centre close to a path leading to the town centre.

Geoff went on his normal explore of the town for a couple of essentials and then we set off back up the arm to position ourselves for an earlyish start to be at Claymore Navigation Boatyard for 9 tomorrow.

Bridge at Runcorn spanning the Manchester Ship Canal and the river Mersey

Bridgewater Motor Boat club that has a sign saying they welcome visiting boats overnight.

A pleasant looking small arm that looked a good permanent mooring spot

Some boats have seen happier days

Howdy Mr heron

We found a secluded and pretty mooring place again adjacent to a large fishing lake.

Total distance:5.31 miles 
Elapsed time:2 hrs total travelling
 Locks:0
Bridges:28
Average speed:2.89 mph (2.89 lock/mph)