Dutton

Today's Canals - Bridgewater, Trent and Mersey 

When we awoke, and a little later when we set off, the weather was dry with a little, watery sun breaking through the thin cloud. However, even at the start, it was not a great day for photos.

After a short distance we stopped at the water point alongside the pub Ye Olde No 3 to fill up.It took somewhat longer than average as the supply is fairly slow.

Lymm Marine fit out and sell boats both wide and narrow. They buy in the hull shells from various specialists and it seems as if they have a healthy order book going by the number of new shells waiting for completion.

Just before Outrington we passed a large workboat with a couple of crew. Judging by their gestures it seems that they were preparing to install another bench seat.

This winding hole near Thelwall has intrigued us before with the mystery about what lies, or once laid, behind the small attractive footbridge. We have not found a lot of detail but the short stretch of water was probably not intended to be navigable but as a landscape feature for Massey Hall. This Victorian country estate was owned in the early 20C by the Rylands family who owned a wire production business in Warrington, at one time one of the largest employers in the town. The Hall was later sold yo Lancashire County Council and used as a residential school for secondary age children with emotional and behavioural problems. It closed in 2007, after which there was a series of allegations of abuse by staff to some of the pupils. At least one case led to an award of £50,000 to a survivor. We have found a reference to the demolition of Massey Hall to be replaced by a modern building.

We reached Thorn Marine in Stockton Heath around 12:30, just as a little rain arrived. This was originally the end of the canal when it was first opened, the section on towards Runcorn followed a number of years later. We only stayed long enough to empty the elsan but as we moved off the rain became steady and heavy and remained that way until well after we moored for the night. Mike, as steerer, eventually needed a complete change of clothing!

We tried for a while to take more photos but it was soon evident that the camera was out of action for the rest of the day.

We stopped very briefly after Christine had had hers for Mike to have lunch. We had intended to eat 'on the go' but it was still very wet and it did not seem worth have two people soaked through!

Near to the end of the Bridgewater we called at Midland Chandlers. We particularly wanted to replace the mooring line that had been chewed up at Tewitfield ('cos Mike let it fall into the water behind the prop!) We were down to our last Elsan container so bought two - the second comes half price! They used to do this deal but when we last bought some they had suspended it. Glad to hear that it is back on again.

We managed to arrive at Preston Brook Tunnel with only a few minutes to wait before the short timed entry slot and followed a hire boat through.

We had hoped to moor overnight on the ringed moorings where the Dutton Breach of a few years back had occurred. This is a popular spot as it had a good view down to the Weaver. Alas, as we were approaching we could see that it is still popular - and full! So we pulled in a short distance before on a perfectly good mooring but without the view. As soon as we were tied up, Mike wen for a complete change! Christine decided that it was time for the first fire in the stove for the season.

16.4 Miles - 1 Lock