We have descended!

It seems a lifetime ago, but after nearly 4 months of repairs, at 12:00 noon on the 23rd February 2024, the padlocks were removed from the top lock of the Wigan Flight and we were part of the first group of boats to make the descent. We paired up with some new friends and spent 5 hours chugging slowly down the 21 locks before heading around the corner to do 2 more on the Leigh Branch. It was going dark as we pulled in beside Scotman’s Flash, but we were extremely relieved to get there.

Over the following days we pootled along the Bridgewater Canal and moored up close to Dunham Massey. With dry weather and open countryside around us, we relaxed back into cruising mode whilst the shadows of the hills of Lancashire slipped away into the distance.

At Dutton Stop Lock (which was overtopping both the top and bottom gates) we sent up a cheer as we left the Bridgewater and finally re-joined the Trent & Mersey Canal. Then I said “all we need now is a kingfisher “and gave a squeal of delight, as a streak of teal blue did a flypast. Perfect.

Heading on past the Anderton Boat Lift, we had another stoppage to get through at Middlewich. This was a planned replacement of some lock gates, the old ones having become too leaky after lasting 20 years. An impressive amount of time considering the battering that they take from the water and the boats.

After a few days of waiting, the sun came out and Spring arrived bringing blue skies and sunshine that was warm enough to dry off our mooring ropes (they have been wet, muddy, and rather heavy ever since leaving Skipton in December). We were now cruising in familiar territory along the plains of Cheshire, aiming for Wheelock Wharf where we moored up for a few days.

A walk into Sandbach town led to the sights and sounds of the indoor market and a Makers market. The latter being held on the cobbles by the old Saxon Crosses. This market place is surrounded by historic buildings that give a certain atmosphere that just reeks of times past with wattle and daub timber-framed buildings with old brick and stone work.

 

 

 

 

We have lots of memories of past family holidays in this area and it’s fascinating to see how places have changed even in the few months that we’ve been “up North”. Time waits for no one it seems, but then again, some views are timeless.