The original years plan was to go down the Anderton lift (above) ...
... and down onto the Weaver but an earlier than scheduled closure of the lift, and the need to get the boat past Kidsgrove ahead of the winter stoppages meant that we had to head straight South. The boat had previously been left at the top of the lift at Anderton.
The crew for the weekend was Tim, Huw and Henry, here Huw and Henry form the steering committee.
Passing the Lion Salt works at Marston ...
... and the chemical works at Lostock Gralam.
Henry took over the steering after breakfast.
Typical Cheshire scenery
Huw gets ready for the following weekends boat AGM
The only kind of bird we picked up all weekend!
Crossing the River Wheelock on Croxton Aqueduct.
Middlewich ...
More Middlewich
Leaving Middewich after a lunch stop at the Kings Lock PH (We also purchased some new water cans at the adjacent chandlery)
An unusual bywash weir
Heading into the sunset. We spent the night at Hassell Green and ate at the 'Romping Donkey'
Trying to get an arty shot out of the back cabin.
Thurlwood Lock ?
Our good deed for the day was to re-tie a working pair that had come adrift.
The duplicated locks on this section make for interesting photographs.
These steps had been well worn, filled, turned and eventually the new depression filled!
Some of the duplicated locks have been abandoned ...
... some are decrepid ...
... but most are still in use ...
... as can be seen here
Another attempt at an arty shot.
Entering Lock 44, just below the BW Red Bull yard ...
... which didn't need much use of the paddles to fill!
Looking back at Red Bull from the Aquedeuct taking the Macclesfiels Canal over the Trent & Mersey Canal.
Lock 42
Passing through Hardings Wood Junction, the junction with the Macclesfield Canal.
Entering Harecastle Tunnel ...
... with its earlier abandoned neighbour.
We left the boat just South of the tunnel.
Looking back at Harecastle Tunnel, British Waterways have plans for a visitor centre here, lets hope it's carried out sensitively.