Surprised by the Bridgewater Canal

Saturday, 09 May 2009 18:10

So far we have been pleasantly surprised by the Bridgewater Canal. It is not, as we expected, surrounded by industry or particularly "townie". We are aware though, that it becomes more "built up" as we approach Manchester.

If there is an argument for the privatisation of canals, the Bridgewater could be a good example to cite. It is owned by the Manchester Ship Canal Company, as is evident from their very clear signage.

Moorings notice at Lymm

The bridges vary in style and many of them have cranes nearby. Some of the cranes look in fairly good condition and are fastened to stop planks ready for action!

Moorefield Bridge

Looking back at Walton Lea Bridge

There are not very many in-line permanent moorings either, so we have been able to maintain a reasonable speed on this wide, well maintained section.

We passed Thorn Marine at London Road Bridge (15). The building is subject to a dispute with developers. It is an historic building and was once the fodder store, stables and staff house for the packet boats that plied the Bridgewater  with the Duke's coal.

Stockton Quay at London Road Bridge was once the terminus of the canal - between 1771 and 1776. Then the Duke of Bridgewater completed the canal route to Runcorn leaving behind a large transhipment wharf with stables, yards, warehouses and the canal company office. Sadly it has all gone now, bar the Thorn Marine building.

Once again the fight is on to save our canal heritage and I hope they win

We moored at Lymm, a pleasant popular mooring for the attractive large village. After we moored some dragon boats arrived, beating out a rhythm on the drums. Pool of Life and Genesis were raising money for, and awareness of, Breast Cancer research through a charity 26 mile paddle from Preston Brook. There were lots of people waiting to greet them as they gathered at the Golden Fleece pub by Lymm Bridge.

First dragon boat

Second dragon boat

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