We have spent the last few days travelling back down the Llangollen Canal.  Came down the flight of four locks to Hurlestone Junction and back onto the main line of the Shropshire Union Canal on Sunday lunchtime in an absolute downpour.  Hadn't got my waterproof on so got soaked.  Turned the junction and stopped fairly quickly to dry out and have some lunch.  Then continued on to Nantwich where we had planned to moor for the evening.  However all the visitor moorings looked a bit busy which is not good with the dogs so we carried on and found a mooring which was a bit more peaceful.  It was a bit shallow though so we had to use the gangplank to get the dogs of the boat as they are reluctant to jump! 

Nantwich Aquaduct

Walking the plank!

Truly likes to organise Jake when he is playing!

This morning we ascended the two locks at Hack Green and then continued on to tackle the flight of 15 at Audlem.  There were a lot of old working boats around this morning.  The reason for this became clear at Audlem where we realised that there had been a historical transport festival including a gathering of historic narrowboats.  We followed narrowboat Spey part of the way up the flight.

Narrowboat Spey

Passing in the pound, Audlem flight

Jeanie Deans entering the lock chamber

 Good day going up the locks as there were lots of boats coming down the flight which makes life much easier for all.  Ascended 13 of the 15 locks and then moored up and walked back to look round Audlem.  Also had a look round the very good canal and craft shop in a converted warehouse at Audlem Wharf, next to the Shroppie Fly pub.

Have had an excellent evening watching the Olympics and have eaten blackcurrants that I bought from a stand next to one of the locks.  Looking forward to tomorrow as there is a cake stall at the top lock!!

Today has been a very frustrating day!  Mainly spent waiting to go up Frankton Locks and back onto the Llangollen Canal.  We had a plan which seemed reasonable as we knew that the locks were fully booked, with 15 boats going up.  Lock opening times are from 12:00-2:00pm.  So we arrived at the services near the locks at about 12:30 intending to fill up with water, empty the toilet and dispose of our rubbish and then see what the state of play was with the locks.  Graham went to have a look while I made lunch as it was about that time.  He came back and reported that there was still a queue of boats waiting to go up and that they did not appear to be making much progress.  No sign of any boats coming down though.  We eventually cleared the top lock at 4:20 and there was still one behind us.  I think the lock keeper must have been ready for a beer as it was very hot and she had been working hard seeing boats through all afternoon.

However this aside we have enjoyed our three days on the Montgomery Canal.  It is very picturesque with loads of wildlife, although we did not see the promised kingfishers.  At the moment it is only navigable for the first seven miles, although I think other bits have been restored, but not joined together yet, as it is an ongoing restoration project.

We moored up on Monday night at Queen's Head, near a pub of the same name and then continued on Tuesday to the end, turned round and moored up at Maesbury Marsh near the Navigation pub.  On Wednesday we returned to Queen's Head and caught the bus to Oswestry to do the food shopping.  Very convenient as there is a Morrison's on one side of the bus station and a Aldi on the other.  Got all the shopping and caught the bus back.  Should have had a look round Oswestry though as it looked like an interesting town.

This swing bridge is near the end of the navigation and is a bit tricky.  It was difficult to lift but even harder to wind down.  I was busy winding for ages and when it eventually dropped into place, the driver and passengers of the waiting car all burst into applause.  I suspect they have probably had to wait before!

These two beasties are resident near the top lock of Aston flight.  On Monday when I walked the dogs they lay in wait for me and then chased me with lots of hissing.  Anyone who knows me will know that I am a bit (lot) bird phobic.  I did work out that they weren't as fierce as they looked as they kept their distance.  I wasn't that happy about having to go past them on the way back though.  They chased Graham and the dogs the next day as well when we took the boat through the locks.  The pictures were taken on the way back though when they seemed to have mellowed somewhat as they just stood lockside and watched as we went through.

When we got back from our bus trip to Oswestry a bunch of kids were having a canoeing session next to the mooring.  The organiser apologised for disturbing our peace but we don't mind it's good to see people enjoying themselves.  The guy moored behind us had a bit of a moan though.

On Wednesday evening we had an excellent meal at the Queen's head!   Thanks for the recommendation from Sue, nb Beefur.  We will definitely come again but I think it would be nice to do it earlier in the year.  We are now heading towards Wheaten Aston where we have arranged to meet my sister and her husband.

Pontcysyllte aquaduct painted on the side of a boat!  Gives an idea of the impressive scale of it!

 We left the mooring basin at Llangollen yesterday morning after enjoying our 48 hour stay.  We did a fair bit of walking whilst here, on the first day taking the dogs for a walk to Horseshoe Falls, following behind the horse drawn boat for part of the way.

We also walked up to the remains of Castell Dinas Bran, which was a good walk uphill.  Been a long time since I walked on anything other than flat ground.  I find I am not quite as fit as I had thought, still it was a good cardiac workout.  I think Graham may have found his legs aching as well!

Horse drawn boat trip at LLangollen

Horseshoe Falls

On Friday afternoon we walked along by the River Dee and watched the steam train pulling into Llangollen station.  Also had a walk round Llangollen and looked into the window of a Taxidermist.  Apparently everything on display has died of natural causes or is roadkill.  A very impressive display I suppose, but I can never really get my head around why people wan't to display dead animals.

Steam train in Llangollen Station

We are now waiting at the top of the Montgomery Canal waiting to book into the locks and descend onto the Montgomery Canal tomorrow (hopefully).  A pleasant journey back here a distance of about 15 miles, which we did in leisurely fashion, arriving here at about 12:30 and spending the afternoon doing very little.

We came back across the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct, which as close as I can get is I think pronounced pont-kuh-suth-te.  Anyone reading this who knows better please let me know!  There were a lot more people around this time and we appeared to provide a photo opportunity for several people.

we provided a subject for several photographs!

The Montgomery Canal comes highly recommended by Sue, the C&RT lady at the LLangollen moorings so we are looking forward to spending a few days enjoying the peace and tranquility.

An exciting two days completing the last 18 miles to Llangollen.  No locks but two tunnels and three aquaducts.  Yesterday we moved from the mooring and made good time to Chirk, where we stopped for lunch and Graham sorted out the tunnel light in preparation for going through Chirk Tunnel which is just less than 500 yards long, and is very narrow with no room for boats to pass.  While we were stopped for lunch we spotted four white geese and six goslings all together but obviously two different sets of goslings as they are different sizes.

Before reaching the tunnel we crossed Chirk Aquaduct, an impressive structure and good practice for when we reach the big one (Pontcysyllte).  An equally impressive viaduct runs alongside Chirk Aquaduct.

At the end of Chirck Aquaduct is the official welcome to Wales sign so we know are now definitely in  Wales.

When we reached the tunnel we had to wait as there was a boat coming through the tunnel, followed by another two.  Whilst waiting for our turn we had a chat with three women who were sitting on a bench attending to their blisters as they had almost completed a fifty mile charity walk.  It had taken them three days and they were looking forward to a bath and a party when they got home.

It is fairly busy on this stretch of canal, with occasional mayhem.  The boat in front had stopped to allow us to clear the tunnel and was then crashed into by the boat following and the one behind them.  I think a case of everyone being so concerned about what they are doing that they are not watching what is happening around them.

Moored up soon after Whitehouse Tunnel with about five miles to go until we get to Llangollen.  walked the dogs and could see the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct in the distance.  Looks impressive!


We decided to leave the mooring early (for us) at about 8:30 to try and get a head start before it got busy.  Didn't really work though as other people had the same idea.


Today we crossed Pontcysyllte Aquaduct.  This is possibly the most spectacular and famous structure on the entire waterways system.  It is 126feet above the River Dee and 1007 feet long.  The towpath side has a railing but the other side is unprotected other than the lip of the trough which is about 12 inches above the water level, about level with the side of the boat.  The dogs had to be shut in as they would not have been safe and I think Graham was a bit freaked out that I was standing on the unprotected side to take pictures.  I managed not to fall off though!  A man walking his dog over the aquaduct pointed out a house that he told us Harrison Ford stays in sometimes.

After crossing the aquaduct we had to negotiate a narrow and tricky junction and after this the canal gets very narrow with several bits where there is room for one boat only and if you do not check it out mayhem ensues.

We are now moored in the basin, which costs £6:00 per night but includes electric.  So, sad puppies that we are, we are now washing everything item of clothing/bedding that we possess and charging all electric appliances for free.


A fantastic two days, lovely scenery, good fun and excellent moorings.  We have really enjoyed completing the Llangollen Canal, which is very quiet and rural and has some spectacular scenery, especially once you get to North Wales.  We will be staying here for the full 48 hours allowed.

No blog for a few days mainly because we have had several days with not very much internet signal.

The last time I posted we were on the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal heading for Chester and Ellesmere Port.  This all changed when we got to the junction onto the Shropshire Union main line.  At the junction turn right for Chester or left for Llangollen.  We decided to turn left and then a right turn onto the Llangollen Canal and straight into the first four of the 21 locks to get to Llangollen.

Turn left for Llangollen!

 
Today (Tuesday) is our fourth day on the Llangollen Canal and I think it is the prettiest and most picturesque place we have been so far, think coming this way was the right decision.  The weather has continued to be a bit mixed with some fairly warm sunny weather and plenty of rain ranging from fine drizzle to torrential.

It has been sunny enough to wash the boat

These lift bridges seem to be a feature of the Llangollen Canal.  This one was chained open but most need to be operated with a windlass.

We have found some lovely moorings over the last few days, with space for the dogs to sit outside and very few people about.  Lots of boats though as this is a popular destination for hire boats with loads of hire bases around.  Graham has taken me and the dogs for three of his famous magical mystery tours (haha).  The first two were across hideously muddy fields full of cows and cow crap.  Poor Jake is completely freaked out by cows, and one time we were followed by a small herd of bullocks who were very interested in us.  I was also a bit freaked out by this much to Graham's amusement.  He did redeem himself on Sunday when we walked into Marbury village along a proper footpath, rather than through a bog and had a pint at the local pub.  Only one though at £3:20 a pint.

Very picturesque on the Llangollen Canal!

Today we moored up along the arm to Ellesmere, had lunch and did some Tesco's shopping.  Also had a look around Ellesmere which is a small thriving town with some nice shops.  We reversed out of the arm which always provides lots of opportunities for disaster!  Now moored up in the middle of nowhere for the evening and just thinking about closing some doors as there seems to be a gale blowing!  


I nearly forgot, Jake fell of the back of the boat earlier today and had to be rescued.  He is such a silly dog, so busy barking at a passing boat that he bounced off the back.  He swims fast to catch up though!  I had to take him for a walk to dry off and whilst walking him crossed the border into Wales!  There was a small signpost with England on one side and Wales on the other to mark the spot.

Ellesmere Tunnel.

In the next couple of days we will be crossing the famous Pontcysyllte aquaduct!

On Tuesday we made our way back to the Anderton Lift and moored up overnight so that we could go to the office the next day and go back up onto the Trent and Mersey Canal.  I phoned the lock keeper as we approached Saltersford Lock and he obviously thought that I didn't know where we were.  Asked if I was sure I was phoning the right lock and then was I sure we were going up.  Having clarified this he then let me know that we may have to wait as there was a boat coming down.  My heart always sinks when some bloke calls me love and asks if I'm sure I know what I am on about.  May have to get the Mister, otherwise known as Graham, to talk to lockie's in future (haha).

Walked the dogs on Wednesday morning ending up at the booking office and went in to book the lift.  Was informed that the Weaver is closed due to the fast flow, although the lift is still working.  This is good as it means we can get back onto the canal today.  The river has now been closed twice within the week we have been on it (are we jinxing it).

Going up in the Anderton Lift

The River Weaver seen from the Anderton Lift

Exiting the Lift

Now back on the Trent and Mersey Canal and have to stop at Northwich to take Truly to the vet for her annual booster jab.  Graham found a vet on the internet which is close to the canal and they said if we gave them a ring when we were close they would fit us in.  Got an appointment for 5:00pm which all went well and then went to Tesco for a few essential items.  Bought fish and chips on the way back which tasted good!

Today (Thursday) has been a long day.  Originally we said we would moor up early but ended up cruising until 5:00pm.  We stopped of in Middlewich for the rest of the shopping but when we were finished decided to carry on and find a quiet rural mooring.  Lots of boats around today, especially Black Prince hire boats, which are due back at base (Acton Bridge) early Saturday morning.  Came through the locks at Middlewich and turned onto the Shropshire Union Canal.  Moored up in a nice quiet and empty spot, but two other boats have had the same idea so there are now three of us.  Next destination is Chester and then Ellsmere Port.  Six locks today all of which we had to work ourselves.  I have got quite used to lock keepers doing it for me, back to reality now.

Croxton Aquaduct

Some of the bridges are split to allow the tow rope in horse drawn days to pass through

Yesterday morning (Sunday) we took the dogs for a walk over the top of Barnton Tunnel and back along the Trent and Mersey Canal to Saltersford Tunnel where we came back onto the River Weaver.  Walked along to Saltersford Lock and spoke to the lock keeper who tells us that the navigation is open today.  So normal service is resumed and we went back to the boat and prepared to leave the mooring and continue the cruise of the Weaver.  Phoned the lock keeper to let him know we were on our way and cruised on down to the lock which was ready and waiting for us.  Had a chat with the lockie who told us that the next lock (Dutton) had a problem with the gates and suggested we give them a ring when we got to Acton Bridge to see if they were open for business.  As we are stopping of at Acton Bridge for water and toilet emptying this fits in with our plans anyway.

A sad sight.  Nice funnel though!

Bad news the facilities at Acton Bridge are out of order (permanently I think).  But phoned Dutton Lock, who have sorted out their problems so continued on.  When we arrived we tied up on the lock landing as five narrow boats were coming up in the lock.  Spoke to the guy on the boat moored up on the visitor moorings who is based on the Ashby Canal, boating is a small world!

Not often you see five narrow boats breasted up in a lock!

Viaduct below Dutton Locks

We moored up for the evening at the Devil's Garden.  Not sure where the name comes from.  We had been recommended these moorings by another boater who said it would be good for the dogs.  Sadly this was not the case as there were cows in the field and the lovely Truly rolled in dung and Jake was eating it.  There was also an incident where they almost chased the cows but we manged to put a stop to that before they got carried away.  Bit disconcerting having a cow looking in through the porthole as you are cooking dinner!

And through the round window!

This morning there was a light mizzily rain so we decided to carry on.  This part of the river is really pretty but once past Sutton Swing Bridge the scenery changes and becomes very industrial.  One side of the bank is lined with huge chemical works and on the other eventually the river runs alongside the Manchester Ship Canal.  Stopped and had a look but didn't see any ships today.

Stopped at Sutton Bridge for water and to eat lunch and then carried on.  Having come up Dutton Lock I walked the dogs along to Acton Bridge where we intend mooring this evening, outside the Riverside pub.  A Marston's pub doing a good deal on food. 

Picturesque row of houses with moorings near Acton Bridge and next to the pub where we have moored for the evening.

A good meal and beer in the Riverside Pub and then back to the boat for the rest of the evening!