Christleton to Ellesmere Port

Thursday 2 May

We set off just before 8.00 this morning. The weather was grey and overcast and rain was promised.

Of the first five locks, we had to fill four of them which, as they are broad locks, took some time. One disadvantage of starting early is that there are no other boats about to share locks with.

The promised rain arrived as we approached Chemistry Lock and continued for Hoole Lane Lock, the fourth and fifth of the morning.

Boating through Chester is always interesting as the canal travels immediately below the Roman walls.

Chester's Roman Wall

Northgate Bridge and Bridge of Sighs

Northgate Staircase was next and we were able to share these locks with nb Jenny. There were some lovely volunteer lockkeepers who worked us through these locks, but the process still took nearly an hour.

Leaving Northgate Staircase Locks

We stopped for a pump out at the bottom of the staircase locks and then made our way towards Ellesmere Port arriving there just after 2.00.  By this time the rain had stopped though it was not very warm. We spent a couple of hours looking round the Waterways Museum from where we could see out onto the Manchester Ship Canal where we are going tomorrow. 

Manchester Ship Canal 

A little later we went down two locks into the Lower Basin to moor up for the night.

A larger companion than usual!

Locks 10   Miles 12.50                                    Total Locks 114   Total Miles 140.50