Wigan to Nantwich

27 May 2017 - 3 June 2017

Down the Wigan flight and on to Abram for an overnight stay (total cruising time 6 hours). 


Oughtrington

The following day we went through Plank Lane Lift Bridge (with ease as it was  Sunday), through Worsley and over the Manchester Ship Canal.  We don't particularly enjoy this stretch, however since we last came there have been some improvements,  a lot of houses have been built and the canal side smartened up.  Even so, it was a long stretch.  We eventually moored up on the Bridgewater canal on the offside just after Lloyd Bridge at Oughtrington just outside Lymm. (Total cruising time 7.5 hours)

The following day we cruised through to Stockton Heath.  There are a variety of shops here, including an Aldi which is useful.  Luckily we arrived at Preston Brook Tunnel at 2.30pm which was great as the 20 minute slot allowing boats to pass through was 30-40mins past the hour.  We moored up between bridges 211 and 212.  The swallows were ducking and diving for the midges, quite a sight, but they never seem to eat them all!!  There is a pleasant walk down from Bridge 211,which leads to the River Weaver - Nugget enjoyed watching all the bunnies running about (total cruising time 5 hours)



Queue for Minshull Lock (luckily opposite direction to us!

The next day we just made the time slot for Saltersford Tunnel  and then straight through Barton Tunnel.  Unfortunately it was another drizzly day, went on past the Anderton Boat Lift and moored up just before bridge 193 near Lion Saltworks, which now has a visitor centre. Half an hour walk takes you to Northwich, where there are plenty of shops, including a large Asda and  Sainsburys.  For the evening we moored at Billenge Green Flash. Fantastic wildlife there, we saw two Great crested Grebe's and lot of herons;  beautiful spot.(total cruising time 4.25 hours)


Hurleston Junction

We woke up  to glorious sunshine.  Cruised through stopping at  Middlewich for some provisions from Tesco's and filled with water just before we started our ascent up the narrow locks.  Moored  for the night at Bridge 25 on mooring rings - we are now on the Shropshire Union Canal - Middlewich Branch.  Beautiful hot sunny day, had some gentle walks with Nugget and sat out in the evening.  (total cruising time 3.75 hours)

The following day was glorious too, had a leisurely cruise through to Bridge 6.   We went for a walk  stopping at 'Venetian Marina' for a cuppa.  Chilled out in the afternoon and had a lovely BBQ sat at the moorings with picnic tables kindly set up by the Shropshire Union Canal Society (the facilities provided by the society are really good)

Venetian Marina usually have visitor moorings at £85 per week and is a short Taxi ride to Crewe Railway Station. Diesel is reasonably priced and you split the 'heating'/'propulsion' as you wish.

The next day, a leisurely cruise to Hurleston Junction, and the branch off to the Llangollen  Canal - our next adventure on Coventina !