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!