The Trent and Mersey in all its glory

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 10:13

We enjoy being back on familiar territory

So we left the lockless Bridgewater Canal for the Trent and Mersey - the last double lock is at Middlewich and then it's back to narrow locks again. But before we get there I must finish our journey through Anderton, finally mooring at Marston!

I mentioned the views over the River Weaver. The T and M is cut above the Weaver Valley, through which the Weaver Navigation flows.These brought back some happy memories of our time on it.

Dutton Viaduct in the distance

Acton Swing Bridge

Dutton Locks

Ah nostalgia, it has a lot to answer for!

The Trent and Mersey has its own views though:

After Dutton Horse Bridge 211

The Cheshire Herd -for all milk fans

How about this for a real autumn canal scene?

Anderton was beginning to make its effect felt, with the industry and factories on the Weaver glimpsed through the trees.

Canalside cottage with factory across the river

Anderton Lift (and the Visitor centre) was deserted

We decided to carry on a little, as we still had some sun and another mile or so would bring us nearer Northwich. At Marbury we spied a Cornish Flag on the stern of a boat.

It was Tiddy Oggie

A brief wave and we went onward. Great Budworth Church looks impressive, even seen over fields and grazing cows. It is a Grade 1 building built in "perpendicular style" and from the description could be worth a walk to have a look - but not this time!

St Mary's and Alll Saints, Great Budworth

We moored neat Marston Bridge, before the Lion Salt Works, after a very long, but satisfying day.

Bridgewater and Trent and Mersey Canal, Lymm to Marston - 6 hours 56 minutes*, 11.65 miles, 1 lock 

(*including a long stop at Thorn Marine)