Today we completed our time on the Bridgewater Canal, passing through Preston Brook Tunnel (1239 yards) a mere baby in comparison to Standedge, and onto the Trent and Mersey Canal.   Entry into the tunnel is timed with southbound boats allowed entry between half past the hour and 20 minutes too.  This is because the tunnel is only wide enough for one boat.  Spoke to the couple on the boat (Amy) behind us through the tunnel who told us the best places to moor and a couple of reasonable walks for the dogs.  

Narrow boat Hadar who often moor in Market Harborough in the winter exited the tunnel as we were waiting to enter.

Before reaching the tunnel we stopped at Midland Chandlers and replaced the exhaust chimney that I wiped out on the Erewash Canal (weeks ago now) and also bought a guide for the next part of the trip.  Found the facilities on the Runcorn Arm, filled up with water and emptied the toilet.  Glad they had bins as we have passed no rubbish disposal for several days and was getting desperate to dispose of the rubbish.

North portal of Preston Brook Tunnel

Inside the tunnel

South portal of Preston Brook Tunnel with narrow boat Amy exiting.

We moored up early today well before lunch and after eating took the dogs for a walk by the River Weaver as recommended.  Our next objective is to go down in the Anderton lift and onto the River Weaver for a couple of days and then back up the lift onto the canal.  Lets hope the Weaver is not as prone to flooding as all the other rivers we have been on this trip!  After that not sure yet what the plan is.