The Bridgewater Canal and onto The Trent and Mersey

Well, to say I’m behind with my blog is a bit of an understatement! We were on a mission to get home for Christmas and then busy busy busy when we got back, but here we go ...

26th November 2019

We leave Manchester and the Rochdale Canal behind us to cruise along the Bridgewater Canal and then onto the Trent and Mersey Canal.

The Bridgewater Canal links the Trent and Mersey at Preston Brook to the Rochdale and Manchester Ship Canals in Manchester and to the Leigh branch of the Leeds and Liverpool at Leigh.  It is not a part of the Canal & River Trust system, but visiting boats can stay on the Bridgewater for 7 days’ free use.  However you cannot return to it again within 28 days or a charge is incurred.

Our first section we cruised was from Castlefield to the beautiful village of Lymm.  This was 13 miles - there are no locks on the Bridgewater Canal.

Lymm is probably another one of the best mooring spots ever.  It’s such a pretty village and we had a lovely walk around the dam.

There is a set of stocks by the 17th century market cross.   The cross has been the focal point of village life for centuries but little is known of its origins.  It is a grade 1 listed structure and was restored in 1897.

We stayed at Lymm for one night and then cruised the remainder of the Bridgewater the next day.  We cruised through Preston Brook tunnel and onto the Trent and Mersey.  This was 13 miles and one lock.

The sun came out for us and it was a beautiful cruise to our next mooring.  We have not cruised along this section before and it is absolutely gorgeous.

December 2019

Our mooring was at Bartington Wharf.  While we were here Paul popped home overnight to take Tilly for a haircut and I went out for a lovely Sunday lunch with Captain Bob and Lady Rosemary - thank you - they do look after us!  I also had a rag rug making lesson.

Paul and I took the lovely Elsie and George for a walk with Tilly while Bob and Rosemary went to see Mrs Browns Boys - we all had a lovely time - apart from Elsie deciding it was time to return to the boat and off she went!!! With us chasing behind - did not know she could move so fast.  She sat patiently waiting for us by the boat and we then walked along the beautiful River Weaver.

M.V. Chica - started life as a cargo barge in Norway, commandeered by German Navy during WW2, after way she was running guns in the Med, then smuggling cigarettes and tobacco. She became a leisure craft running cruises along the River Weaver in the 80s but during a period of inactivity in 1993 she took on water and with no one on board she listed and sank

Cold and Frosty Mornings

It is really sad to say cheerio to our friends, Lady Rosemary and Captain Bob.  We did 68 miles and 107 locks together and had a fabulous time.  Thanks for everything- you have been amazing.

And we continue along the Trent and Mersey- cruising home for Christmas.