Middlewich to Preston Brook

It was a wet goodbye to Middlewich and hello to a well cruised and photographed route to home.

Often overhung by trees, the navigation winds along the side of a hill as it follows the valley of the River Dane.

African Queen moments abound, we have however seen it more grown over in the past.

We are aiming moor in new places , and decide to moor on the edge of this lovely lagoon, caused by the subsidence of ther salt industry.

A very peaceful and tranquil place.

In less than a mile we are in the industrial ravages around Northwich.

Our next port of call is Marston

The Lion Salt Works which closed in 1986 is currently being restored. The signage tells of a opening date of 2012 , work is very much still in progress.

We tried out the Salt Barge pub for tea. Deceptively large pub with a friendly atmosphere, alas average food.

Its a countryfied stretch to Anderton.

Here we stop at Anderton services to take on water, do a spot of dead-heading of the pansies and dispose of our rubbish.

This odd shaped bridge is Scoote Hill on the edge of

 Anderton.

Before we know it we are at Barnton Tunnel.

Quickly followed by Saltersford Tunnel.

Some very brave day boat hirers  infront.

Its on to Dutton for us.

We drop anchor at another peaceful and tranquil place, the site of the canal breach in 2012.

Well reclaimed by nature......

and wow what a view......

stunning!!!

We left Shardlow on the 17th June and today completed the entire length of the Trent and Mersey Canal.

Dutton stop lock completes its 76 locks.

Preston Brook tunnel completes its 4 tunnels.

Ollie dog is much better since his visit to the vets in Middlewich.  He is coughing less and has more spring in his step than of late.

Heartbreak Hill pt 2 to Middlewich

So 12 locks down and 14 to go and I have found muscles I had forgotten I had!!!

The bicycle is proving a hit.

We have moored at lock 57 several times in the past but alas the shop and wine bar are no longer.

Always a Stobart moment at Lock 58.

Major job at the last lock .

Moored at Wheelock, body in major meltdown, mission accomplished, 26 locks in 2 days on 2 wheels!!!

Before we leave Wheelock we take on water and give the boat a much needed wash down watched carefully by the locals.

Last of the countryside before we approach "salt country"

Approaching Middlewich and right on cue it begins to rain.  Middlewich locks in the rain is becoming a tradition we can well do without.  At least this time  we had good water levels and didn't have to run water down.

Middlewich had been dedicated to salt extraction since Roman times.

Yes Mr Heron it's us again, moored just before the "Big Lock" and looking forward to a visit from Lucy and Rob.

Arkholme lands her first fish who them promptly escapes to say hello to Ollie who is asleep on his bed and to chase me screaming down the boat!!!

With the Tour-de-France being in "god's country" Trev has suddenly developed a interest in cycling so we will move on tomorrow.

Harecastle Tunnel and Heartbreak Hill - Part 1

A short cruise from Westport Lake brings us to Harecastle Tunnel.

On arrival we have to book in with the tunnel keeper who takes a note of our boat index and the number of people and pets on board.

Even though we have been through several times before we have the pep talk on tunnel safety and are given the safety notice for boaters.  Sadly earlier in the year there was a boater fatality.

In we go at 10.31 a.m.

and emerge 2926 yards  and 37 minutes later.

Waiting to go in are several members of the Mersey Boat Club who have their moorings near Scarisbrick Marina.

Time to bring on Heartbreak Hill - 26 locks in only 7 miles between Hardings Wood and Wheelock descending 250 feet to the Cheshire Plain.

A cunning plan has been hatched - as the majority of the locks are duplicated, I cycle on ahead to set the lock and give Trev advanced warning as to which one to aim the boat at.

Twelve are enough for today and there is tennis to watch so we overnight at Rode Heath.