Another head of navigation

Geoff is suffering from a touch of 'pressonitis' which is not pleasing.  So it was decreed that after church today we must get to the head of navigation and then come back and moor somewhere convenient (and congenial) to do the trip to Acton Bridge in the morning as we are expecting visitors for coffee and/or lunch.

Accordingly we chose to go to the 9 O'clock communion service.   The walk was about a mile and although the hill was steep is was not too bad.  The path leads to the canal between the Saltisford and Barnton tunnels, both of which we had passed through last Wednesday.

Our walk took us past one of the ventilation shafts of the Barnton tunnel.

No lingering was allowed on our return to Petroc and coffee was partaken of en route.   

Boat of the day......................

Dutton Viaduct

Geoff was lucky enough to see another kingfisher today but all I ever see are herons.   This was the first time we had seen 4 of them together.

Approaching Runcorn Rowing Club the boats were out in force, including one full of novices who wove their way zig-zagging in front of us for a while

Towards the end another big ICI chemical factory, this one still working we surmised from the steam bellowing from various places.

Weston Marsh lock which leads down to the Manchester Ship Canal.....not for us!

We moored on the pontoon there however to save Barney from having to cross his legs any longer.

We walked to the end of the lock looking out to the Manchester Ship Canal

Going back upstream we wanted a quiet mooring.   When we had passed the recommended moorings at Devils Garden this morning there was not any room so decided not to go that far and have found a suitable spot in the  open.  We have been lucky with the weather again, a fair bit of sunshine although the wind is a little fresh.   If it had been pouring with rain I don't think we would have ventured to the end.   En route we had a phone call from Rob on sunflower to see where we were and if we were within reach...they are moored up on the T&M and were planning to walk down to Dutton Lock. Unfortunately we are just too far down but hope we might catch up with them in a few days time.

Total distance:12.45 miles 

Elapsed time:3h 15m17s 

Locks:1

Bridges:8 
Average speed:3.96 mph (4.36 lock/mph) 

Continuing Downstream

After a stock up of the fridge and a call to the sani station we continued our downstream journey.   Northwich has plenty of shopping opportunities but it was not a town that 'grabbed' me.

The journey downstream took us back past the lift and then the somewhat industrial face of the Weaver......albeit not a lot of industry going on.

Whinnington Swing Bridge, another low headroom, but none of these bridges have to be swung for us, although we could not afford to have too much on the roof.

Part of the huge ICI works just a bit further downstream....now sadly abandoned.  One of the lock keepers told us that there were plans for 17,000 private homes to be built on the site!

Our aim today was to find a congenial mooring from where we could climb up to Barnton which seemed to be the best bet for a church on Sunday.

So we went through Saltisford Lock to see what the moorings were like below.

We were surprised to be directed to the larger of the two locks...a lot of water has to be moved just for us.
The lock keeper told us the reason that the big locks are used here and the at Dutton is because they were built with ICI money and maintained and the smaller locks have silted up.    This was obviously in the days when ICI needed to get big ships up to their chemical works.

The ,moorings looked good, we have become used to the high banks now.

So we settled ourselves for another gentle afternoon on the river, although Geoff and Barney first went on a recce of the walk up to Barnton Church.   It was pronounced 'doable' for me!


Total distance:3.61 miles 

Elapsed time:2h1m12s 

Locks:1

Bridges:3 
Average speed:1.79 mph (2.28 lock/mph)

Back to Northwich

A gentle start just after ten from our oh so peaceful mooring and we reached Vale Royal Lock.  We had called ahead and were told the lock was ready for us and come when we liked......I could get used to this.....just call ahead to the lock and everything is done for you!!!
Notice I am aiming for the smaller lock on the left.....the larger one is for big boats which do I believe occasionally use it.

Our friendly helpful lock keeper.......they all seem to be.   The descent was very gentle...as had been the ascent on our way up stream

The only other boat we passed on our trip.

A miscellany of boats in the weak morning sun.

We were lucky to find a space this morning on the 48 hours moorings.   We did have a fall back plan as I had emailed Northwich Town Quay seen opposite and we could have moored there for £10 a night.    However it was not necessary and this side is better for Barnaby.   Behind the boats on the shiny new pontoons is a big new Waitrose.  The building still going on are apparently apartments.

Total distance:2.93 miles 

Elapsed time:1h15m24s

 Locks:2

Bridges:5 
Average speed:2.33 mph (3.92 lock/mph) 

Upstream to Winsford and back.

We awoke to this scene this morning which augured well for the day

but it soon cleared and the bird sanctuary opposite our moorings were busy.

Geoff went for a good walk with Barney before we set off..this is the viaduct back before Vale Royal Lock

Whilst I had a good sweep through and washed the floor...the delights of domesticity.    At least on a boat it doesn't take that long.

We then set off for Winsford leaving our wonderful mooring behind

We were soon into a more industrialised area with a salt mine and associated works on our starboard side

We moored up on the CRT moorings outside the Red Lion pub

Tranquil surroundings but as soon as you walk up to the bridge you realise the world is not really that far away..   The town is bigger than we anticipated and within walking distance is a big Morrisons and an Asda.   

A little further back we had passed a winding hole which had a CRT notice saying it was the last turning possibility  BUT that is not true.   It is true that is the last place on CRT controlled waters ......

...but go through the two Winsford bridges and in a short while you come to Winsford Bottom Flash.   There are some boats moored there and I had ascertained from a passing boat that it was deep enough to turn at the start of the flash.

Back through the bridges and we are at the official start of the navigation...........I wonder who looks after or controls the last bit?

Interestingly on our trip up this morning we had passed a CRT linesman out with his little electronic pad checking presumably on overstaying boats??   We didn't think he could have had much trade.

Going back through New Bridge swing bridge.     we knew we could get underneath as we had done it on the way up but it sure does look low.

all duck down.................

The intention was to go back to our place at Vale Royal Moorings for the night and at first we thought we might be unlucky as there were 4 boats moored there.   However we managed to fit on the end, albeit on pins instead of mooring rings.   Later 3 of the other 4 disappeared and just one of our companions of the previous night was left.   A boat called 'It's 5 o'clock....somewhere'

Upstream

Total distance:2.59 miles 

Elapsed time:2h20m14s (includes shopping)

Locks:0

Bridges:3 
Average speed:1.11 mph (1.11 lock/mph) It was such a lovely morning we just gently ambled up the river)

Downstream

Total distance:2.54 miles 

Elapsed time:0h39m12s 

Locks:0

Bridges:3 
Average speed:3.88 mph (3.88 lock/mph) 

Down the Anderton Lift to the River Weaver

and 'ere tis

But first we had to travel a couple of miles from our mooring which included two more tunnels. Yesterday we went through Preston Brook tunnel and today we had two shorter ones at Saltersford and Barnton.   Now tunnels  are just not my thing and normally Barney and I go below and pretend we are somewhere else, but I must be getting braver in my advancing years as I sat at the stern with Geoff for all 3 of these tunnels.  It was partly because Barney hates going below and this way I could hold on to him and let him stay up........what one does for ones pets!!

Interestingly at the northern end of the Saltersford tunnel there is a notice that says entrance is from the half hour until ten to the hour......but when you emerge at the southern portal there is no corresponding notice.......we hit it dead on half past so we were lucky.   It is a very bendy tunnel and the boat that had set off just ahead of us could be heard banging the sides as he approached the southern end...I have to report that there were no such bangs aboard Petroc......there might have been if I had been on the helm!

The mooring between Saltersford and Barnton tunnels are in a lovely setting but it was a good job we had not continued on yesterday as they were all full.

As we set off this morning just as we were about to cast off another boat hove into view going our way.....the same thing happened yesterday morning.  How can it be when there are so few boats about!!  Both time we let them go through as there is nothing more annoying than a boat casting off just in front of you, beside which Barney and I were walking and Geoff would have to stop to pick us up at some point.

Approaching the lift entrance

entering the caisson

Looking down to our destination......luckily no sensation of height 

Looking back as the caisson is closed behind us

As our caisson descended the other one ascended.

Country view as we started upstream.....downstream was not so pretty as we emerged from the lift....

We thought we would investigate Northwich first and see what the moorings were like.   They were not really to our liking as the ones on the left had an extremely high bank and I don't think I would have managed to climb off let alone Barney.  The ones on the right were slightly lower but full!!

So we contented ourselves with getting rid of our rubbish at the sani station and carried on.

As briefed we called ahead to the lock keeper at Hunts Lock who said we could come straight up...he must have moved his lunch time.....

Once inside he passed down a bit of BW string for us to attach our line to which he then took up and secured....
He only opened one paddle so the ride up was very smooth

These signals seem reminiscent of British Railways

The lock keeper at Hunts Lock called ahead for us to Vale Royal Lock which was about 1/2 ahead.   originally he said he was on late lunch and we would have to wait until 1.45 but when we reached there he was all set to go...very obliging.

About 5-10 mins after the locks are the Vale Royal Visitor moorings complete with rings in a secluded and lovely spot.  At first we were completely alone but now have been joined by two other boats.......but suitably spaced fore and aft of us.   The only other people are are occasional walker or jogger.

Total distance:4.04 miles 

Elapsed time:2h37m50s 

Locks:0

Bridges:14 

Average speed:1.54 mph (1.54 lock/mph)

Anderton Lift 

Total distance:4.46 miles 

Elapsed time:2h13m21s (includes lift)

Locks:2

Bridges:8 
Average speed:2.01 mph (2.91 lock/mph) (see how the speed has risen on the river)

Getting Petroc mended day

A peaceful stretch of the Runcorn Arm

We were at Claymore navigation just after 9 and they came and had another look at what was required for our weed hatch thingimybob.   It was apparent that we needed a whole new rod or whatever it is called as the thread was all stripped on the one we had.   It took them somewhat longer than the hour he estimated to get a new bit and I have no idea where they got it from but we were on our way soon after 2pm.  So big thanks To Claymore, we can thoroughly recommend them.

Moored at Claymore Boatyard

The timing was perfect as Preston Brook tunnel was not far away and heading south entry is between on the half hour for 10 minutes.   We arrived there spot on 2.30

Just after the tunnel is one small stop lock and as we arrived there was a boat ahead just entering the lock.   I was somewhat amazed when they closed the gated and went through alone as they are still wide locks.   When Geoff went up to chat and help them through they said they had been told it was not wide enough for 2 narrow boats????  Looked wide enough to me.

The weather today has been so much better than of late, in fact if I could have been bothered to change it was shorts weather again.....has summer returned??

Moored in a nice open spot with a few other boats for a change........we hope to go down the Anderton Lift tomorrow if all goes well

Total distance:5.78 miles 
Elapsed time:8h1m24s
Locks:1
Bridges:17 
Average speed:0.72 mph (0.85 lock/mph) 

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)