The Leeds and Liverpool Canal's welcome to Lancashire

Sunday, 17 May 2009 13:50

We have now reached the River Douglas Valley - the same River Douglas that begins the trip to the Ribble Link. However we still have a bit of canal to do first!

The Douglas Valley changes the character of  the Leeds and Liverpool Canal; it becomes more rural and passes through or near small villages. The River accompanies the canal but is not visible except on fleeting occasions.

The Douglas Valley

After our night at Gathurst we arrived at Dean Locks and locked down with another boat: a brand new boat, only 4 days old and they had never done a double lock with anyone else so were understandably rather nervous of their boat! However, Mark, the man at the helm, managed impressively well and we congratulated him.

He was picking my brains a bit about locks and I was able to explain the basic principles and water movement to him. I also confessed that after over 70 years boating experience between us we are still learning!

We followed them through the two disused swing bridges; the photo below shows how pretty the canal had become.

Ranicar's disused swing bridge

We then came to Finch Mill Swing Bridge - a new experience for them. Fortunately, John got off to help the crew open the bridge, and knew what to do -  she confessed she did not have a clue!

Finch Mill Swing Bridge

Appley Bridge welcomed us to Lancashire

Appley Locks - in the plural as there are three locks. Two are on the old Douglas Navigation, pre-dating the canal as a line from the Ribble to Wigan for coal transport.  They are shallower and now derelict. The lock on the main Line is 12 foot deep and we were locked through by the crew of the Rose of Parbold trip boat. The crew had to behave themselves as they had a party of Nuns aboard who waved enthusiastically as we passed!

Looking back at Appley Lock and Nb You're Barred

We moored at Parbold, with its decapitated windmill

In the afternoon we took a walk around Parbold - it is definitely nicest near the canal but we found its two churches, both locked.

The Catholic Church of All Saints in its park-like graveyard

Up the steep hill, Christ Church

We patronised the shops, they are very near the canal, and settled down for the evening and Sunday.

The rain came on and this was our evening view from the side doors

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