Down along and then up along

Tuesday, 21 April 2009 19:36

Going down the Anderton Lift is an experience not to be missed. It is living history and a remarkable piece of engineering and restoration.

Needless to say I have loads of photos and will put them in a special album eventually! Meanwhile, just to whet your appetite here are a few.

Going into the caisson to go down

The other caisson passing as we went down

At the bottom of the Anderton Lift

Once down on the River Weaver we turned left to go up to Northwich, Hunt's Lock, Vale Royal Lock and thence to Winsford. 

There was so much to see that I will just confine myself to the journey tonight and fill in more details another evening! The River was looking lovely in the sunshine and it felt good to be able to open the throttle and give Epiphany a good work out!

It was so sad to see the Flotel or floating hotel all boarded up. We spent a happy few days there when we visited the Anderton Lift just after it was re-opened.

Northwich swing bridges are impressive,
but there was no need to swing them for us!

We had lunch at Hunt's Lock as the very helpful Lock Keeper suggested that we wait as then we would make the right  passage time for  Vale Royal Lock.

Hunt's Lock reminded us of the locks on the River Severn as it was deep. 

The smaller lock on the left - not the huge one!

Vale Royal Lock is HUGE as it was designed for Coasters and it has a swing bridge over it that had to be swung once we were up. The Lock Keepers throw down a rope with a loop and we were able to pull our ropes through. Then they pull them up to tie them off or hand back down to us if the rope is long enough.

Vale Royal Lock

We cruised on to Newbridge Swing Bridge - the Lock Keeper said he did not think we would get through as there is limited headroom.
We had to try and we got through with a few inches to spare!

The salt industry is much in evidence on the way to Winsford

We went under Winsford Bridge and then reversed to turn and moor up at the Red Lion. We did not risk Winsford Bottom Flash as it can be very shallow and we feel that a crew (with a couple of strong people with poles to check the depth and push off) would be necessary!

So we had reached another "head of navigation"!

We walked up to Asda and did a quick shop before setting off again for the Vale Royal moorings. So we are settled for the night and enjoying the sunshine - which is just beginning to disappear now!