RUNCORN AND THE BRIDGEWATER CANAL

Before getting on the Bridgewater canal at Preston Brook we had to negotiate 3 tunnels, not the Captains favourite thing to do. As a precaution he removers the front catch cover corners so if we hit the wall they don’t get damaged

Firstly Barnton Tunnel, 572yards long, one way working but at least you can see the other end, so its straight in.

Then the Saltersford Tunnel, slightly shorter at 424yards, but this one has a kink in it so you can’t see the other end.. One way working again, but timed to ensure 2 boats travelling in opposite directions don’t meet in the middle. We could enter the tunnel on the hour until 20past the hour.

And lastly Preston Brook Tunnel, 1239yards long, one way working and timed again, at this tunnel we followed a boat through.

On exiting we we’re now off CRT waters and on the Bridgewater canal owned by Peel Holdings. We had to book, but it doesn’t cost anything as long as we only stay on for 7 days outward journey and 3 days return.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridgewater_Canal

This canal connects the Trent and Mersey Canal with the Leeds Liverpool canal at Leigh.

We decided to take the short trip down to Runcorn were the canal also used to connect with the Manchester ship canal and Mersey using 2 sets of staircase locks, the old and new lines. The old line locks fell into disuse in the late1930’s and were filled in in 1949, and the new line was closed in 1966, these lock gates were removed and installed at Devizes on the Kennet and Avon canal. There is a plan to reinstate the old line, as a considerable part of the lock chambers are still intact, and this would allow a new cruising ring, linking the River Weaver via the Manchester ship canal with the Bridgewater without using the Anderton Boat lift.

https://unlockruncorn.org/runcorn-locks-restoration-society/

It was well worth the visit. We enjoyed cruising the 4 ½ mile, lock free canal, it is a very pretty and peaceful. At the basin at the end we winded and moored up outside the Brindley Theatre (as recommended by facebook). We walked the site of the old line locks all the way down to the Manchester ship canal, we could see what was left of the locks and the route the new locks would have to take, which included right through the parking for some rather posh flats over looking the ship canal. It could be interesting to see the residents reaction to the plan.

At the end of the walk is a rather splendid Georgian house which looks out of place amongst the new building. This is Bridgwater House built in 1771 by the Duke of Bridgewater for himself to live in whilst the canal and locks were being built, he liked to know what was occurring. After his death it became the offices of the Bridgewater company.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridgewater_House,_Runcorn

The walk back took us past the local Wetherspoons the Ferry Boat, although they had Cherry Dark on by Titanic brewery the Captain decided he wanted something cold and refreshing, so we both had a bottle or 2 of Singha lager and he treated me to a burger for tea.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singha

One more fascinating fact about the basin at Runcorn. The pub that features in 2 Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, starring Will Mellor and Sheridan Smith, is located by the basin and is now a Buddhist Meditation Centre, it was called The Waterloo in real life and the Archer in the series.

We only spent one night in Runcorn but we will definitely be back, I would highly recommend a visit to passing boaters.

A friend I have been trying to catch up with is Chris on NB Ceiriog, unfortunately we only managed a wave as we passed going in opposite directions, maybe another time.

A night was planned at Lymm, so we set off early to ensure good moorings there. It was very busy but we found a great spot and headed off to the Brewery Tap, this belongs to Lymm brewery, and they always have a stout or porter on. The Captain wasn’t disappointed as they had 2 to chose from and he opted for the Dunham Massey Porter which is brewed by their sister brewery

https://lymmbrewing.co.uk/

Whilst enjoying our pint we were regaled by a fellow customer who was telling his companion, (rather loudly) all he knew about boating and electrics. I could tell the Captain was tab hanging intensely and was not too impressed with the guy who we dubbed Mr Know-it-all. It was not unkindly meant but I think we have all come across people like this. And it turned out he was moored opposite us.

Off to Sale next and a bit of shopping. We were pleased to see a couple of new micro pubs had opened in the precinct but didn’t give them a try, one was extremely expensive (£6 a pint) and the other had no darks on. So strangely for us we didn’t venture to the pub that night.

We crossed the wonderful Barton Swing bridge next day and were very sad to see it looking very tatty and uncared for.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barton_Swing_Aqueduct

In previous blogs I have ranted about the lack of bins on the system, and I think this stretch of the canals is about the worst. There are no boaters bins on the Bridgwater, so this means you have to cruise a staggering 40+ miles from Anderton to Burscough, which can take a while depending on your cruising habits. All the time we accumulate food waste, packaging, bottles and cans.

So when we got to Worsley and stopped for water, which was no longer there either, I was desperate, and ended up using the public bins in the park to alleviate the problem. Now I don’t like doing this as this is not what they are there for, but sometimes needs must. I would love to see a proper survey and consultation between boaters and CRT aimed at improving the facilities provided and their locations.

We moored up in lovely location and settled down for the rest of the day. Around teatime our peace was shattered when a hire boat sped past us, it was so fast I thought it had lost its water skier. We both yelled and the Captain and crew jumped like naughty children and slowed down. Well until they had passed us, then they sped up again. Now we don’t usually report such things, but on this occasion it just had to be done ,and the Captain sent the hirer company a message on facebook. Much to our surprise we got an almost immediate reply, full of apologies and assurances that they would be contacting the errant boat forthwith. This they did and assured as that the hirers sent their apologies and it wouldn’t happen again. We met them the next day doing a very sedate speed, which was great to see, and hope they have learnt that canals aren’t built for speed.

Next day and we were back on CRT waters and the Leigh Branch of the Leeds Liverpool canal at Leigh.

That’s for next time folks.