The lower reaches



in wide lock

We went down through the wide locks apparently the narrower ones haven’t been in use for nearly 40 years. We had to wait quite a while for the 1^st lock due to water conservation issues. It leaked badly so had to have 2 boats top and bottom to work it as it uses so much water.









Disused lock into the Manchester Ship Canal

We had a peaceful cruise between the locks accompanied by birdsong. At one place the trees had fallen down the steep hillside like nine pins just missing one that leaned crazily towards the horizon with it's roots loosened. We found mooring for lunch then carried on down as the wind rose.




 

Looking across the ship canal

We cruised past a giant ICI works the plant was almost 2 miles long and goodness knows how deep. We reached a low bridge near the far end and turned then moored at the lock down into the Manchester Ship Canal to look around. The lock  appeared derelict with frayed planks on all its gates. I wonder when it was last used? Our ancient guide book said a passage through could be booked so maybe 10 years ago or maybe yesterday.





Mooring at the lock

We enjoyed a leisurely cruise back with the wind at our backs until we were over taken by a shiny narrow boat that was charging for the first lock as the lock keepers don’t come on duty tomorrow until 11.00. We had been going to moor up below the lock but Paul opened Third Time Lucky’s engine up and gave chase. We couldn’t keep up and lost sight of them but the lock keeper spied us as the gates opened so she waited for us. 



The wreck

We moored at the top with the other narrow boat behind a sunken wreck. We walked Lottie across a steep path up to the Trent and Mersey Canal that ran parallel, though on a higher level. Boy was it narrow after the river. Back at the lock we found a list of countries that had sent ships along the Weaver. What a sad reminder of its noble shipping past.