Wigan 21

Saturday 21 July 2018




                                      Yippeee 'I'm going on my holidays'



Waiting to descend Wigan 21 locks yet again, we usually hope for another narrowboat to pair up with, but this year there is a record 8 already waiting.  This is because within a matter of a few days, the whole of the Eastern side of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal including the Wigan flight will be closing until at least the end of August.  The feeder reservoirs are already less than 50% full with little prospects of reasonable rainfall in the near future!



Wigan Top Lock

    We paired up with narrowboat 'Predator' and began our descent about 8.30am.  We made slow, steady progress for the first few locks enjoying the warm dry weather.  Then along came our friends Martin and Andrea providing some much needed and welcome help.  We reached the final lock at about 12.30pm without incident.   We headed on along the Leigh branch passing through the two locks at Poolstock before they are padlocked for the evening.     An hour later saw us moored up at Abram by the Dover Lock Inn which has now been closed for a number of years.  Out came the deck chairs and wine!   

Sunday 22 July

Just a short cruise today passing through Plank Lane Swing Bridge to pleasant moorings overlooking Pennington Flash Country Park.  Plank Lane Swing Bridge is key operated and cannot be opened during morning and evening rush hour. Another warm sunny day.

Pennington Flash