We were awoken by a couple of boats going by very early. The forecast was for rain by late morning so we reckoned they were trying to beat the weather - so we would too! We were off before 8am with bacon butties and coffee on the move on a beautiful (temporarily) morning. This part of the Bridgewater Canal is raised only on a slight embankment but as it crosses the Cheshire Plain affords some really great views to the Pennines and Lancashire hills.
During the morning we passed the bases of several large cruising clubs including Lymm and Sale with loads of narrowboats and cruisers stored - so much for the received dire warnings of a no-go area.
At Lunchtime we came into Worsley, passing the historic dry dock and 'The Delph' where the the Duke of Bridgewater's mine entrance was located. He built the canal to service and transport coal from the mines, thus kick starting (many say) the industrial revolution - certainly the late 18th century canal mania. Without him there would be no 'Ken and Annie' cruise of 2013. Lets hear it for the Duke of Bridgewater - hip hip.....
We stopped around the corner for lunch and a read..... and didnt get going again until 5pm. We only went on for 45 minutes, stopping at 'The Moorings' pub where we had a meal.
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| Art Nouveau factory in Altrincham |
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| We decided we quite liked this new build block of apartments |
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| Crossing Barton Aquaduct over the Manchester Ship Canal |
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| A random lighthouse in Eccles. Think about it..... |
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| Duke of Bridgewater's gaff in Worsley |
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| Entrance to the D of B's mines, the Delph, Worsley |
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| A 'Starvationer' used to remove coal from the mines (this one at Ellesmere Port museum) |
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