The Liverpool Link from Hancock's Swing Bridge

Saturday, 04 July 2009 20:48

Lots of photos today!

The BW "Operatives", 3 of them arrived at about 7.45. Yes - another early morning, but it is definitely not a habit yet! The swing bridge was opened for us and we were off.

Talking "and they're off!", the canal runs past  Aintree Racecourse and at Canal Turn (on the racecourse) there was a sentinel Heron.

Heron at the Races!

He was watching the Canal Turn fences in vain!

To stop a free view at Melling Road fence there is a fence!

This was the 8.30am commuter train to Maghull and beyond

There were boats coming the other way after leaving Liverpool the previous day and overnighting at Litherland or Eldonian Basin so the BW chaps were buzzing backwards and forwards to let us all through the bridges!

First boat from Litherland and still only 8.39am!

He was followed by another two. They had just come through Netherton Swing Bridge (6) opened by BW

It was our turn a few minutes later

We said goodbye to the BW guys - we would see them the next day!

After passing through Netherton on a big left handed curve the canal takes another large left-hander south around Litherland. On the towpath side is Rimrose Valley Country Park which is crossed by a couple of footbridges.

Footbridge 4

There are some new developments canal side

We think these developments will help in engendering a sense of pride in the canal. It is well dredged and remarkably clear. There is rubbish in the canal but we have seen far worse in the past and it is to be expected in a city environment, unfortunately. The towpaths are well used by cyclists, walkers and anglers so all this will also help to keep it in good condition too - we hope.

We called in at Litherland sani-station for water and Elsan. The Elsan was installed that very morning! There are also loos, rubbish and pump out facilities. We noted that there are some secure moorings here too - perhaps to be used on our return!

After here, the Bridges are numbered and lettered from "J" backwards. We passed through Bootle and arrived at the two "changeline" bridges, Stanley Road (2A) and Caroline Street (1). As the name implies, the towpath briefly changes side between these two bridges.

Bridge 0 (zero!)

From now on the bridges are lettered from N backwards (confused!?) and just before Bridge M there is a bus company.

In the bus company yard

The other side of the bridge is this mural

BW working boat at Bridge L

At 11.04am we were 2 miles from Liverpool

We began to see some reminders of the past industry that was so important to the canal in the 19th Century. They could do with a bit of TLC and they would be wonderful buildings and structures.

At Bridge I there are some old wharves. A modern use for old chimneys!

Just after the Railway Bridge (H) there are overhanging wharves

We were nearing Eldonian now and the bridges and canal took on a "restored" and "raw" look as the landscaping is still underway. However the next three bridges were lovely, despite the rain that was falling heavily by now!

Looking back at Boundary Bridge E

Between bridges

Leigh Bridge D

Just before the entrance to Eldonian Basin, Stanley Locks descend

But the locks were for the next day! We winded just past them to reverse into Eldonian Basin to moor for the night. However it was still only 11.40 am! So it was time for relaxation, lunch and doing our own thing!

After our evening meal we went for a brief walk out of the Basin. We walked down to the main road and found a Spar at a garage - we only needed milk!

The gates to the basin are locked at night so the moorings are secure. There is a way out, or rather in if you return late - BW let you in on the "secret"  before or during passage from Hancock's Swing Bridge.

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