If you are interested in the historical background of these waterways, please click here
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We entered the Bridgewater at Leigh on 13th May and for the next four days cruised down to Middlewich. On the 24th June we rejoined the ring at Kidsgrove and this time made a complete circle arriving back on 7th July. Including the 11 miles from Leigh to Waters Meeting and the next 37 miles and 4 locks to Middlewich that we covered twice, we travelled a total distance of 156 miles and 95 locks in 17 days.
Description:
This is certainly a Ring with much diversity. It embraces historic structures, interesting mill towns, areas of scenic beauty, heavily industrialized landscapes, spectacular views and a small section that many boaters consider less than desirable. The later being the environs and City of Manchester.
It includes all of the Bridgewater, Macclesfield, Peak Forest and Ashton Canals as well as portions of the Trent & Mersey and Rochdale Canals.
If you are interested in the historical background of these waterways, please click here
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Leigh to Preston Brook - (29 miles and no locks):
On a rainy afternoon on the 13th May we left the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and joined the Bridgewater at Leigh. This waterway is under the authority of the Manchester Ship Canal but we were allowed to cruise it for three consecutive days as we had a valid British Waterways license. Because of the inclement weather we decided to moor early at the canalside mining village of Astley Green and slipped over to the "Boat House Inn" for a quick one before dinner and an early night.
As we approached Worsley the canal gradually turned to bright ochre, at first we though it was because of the heavy rains but then realized it was the result of iron ore seeping out from the nearby underground mines. Worsley is a very interesting estate village dating from the 18th century, it is known as the birthplace of British Canals and definitely worth a visit. (See The Duke's Canal if you want to know how it all started). After a walk around the village in the rain we took a photo of CJ in the picturesque basin in front of the Packet House and then cruised down to the impressive Barton Swing Aqueduct. This is one of the wonders of the waterways, constructed in the 1890s, it carries the Bridgewater Canal over Manchester Ship Canal. The 234ft steel trough section can be sealed off at both ends and then swiveled to allow passage of shipping on the MSC below; the weight of the water in the pivoted aqueduct is 800 tons. Unfortunately there was no traffic below so we did not get to see it in operation.
We found the next few miles through the vast Trafford Park Industrial Park to be of little interest and were disappointed with the drab and dirty junction at Waters Meeting. Turning right, we continued to pass by derelict buildings as we made our way through Sale and Altringham; we then entered pleasant rural countryside on approaching Dunham Woodhouse and our overnight mooring. We had a very nice view from our boat as we looked across the grasslands of Dunham Park and the 18th century Massey Hall. In the evening we walked into the nearby village of Bollington and had an enjoyable pint at the "Swan with Two Nicks".
On Saturday morning we cruised down to Lymm where Peter & Judith from Holmfirth rejoined us. This is an attractive little town with cobbled streets, a few Olde English Shoppies, a 17th century Town Cross with stocks and convenient moorings.
Peter cycled along the towing path for a while as we headed west to the "Walton Arms" at Higher Walton. Here we watched Arsenal (I'm an old Gunner fan) and Sheffield play in the FA Cup Final. I expected the pub to be crowded with lots of people huddled around the telly but was amazed to find out that I was the only person interested in watching the game.... where have all the football fans gone? After leaving the pub we had a chilly late afternoon trip down to the Northern portal of the Preston Brook Tunnel. The 5¾ mile arm Runcorn Arm did not sound very exciting so we decided to press on through the tunnel.
