arkholmethesecond: Chester to Nantwich

The staircase lock opened on Sunday, alas no photos as we were chatting to some Australian gongoozelers and we were at the top before we knew it. Here we are cruising along side the historic wall surrounding Chester.

Heading out of Chester is very much a regeneration area.

The first of five locks rising out of Chester.

Always good to fine a locking partner!!!

Even better when there is a touch of one out one in!!!

Beautiful canal side gardens.

Egg bridge and this fine converted mill.

Men at work putting in new piling.

Tattenhall Marina - Diesel 75p a litre.....lets hope it's cheaper at Norbury Junction.

Little duck family.

The remains of Beeston Castle come into view.

Its neighbour, Peckforton Castle of somewhat younger origins.

Tempted by a swifty in the Shady Oak we overnight at Bates Mill ready for the next 5 locks which will take us to Hurleston Junction and then on to Nantwich.

So with the best laid plans to meet Dave and Beryl on NB Sokai at Hurleston Junction we are up and about early only to find the engine as dead as a door post. River Canal Rescue called and they can only get to us at 1.30pm No matter, the engineer duly arrives and hot wires the connection on the left. By now its raining so we call it a day. The following day we have more of the same, this time its a corroded fuse. Despite Trev feeling unwell after being up in the night with the trots we set off late morning.

Wharton lock and its started to rain. By now Trev throws in the towel and takes to his bed for a couple of hours.

Feeling a little brighter we move on to Beeston Iron Lock.

Despite it being a wide lock it is unwise to attempt to fit two narrowboats side by side because of the potential snagging points. Unusually made of iron it was Telfords way of dealing with ground instability.

After 3 locks we decide to call it a day.

After sleeping the clock round plus more Trev is feeling much better and is "greasing his nipples"

This circular building overlooking Tilstone lock was once used by lengthsmen to store their equipment.

Next up is Bunbury Staircase Lock. Always busy here as this is where Anglo-Welsh hire boats have their base.

The building on the left is the old stable block now the offices of Anglo Welsh.

Lucky for us their is a very helpful volunteer operating the staircase and even holds the boat in while Trev takes the opportunity to empty the loo cassettes.

On our way again and its a very sharp left turn before the bridge, thankfully there was nothing coming the other way.

Approaching Barbridge Junction and the Middlewich Arm of the Trent and Mersey Canal. Had we had passage along the Bridgewater Canal this is where we would have joined the Shropshire Union Canal.

At last we have made it to Hurleston Junction. this is where the Llangollen Canal joins the Shroppie and where Sokai has been waiting patiently for us to join them.