24th May 2013 - Anderton to Hall O Th Hey Farm, Kingsley

In the morning we decided on a McDonalds breakfast.  This involved taking the boat into Northwich and mooring at a set of convenient (if rather elevated) bollards right behind McDonalds. After breakfast we re-moored at Anderton and went to book our trip 50 ft up to the Trent & Mersey.  Sadly there was a problem and the lift was temporarily non-operational.  Mark and Abi had to get away, so we said a fond farewell and good wishes for the rest of the bank holiday weekend.  5 minutes after they departed we received the call that the lift was again operating.... But we decided that as we were enjoying the Weaver so much we would stay down and explore in the opposite direction towards Runcorn.

We set off after lunch and were quickly at Saltersford Lock.  Boaters are instructed to 'radio' on ahead to advise the lock keeper of their approach.  Alternatively they may telephone.  On Thursday, neither Hunts Lock or Vale Royal responded to our hail on VHF working channel 74.  Though the Vale Royal Keeper did say he had heard us - its just that neither he nor his mate have had the training to use the radio!!  It was nice then when Saltersford Keeper responded and acknowledged our ETA.  Radio use is a marine requirement and I don't doubt that they will disappear from the Weaver now that it is no longer used by shipping, just inland leisure craft.

We moored up at an absolutely gorgeous deserted spot which I cannot even identify the nearest place from on the map!  We went a lovely walk after tea and the footpath took us through the farmyard of the wonderfully named Hall O Th Hey Farm, so that is the place I have given as our mooring.

With M & A

Really must get a tripod....

Mark, exactly 1.5 seconds before his sunglasses hit the R.Weaver for ever.

Redundant crane formerly used to load shipping

The huge lock at Saltersford

Hall O Th Hey Farm Mooring

Looking the other way

Viaduct over the Weaver Valley