How many locks can break a Boater's heart?

Saturday, 24 October 2009 14:18

Eighteen - no, but perhaps another six would have!

Yes, seasoned Boaters will now realise we tackled "Heartbreak Hill" today! It is also known as the "Cheshire Locks". But we have stopped 6 short of the top as we had had enough of wind and rain!

An early start meant that the mist was just rising from the fields. It was dry but rain was forecast. I have to say I am getting a bit tired of getting up to an alarm clock! However, once going it was not so bad!

Once again we were locking through paired locks, some were working pairs, some with the other lock blocked or even non-existent.

Looking back at Saw Pit Lock (64), the first of the day

Pavilion Lock (62) has a waterfall where the right hand lock was

Our St Piran's Ensign (for Brian!) as we left Maddocks Lock (59)

Passing under the M6 Bridge we climbed the two Hassall Green Locks. The top one has a Brasserie (Lock 57) and shop (including a Post Office) beside it and is one of our memories of our last trip on Twelfth Night when we 'did' "The Cheshire Ring". That time we went down Heartbreak Hill, but with anticipation in our hearts - as you will see later down this blog!

Hassall Green Top Lock Brasserie and stores

Many of these locks have split bridges across them. The split is for the rope from boat to horse to pass through. If well looked after they are an attractive addition to the lock, as is this one at Pierpoint Top Lock (55)

Under Bridge 145 and into the lock

We were thoroughly wet by now, as the promised rain had been driving down for most of the way. However, we did have a couple of breaks, when the sun tried very hard - and failed!

The moorings back under this bridge witnessed an auspicious event

The Broughton Arms opposite was where we finalised the plans for Epiphany with Richard Clarke from Bath Narrowboats: over a drink, of course, and on a lovely sunny evening. Hence our anticipation of the downward journey!

The wind was certainly getting more fierce as we climbed and the satellite dish nearly took off as I traversed the pound between Lawton Treble Top Lock (50) and Hall's Lock 49. John had to rescue it as I reached the mouth of the lock, as It was hanging over the rail and would have caught the lock side.

Lawton Treble Top Lock ahead

The two Church Locks brought us up to Church Lawton where we moored and the sun came out - boy were we ready for a rest and lunch! Whisper it who dare - maybe even a snooze!

Trent and Mersey Canal, Wheelock to Church Lawton - 4 Hours 59 minutes, 4.59 miles, 18 locks