Having, thanks to roadworks on the M6, only arrived at the boat a few hours before, we started off from Dutton at 8.0am after having spoken to Tim Leech, who had just serviced the engine, ...
... and went straight into Preston Brook Tunnel.
The Bridgewater Canal is relatively straight and deep with no locks but is still a pleasant canal with quite a few original features such as this stop plank crane ...
... and south of Sale goes througth some not unpleasant countryside.
We met Bob for a pint at Oughtrington (The Barley Mow) then continued towards Manchester ...
... past an old Linotype factory ...
... and the seemingly miles of moored boats at Sale.
Passing Edge Lane ...
... and Watersmeet, the junction with the Leigh branch.
Manchester United weren't playing at home as we passed Old Trafford (It was Friday!)
The Manchester Ship Canal was passed near Salford Quays ...
... and the new connection to it at Palmona Lock.
The scenery was getting decidedly urban by now!
Hulme lock, the original connection between the Bridgewater and Ship Canals.
A serious looking Steerer.
We moored up at Castlefied for an early evening pint (Not the cheapest pint in Manchester)...
...
... then continued up the Rochdale Nine, where Bob and Dave joined us,before stopping for the night at Ducie Street Basin. Had a couple of pints at the Jolly Angler (a contradiction in terms if I ever heard one), just don't mention the Urinals!
There were a lot of boats at Ducie Street waiting to go up the locks as the long pound above lock 3 had been drained by vandals the day before so we got up at 6.0am to avoid the rush up the Ashton.
Unfortunately BW had padlocked the flight and didn't open it until 8.0am, it did however mean that we went up in convoy through this alleged 'bandit country'. We encountered no problems with the locals, although someone had nicked about a quarter of a mile of newly laid towpath paving. We did however have trouble with low water levels as did Royalty class boat 'Duke' which we had to tow across a couple of obstructions.
Passing the commonwealth games stadium.
We also had to drag the boat over a number of cills to get into locks ...
... and we were very grateful to get to Dukinfield Junction and the Lower Peak Forest canal.