Church Minshull to Christleton

Wednesday 1 May

We woke this morning to rain and grey cloud. By the time we set off just after 8.00, the rain had stopped but the grey clouds remained.

We only have 8 locks today and the first, Minshull Lock, was soon done. 

Minshull Lock

Only one more lock, Cholmondeston, before reaching Barbridge Junction where we turned on to the Shropshire Union.

We turn right here.

The next locks are broad locks – room for two narrowboats side by side. The first of these were the two locks of the Bunbury Staircase which we shared with nb Wyvyker. There were two volunteer lockkeepers here to help us through.

We went through the next two locks, Tilstone and Beeston Stone, with Wyvyker, but the one after that, Beeston Iron Lock, is slightly out of shape and boats are advised to travel through singly. Wyvyker was stopping after this lock so we continued alone. 

Beeston Castle

We soon came across a boat with a problem – nb Yongala was stuck on submerged concrete edging to the canal. We were able to pull them off and get them on their way, which turned out to only be a bit further along, so we did Wharton Lock, the last of the day, on our own.

It started to rain, but Stephen decided to carry on as far as Christleton where we moored near Rowton Bridge just after 3.00.

The rain had stopped so we walked into Christleton and stopped for a coffee at the Ring O’ Bells when it started to rain again!

Back to the boat for a quiet evening.

Locks 8   Miles 16.5                                           Total Locks 112   Total Miles 144.5