Lion Salt Works to Barnton Cut

Thursday 23 May

A warm sunny day from start to finish.

We had a leisurely start as we wanted to visit the Lion Salt Works and it doesn’t open until 10.30. We thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent there – it is very well worth a visit, explaining the process of producing salt from the brine stream flowing under the ground in this area.

Lion Salt Works

A 'flash' or lake caused by subsidence after brine extraction.

After lunch we continued on our way to the Anderton lift. We moored alongside Celtic Kiwi which was the boat we had been moored behind at the salt works. We were booked on the 4.30 passage, but when Celtic Kiwi moved forward on to the lift mooring ready for their 3.45 passage, they discovered that there would be a space on the same passage for us, so Steve went and changed our booking. (2 narrowboats will fit into the caisson for each passage.)

The Anderton Lift

Going into the lift.

So by 4.00 we were on our way down to the River Weaver. (If you want full details of how the lift works, please consult their website.)

Going down.

The other caisson going up as we're going down, showing the hydraulic ram.

We turned right and went as far as this side of Saltersford lock, so now we’ve seen it from both sides even if we’ve not been through it!

We moored up at 5.00 at a lovely open site on the river and enjoyed a walk along a little more of the Weaver Way before settling down for the evening.

The peace of the River Weaver.

Locks 0   Miles 5.25                                        Total Locks 144   Total Miles 222.75