Nearing the end of the Middlewich Arm of the Shropshire Union is Mrs Swan on her nest - just where we saw her last year!!!
We do like a bit of "one out one in" at Minshull Lock
Moored boats signal the arrival of Barbridge Junction where in the past we have turned sharp left to continue down towards the Midlands.
This year it is sharp right towards Chester and Ellesmere Port.
We call at Calveley - a former canal/rail transhipment depot to perform the emptying of the "poo cassette" - something new this year - the pump-out toilet having been sealed up for good after last years problems.
Exiting the top lock of Bunbury Staircase having emptied the top lock into the empty bottom lock.
Help is at hand at Tilstone lock so its back on board and enjoy the free ride.
This curious circular building overlooking the head of the lock chamber at Beeston was once used by lengths men to store maintenance equipment. They are also found at Tilstone and Tarvin locks.
The lower lock at Beeston is built unusually of iron plates - Telford's way of dealing with ground instability at this point. It is also not advisable to attempt fitting two narrowboats side be side in this lock.
We moor for the night in the shadow of Beeston Castle at Bates Mill where we enjoyed the late afternoon sun shine and a well earned drink at the Shady Oak.
13 miles and 8 locks
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