Runcorn

Left Wigan on Friday. We had 3 more locks then that's it. No more until we reach the Trent and Mersey.  A couple of swing bridges then straight on! There was a lot of mining in this area and the groung has subsided so the 3 locks were moved from here, so guess the gates are a marker for them. From this you can see how much gate there is, there is a lot you never see under the water!

Lock gate on dry land! 

Spent a couple of nights in Leigh, some handy shops there and Paul was able to watch the rugby. We then moved on to the Trafford Centre for Sunday night as Cheryl, Paul's niece came to have dinner with us.  On Tuesday we called in at Thorne Marine at Stockton Heath to hava our Boat Safety Scheme check. It has to be done every 4 years. The first for us. Thankfully after buying a couple of new bits we were safely on our way mooring for the night as you see below.

Our mooring last night. Can you spot the cartoon dog tree! Paul spotted it.

Today we have reached the end of the Bridgewater Canal at Runcorn. Sadly it just comes to a dead end and you have to turn and come back! There used to be locks down to the Mersey but that is all filled in now. Although there are hopes to reinstate them sometime. these days they would give a link on to the Manchester Ship Canal. We did walk down and have a look! Tomorrow should see us join the Trent and Mersey making our way south.

Bridgewater House

Wigan

Arrived at Wigan yesterday after a couple hours cruise. With 3 large locks all full, we were going up, and no other moving boats in sight. Yet more swing bridges but at least some of them were open. Some were even more overgrown than this one!

Been a while since this bridge closed.

Wigan a largish town with a mix of old and new buildings. We found this unusual sculpture.  Moving on again this morning, 3 more locks and the last swing bridge for a while.

It didn't look this scary when we were there.

Heading Back

Our trip out of Liverpool went well. The boat we were sharing the locks with was overheating so we ended up with it tied along side while we towed it up through the 4 Stanley Locks.

Towing up through Stanley Locks

Since then we have been making our way back from whence we came! No locks at the moment but lots of swing bridges!

Last swing bridge for today

Tonight we are moored by a small village called Burscough.  Went for a walk earlier to find there is a Tesco! In the morning we will fill with water before moving on.

Farewell Liverpool

Well we have spent a wonderful week in Liverpool. There is so much to visit and see. Something for everyone.

View from the boat.

 We were lucky to have a tour of the Town Hall, very ornate. Had a drink in the Cavern Club. Visited the Mersey Tunnel, under the road. We also went up the Capital Radio tower to look at the views out over the city.   Dawn and Dave came from Manchester to see us on Monday and took us to Crosby Beach to see 'Another Place', Antony Gormley's figures. There are 100 figures spread across 2 miles of beach. We spent a lovely day together which ended in the Empire Theatre to watch 'Sound of Music'. Excellent show.

On Crosby Beach with Dawn and Dave

8 in the morning. Start of our journey out.

Yesterday we went to a tea dance in Saint George's Hall. Which was a lovely way to finish our week. A time when we ate too much, drank a bit but walked a lot too.
This morning we had to be at Mann Island Lock ready for the trip out. Will spend the night at Litherland and stock up in Tesco.

Liverpool Docks

Well after about 6 ,hours of travel we have arrived safely in Liverpool Docks. Amazing trip in, all very well organised by CRT. Only hic-cup was when one of the swing bridges refused to swing! Still gave us time for coffee. Can see John Lewis from the mooring and lots of shops etc around the Docks. So for the next week we will be busy sightseeing.

Spot the Liver Bird

Well on our way

Leeds and LIVERPOOL Canal

Only stayed long enough in Wigan to visit the Canal and River Trust offices and pick up our paperwork for the Docks link. There were 5 locks through Wigan so now on the Leeds and LIVERPOOL canal. Only one more lock then it has been flat all the way! Several swing bridges tho so I have still been on and off the boat a bit. Arrived in a small village called Parbold on Friday to find they had a festival there over the weekend so we decided to stay for Saturday. The WI were selling tea and cakes. Being WI you can imagine how lovely the cakes were. We felt it was our duty to partake. In the afternoon there was a dragon parade.

Haskayne Navvy

Met this chap yesterday near the point where the first sod of the Canal was dug.
Today we have arrived at bridge 9 near Aintree. The meeting point for our transit into Liverpool Docks tomorrow.

On to the Bridgewater Canal

Looking down on the Manchester Ship Canal

 Well we finally got through on to the Bridgewater on Monday.  Then Tuesday found us moored by the Trafford Centre. A huge shopping mall on the outskirts of Manchester. It's built in a Greek style with columns and statues

Just come over the swinging aqueduct over the Manchester Ship Canal

and pictures on the ceiling. Definitely worth a visit, although it would seem that it has killed shopping in nearby towns. We left there yesterday and shortly arrived at the Barton Swing Aqueduct. Amazing looking down on to the ship canal. Apparently the aqueduct can still swing but it doesn't happen often. Today we arrived in Wigan. Less than a week now before we enter Liverpool Docks.