Winding is fun, as is Weston Marsh Lock

Monday, 04 May 2009 15:35

A round trip today! The first bit would be a repeat of the day before, down to Sutton Swing Bridge again! First though we had to wind in the wind!

It was rather breezy; actually that is an understatement! So what, we can use the wind to wind. Ah hmm ... which way do we point the bows? Into the wind - no not that way! John carried on up stream so we could avoid the boat in front of us and then tried the other way - i.e. turning the bows away from the Norwesterly wind. Perfect success, we were on our way downstream again but against a very strong wind.

Once past Sutton Swing Bridge, the railway and the M56 cross

The industrial Weston Canal now becomes the norm. From here on I was "camera happy".

There are visitor moorings just past Runcorn Rowing Club at Rocksavage

The factories have a metallic mechanic beauty against the blue sky

The chop on the water was considerable. We decided that the conditions were good training for the Ribble Link, but neither of us were particularly comfortable, so we were glad to turn around just before the low fixed swing bridge and the disused entrance lock at Weston Point. Boats are unable to go beyond this point.

Bridge and "Island Church" Christ Church at Weston Point

The Manchester Ship Canal was on our right as we went down stream, separated by a large bank. On our return we managed to glimpse it through a gap just before Marsh Lock.

A glimpse of the Ship Canal

The wind was beginning to drop and we moored up at the pontoon by Marsh Lock for a good look around.

Epiphany at Marsh Lock

Marsh Lock is one of two locks down into the Ship Canal, the other being at Weston Point. Once again I became the "mad photographer" and have too many photos to put here! More photos of Marsh Lock are on our gallery if you would like to follow this link and the following photos. They are worth a look as it is not quite like a run of the mill canal lock!

The views from here a quite spectacular

The Ship Canal towards Weston Point

The River Weaver Estuary

The view coming into Marsh Lock from the Ship Canal

On our return journey the wind was much less and we passed four or five boats making for Weston - we felt a little like pioneers!

Arriving back at Devil's Garden the moorings seemed full but we managed to squeeze in at the far end. The bullocks came to inspect us again and at one point I thought they would climb aboard!

Looking out in the evening I could not resist this

So today, Bank Holiday, is catch up day and then we hope to move off tomorrow towards Anderton.

>>> View Next Post		View Previous Post <<<