The weather today was forecast to be rather overcast with the hope of some improvement towards late afternoon. As we set off it was definitely grey!
Initially we only cruised the short distance to the main bridge into Parbold where we moored opposite the old windmill for a short time to allow Mike to walk up to the shops. Parbold has a surprising variety of small shops which seem to be generally thriving. After picking up a cauli and some fresh broad beans from a greengrocer, Mike also called at McColls, a reasonably stocked convenience store, for a paper.
On the way back he was delayed for five minutes as the level crossing barriers descended just as he arrived back there!
Just outside the village we spotted this pair of herb boxes with an open invitation to passers-by go help themselves. Alas, we had passed before we spotted it.
By now some rather wet fine drizzle had arrived and stayed with us for most of the rest of the morning, but off and on. This view gives an idea of why most of our photos are on the dismal side!
The first lock of the day was Appeley Locks. It is still properly named with the plural but one single, deep lock has now replaced the former two locks.
Just below the lock we spotted this stone. We could make out any markings on it and we also saw a similar one a it earlier. Perhaps they were earlier mile stones.
We passed through Appeley Bridge, where we moored overnight on our way into Liverpool some weeks ago, and took the swing footbridge with circumspection - not wanting a repeat of the encounter two years ago! Apart from lifting the release lock, the bridge is very easy to swing.
The next lock, in the shadow of the motorway bridge, is Dean Lock. The older lock might tempt a stranger to this canal to attempt to navigate it but the 'real'one soon comes into view.
A trip boat from Wigan, with a large group of men on a day out (the on board bar was also an attraction!) They had moored up in the arm above the old lock for lunch.
Approaching Crooke Hall and some blue sky opened up - it was quite warm and even in the rain we were not chilly.
A little further and we passed Viktoria and Ambush moored together. They look much more attractive than some of the adapted similar boats seen elsewhere.
This picture is just to show the bright blue sky, really!
The railway line to Southport, which Mike has used three times this year so far, follows the canal most of the way between Burscough and Wigan, sometimes coming quite close and crossing several times by bridge.
Wigan Pier looks as if another attempt is being made to re-develop. The website associated with the large sign on the end of the first warehouse is very optimistic although planning applications are still pending. Let's hope something good happens as the site has had a farther downbeat career since the canal ceased to need it. The property development company behind the scheme has already completed several other regeneration projects in and around Manchester.
Around the corner is the huge Trencherfield Mill. This was built in 1907 and replaced an earlier one from the 1820's. Mill work ceased in the 1960's and it was largely derelict until 2005 when it was converted largely into apartments. Its success shows what can be done so there is hope for Wigan Pier yet.
There followed a couple of locks which form the lowest part of the Wigan flight. The original number is carved into stone at the tail of the lock - looks as if this will survive longer than the more modern number plate!
We had the briefest of pauses at the top lock for the elsan disposal, another boat was waiting to come into the lock and was concerned about running aground on the lock landing. Around the corner we could see why the single hander was worried as the level was nearly a foot down, as indicated by the tide mark on the retaining wall to the left of the picture.
Hopefully CaRT are aware as at the next lock it looks as if there is a remote sensor as well as the older marker board. However a boater coming up the lower Poolstock Lock seemed to think that this was not uncommon. We could not see any reason at the locks for unusual losses.
Shortly after we arrived at our planned overnight stop alongside Scotman's Flash, in the same place as on the way up. The late afternoon and early evening varied from bright sunshine to more showers!
9.3 Miles - 8 Locks
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