Ellesmere Port to Weaverham

Friday 3 May

One lock to do to get down onto the Manchester Ship Canal. But there is a big swing bridge across the lock and you have to arrange with Cheshire West and Chester Council for it to be unlocked and swung open.

Swing Bridge open.

We had booked it for 8.30 and true to their word, the bridge started to move as we approached it. I worked the lock, Steve drove the boat through and then we had an interesting few moments as there was nowhere to pick up crew easily. I had to kneel on the quayside while Steve guided a foot onto a ladder set into the wall. Down two or three rungs and I was back safely on board.

And now round the corner and out onto the wide, deep Manchester Ship Canal, lined by several chemical works. 

There were no big ships on the move, though there was one ready to be pulled out into the channel by tugs. Steve was on the phone at the time to ‘someone in authority’ who suggested that we should go back to Ellesmere Port again until the ship had gone on its way, but when Steve explained that we would be past the tugs in five minutes, we were given the go ahead to continue.

Ship ready to move out into channel.

On we went without incident, though the wind did get a little stronger and the water became choppy. It was lovely to see several shelducks on the water; there were also curlew and oystercatchers flying overhead, presumably feeding on the marshy areas edging the canal.

After about an hour and a quarter on the Manchester Ship Canal it was time to turn on to the River Weaver – strictly speaking, this first part is the Weaver Navigation, a canalised section leading onto the river itself. Having phoned ahead, Weston Marsh Lock was ready for us to go straight in. This lock and the next one, Dutton Lock, are manned and all the work is done for you.

Approaching Weston Marsh Lock

Dutton Lock

We stopped for lunch after Dutton Lock and then continued to our mooring for the night. Fellow BCF members, Jerry and Sue Marshal had kindly said we could moor on their riverside mooring at their home.

Our plan was to leave our boat there for about two weeks while we go home and then return to continue our trip.  Unfortunately Saltersford Lock, further up the river, is closed while work is carried out on it. There have been problems with the work and the planned opening on 17 May may be delayed. So our plans are uncertain at the moment.

We enjoyed a meal with Sue and Jerry be retiring to the boat for the night.

Locks 3   Miles 16                                        Total Locks 117   Total Miles 156.50