Summer Cruise Day 14 Aintree to Salterhouse

With so much to see in Liverpool I've not had much time to blog for which I apologise, so here is our trip update into the city.

We were up and underway by 8:30am in order to be by swing bridge 9 for 9:30am.  This bridge can only be operated by C&RT staff so we would have to wait for them to arrive. We got there with 30 minutes to spare and joined 3 other boats heading into the city with us.

AmyJo completed the convoy of 4 boats heading into town.

Bang on 9:30 the C&RT chaps arrived and gave us a briefing of what to expect and where we needed to be.  With that the bridge was swung open and we got underway.  We needed to be at Litherland services by 11:30 if we wanted to shop or pump out and fill with water. 

The convoy gets underway and follow the passage between Lilly beds.

The lead boat, a plastic cruiser, shot on ahead of the three of us getting through the manual swing bridges long before we got to them, however, it did him no favours as we found him waiting at bridge 6, the next bridge to be operated by C&RT.  They had refused to open the bridge until the rest of the fleet caught up.

The narrowboat fleet arrives to find the plastic cruiser waiting, by the looks the skipper was not happy.

Just before Litherland services we were passed by two dragon boats.  I was amazed to see none of those aboard were wearing buoyancy aids.  The RYA instructor in me wanted to tell the organisers they were negligent but they passed before I got chance as I was too busy avoiding them and staying out of the Lilly beds.

Not one buoyancy aid to be seen, tut tut!

We arrived at Litherland services at 11:30 and managed to get alongside them.  The boat in front wanted to fill with water despite there being water points in Salterhouse moorings.  This delayed us getting a pump out but did mean Chris could nip into the nearby Tescos.  She was not quick enough for Sid who pointed at his watch and said, "You just wasted 2 minutes so now you only have 18 left, of you pop". 

After 20 minutes I got the skipper of the boat in front to swap places and just had time for a quick pump out before our leaving deadline of mid-day.  Chris got back with five minutes to spare before time was up to a cheer from Sid.

AmyJo passing through the Litherland services swing bridge

Sid informed everyone we had to be at Stanley locks at 1pm otherwise we would have to wait until tomorrow.  Looking at the map this meant we would need to be doing 4mph to meet the deadline.  This is much faster than we would have liked but it would seems its quite OK to do so here.

With throttle well open AmyJo surged along at 4.1mph according to the GPS.  She took it in her stride but every now and again I had to shake off the urban Jellyfish (plastic bags) by going into neutral and then a burst of reverse thrust.  Thankfully this seemed to work just fine but had to be repeated more and more as we progressed.  Looking behind we could see plenty of detritus being thrown up in our wake.  I was amazed to find the prop completely free of rubbish when I went down the weed hatch next morning!

Sid had told us to look for a pillar of concrete in the middle of the junction as this would alert us to the turn.  Eventually with just 5 minutes to spare at 12:55 it came into view and we rounded the junction arriving at Stanley Top lock dead on 1pm as required.

The concrete pillar marking the junction and the start of our descent into the docks

Being double locks the first two boats were already on their way down.  We had a short wait and then together with nb Katherine- Louise we entered the locks.  There are 4 locks here and we kept the boats together as we crossed the pounds to the next.

Stanley top Lock and the impressive Tobacco warehouse beyond

With further instructions from Sid we proceeded into the docks proper via a low bridge 3.  The view as you enter the docks is impressive and the scale soon becomes apparent

First view of the docks from under Great Howard Street Bridge

Derelict Tobacco warehouse await either demolishing or re-development
Built 1900 was the biggest building in the world at that time.

Our orders were to proceed to the Victoria clock tower and then turn Left.  This meant transiting two large docks, Stanley Dock and Salisbury Dock before reaching the tower.

Crossing Stanley dock into Salisbury dock before turning at the tower, the dominant feature at this point

Victoria Tower is a Grade II listed Gothic Revival clock tower located alongside Salisbury Dock. Positioned among the two river entrance gates to the Salisbury Dock itself, the tower acted as an aid to ships by providing both an accurate time and also warning of impending meteorological changes.

Victoria Tower was designed by Jesse Hartley and was constructed between 1847 and 1848, to commemorate the opening of Salisbury Dock. Its design was based upon an earlier drawing by Philip Hardwick in 1846.

Victoria Tower, which was often referred to as the 'docker's clock', was built as an aid to ships in the port, as it allowed them to set the correct time as they sailed out into the Irish Sea, while its bell warned of impending meteorological changes such as high tide and fog. Upon its completion it also served as a flat for the Pier Master.

Due to the decline in docking within Liverpool, the tower has fallen into a state of disrepair suffering significant decay due to both water and wind damage. The tower is also overgrown with vegetation and has a leaking roof. Nonetheless, despite being in a state of dereliction, Victoria Tower is part of the Stanley Dock Conservation Area and also Liverpool's World Heritage Maritime Mercantile City.

In April 2010, it was announced that Victoria Tower, along with several other buildings around Clarence and Salisbury docks, would be repaired by owners, Peel Holdings. The tower and the areas around it are also included in the proposed £5.5bn regeneration programme, Liverpool Waters.

Victoria tower with its 6 clocks

On turning right our next leg was Sid's Ditch. When the next dock, Clarence Dock, was in-filled a five foot wide feeder culvert was retained and this feeder has been increased in width to thirty three feet to allow for navigation and renamed the Central Docks Channel. This channel runs beneath Bridge AA and into West Waterloo Dock with South Waterloo Dock running parallel to it.

The above sign was erected at the entrance by C&RT staff to commemorate the opening of Sid's ditch.  It turns out its actually named after our C&RT guide, Sid, as he was the first person to take a boat along the passage when it opened!

The start of Sid's ditch

And the turn before entering the next dock

Leaving Sid's ditch and into Waterloo Dock

Next is Waterloo Dock and buoys mark the passage for us keeping them on our right.  Here are signs of new development alongside the docks and our first proper sighting of the famous liver building.

Liver building hoves into view

In the next dock, Prince's Dock, we had to keep the buoys on our left.  Sid had told us when we reached the lock at the far end not to proceed until he got there.  As it happens he was already there and we entered the lock straight away.

Approaching the lock under the bridge in the distance

This huge cruise liner dwarfed everything around it

Entering the lock

Sid being the cheeky chap he is added a bit of humour to his next instructions this time, telling Chris to keep a firm hold of Smudge as the Liverpool Nessie would get him.  He added if Scotland has a Nessie then Liverpool must have one too!  We were to proceed to Man island Lock via the new St Nicholas place tunnel and wait at the lock.

Not a lot of head room but then Sid reckons big heads are not allowed here anyway

This tunnel exits after 200m into the Liver basin alongside the building itself.  Here a summer fair was well underway and hundreds of gongoozlers watched as we passed through into the shorter Cunard tunnel.  A real goldfish bowl moment.

Crossing the Liver basin into the Cunard tunnel

Even Less head room in this one

Leaving this tunnel and out into the Pier head Channel.  My glasses were giving me problems by now as the transition coating was not changing quick enough so on entering each tunnel I had to remove them to see where we were going!

Crossing Pier head channel to the last tunnel.

The final tunnel in the link is imaginatively named the Museum tunnel as it passes right under the museum.  On exiting this one we finally came to Man Island lock on the left.  Sid was there to greet us with his next set of instructions.  First he gave the ladies a demonstration of which left was the real left then told us make two right turns then two left turns, demonstrating what that looked like for everyone's benefit  (Amy, thats just like your course dance you do before a race!)

Leaving Man Island lock we entered Canning basin and turned right past the two Graving dry docks.  We looked for the next turn but its not until we were almost on it before we could see it. 

Canning basin with one of the boats just leaving the lock

Now for our second right turn through to Canning half tide dock

At the far end of the half tide dock is another lock out onto the Mersey river.  We swung left just before it and entered Albert Dock.  An impressive dock where all the warehouses have been re-developed and now house trendy coffee bars, restaurants and gift shops along the dock sides.

Entering Albert Dock

Those of us old enough to remember, Albert dock was the location where Fred Talbot, the weather man jumped around the floating map of the British Isles.   Sadly it is no longer there and Fred now has a less salubrious claim to fame, no longer admired by his fans.

Fred Talbot in Albert Dock

Our next left turn and the final one into Salterhouse dock

As we turned left into Salterhouse dock our passage was blocked by two large swan peddle boats.  A quick toot on the horn to get them moving again and we finally reached our destination after 13 days of cruising.  We had arrived in Liverpool!

Entry into Salterhouse dock

There to greet us were our good friends Del and Al on Derwent6 (click)  We were booked on another berth for tonight as we were a day early but the one next to Derwent6 was empty so we reversed onto that one right alongside the one we would be booked on for the rest of the week.

Del Standing by Mochan Du to help us onto our mooring.  Derwent6 can be seen next birth along.

Total distance:12.58 miles Elapsed time:6h51m49s Locks:6 Bridges:54 

Average speed:1.83 mph (2.71 lock/mph)

Summer Cruise Day 13 Burscough to Aintree

We left Burscough at 9.20am this morning in cooler weather with the sun shining.  We stopped at the services to dispose of the rubbish and got under way.

Shortly after leaving and as we approached a bridge we heard the familiar "ting ting" of a bicycle bell.  This heralded the start of what was to be an immense group of cyclists going full pelt.  God help anyone walking as they would have been bowled over as they passed.

This is but a few of the cyclists

At Pinfold we came to Scarisbrick Marina and decided to pull in for some diesel.   It a small marina and the only place there was the coffee shop.  We had quite a wait until someone came along to fuel us.

Scarisbrick Marina coffee shop

 An unusual boat is located on the moorings here.  I'd hate to cruise this one as it has an extremely low free-board.  Looks like even the waves on the cut would be too much for it, however, it makes for a lovely home I would think

Barely 6 inches free-board on this house boat

For those of us moored in Tattenhall Marina, you think our entrance is tight try this one.  Room for only a 55 footer to swing, AmyJo  barely got in and out and took several shuffles to get round.  To make things more awkward there are iron railings on the banks either side with 90 degree corners as you exit.

Only 50 foot ahead and not much space to turn 

Back out on the cut and its more lovely countryside.  We passed the Saracen's head on the way and it looked inviting.  May be a stop for lunch on the way back.

At Hallsal on the approaches to Magull is this sculpture of a Canal Navvi can be found.  The stone sculpture by Thomson Dagnell is on the site where the first sod was cut for the canal on the 5th November 1770 by Col. Mordaunt. The Statue was unveiled 2006 to commemorate the work of the predominantly Irish "Navvies" (Navigators).  Unfortunately from this angle those with dirty minds may think the Navvy is not holding a shovel.

That is a shovel by the way, I checked.

Magull looked quite nice and the gardens and moorings well maintained.  Here the Mersey Motor Boat Club dominates with nearly all the long term mooring space owned by them.  Plenty of Yoghurt pots (sorry plastic cruisers, no offence intended) are moored along here

Some nice cruisers on well tended moorings.

One has to negotiate no less than 5 swing bridges in Magull.  The first two like this one arlectrified.  The only obstacle was the large group of canoeists that took ages to move so I could pass through.  It wasn't until I was almost about to run them down did they get out of the way.

At this point they were just launching and by the time I got there they were spread across the cut.

The cut is really nice along here

The next three bridges like this one are all manual.  Two are on minor housing estate roads and one a walk way.

This manual bridge serves only pedestrians

We saw several of these lovely garden benches along here.

 Once through Magull we were nearing our destination for the night.  Advised not to moor beyond Magull our mooring for the night was bridge 10 on the outskirts of Magull.  The canal here is over run with lilies and weed.  Only a narrow passage in the center is free where boats have passed.    We met another boat at some narrows and stopped to let him through and in doing so picked up some weed on the propeller.    A trip down the weed hatch when we moored up.

Lilies line either bank with barely room for boats to pass through

 Once moored I cleared the weed from the prop and also had to remove a huge clump wrapped round the bow too.  We had only been moored an hour when the sky darkened and rain fell, light at first then the heavens came down with a torrential downpour.  It got really dark and the clouds looked really angry.

Dark clouds and the rain began

Hammering it down and really black low cloud

With in a half hour the rain passed and the sun shone again, though more dark clouds were on the horizon.

Our mooring for the night at bridge 10 and a dark sky 

Tomorrow we complete our trip as we pass through Aintree, Bootle and Litherland before finally entering the docks.  We have to be at Bridge 9 for 9:30am so and early start is required.  C&RT only operate the swing bridge between 9:30 and 10:30 so we only have an hour window to get through so I want to be there early.

As I type I was reminded why we love this lifestyle so much.  This is my view out of the back hatch.  How can you not enjoy life watching this with a glass of red in your hand.

This is straight from the camera, no retouching.  I stood for ages watching the sun go down.
I feel so grateful for the life we have right now.

Total distance:13.22 miles Elapsed time:5h57m30s Locks:0 Bridges:35 

Average speed:2.22 mph (2.22 lock/mph) 

Summer Cruise Days 10 & 12 Plank Lane to Parbold then Bursough

Two days blogs in one tonight as we had a visit from daughter Amy last night so no time to sit and do the blog.

We pulled pins at 9.30am yesterday in a warm overcast sky.  Our first task was to fill with water by Plank Lane Bridge then go through.

Plank lane bridge with moorings for the water tap just behind where this was taken.

The bridge is electrified and easy to operate.  A local advised Chris not to open the bridge fully but if she removed her finger from the button the bridge would stop at that point.  With enough headroom AmyJo passed quickly through and the bridge lowered, all in less than 10 minutes.

Partially raised AmyJo passes under the bridge with just enough head room

After a few hours cruising through lovely countryside we approached the outskirts of Wigan.  This lake or flash being the last remnants of the country before reaching the city proper.

Wigan sailing club

 The locks as we approached Wigan looked old and the paddles locked with cuff keys to stop vandals draining the pounds.   After a bit of a struggle Chris got the lock set and we began our descent into Wigan.

Working the paddles having worked out how to unlock them.

The two double locks before we turned onto the Leigh branch were hard going and I had to help Chris close the gateseach time.  Water levels in the lower pounds were low too and every time I tried to bring AmyJo in to wait for Chris set the lock we stirred lots of rubbish up to the surface.  Luckily nothing found the propeller.

Low levels in the pound and been that way for a while by the looks of it

 After the second lock we turned left at the junction and continued our descent but now heading away from Wigan and its flight of 21 Locks.  AmyJo is too long for some of them anyway.  All the time there was the feel of rain in the air adding a gloomy feel to the place as we passed through.

After making the turn the lock at Henhurst bridge was better and the bottom gates had a geared arm and winding handle to open and close them.  This made things much easier for Chris.

Henhurst bridge Lock

Mechanical gate opening/closing mechanism.

The next thing we passed was the turn at Wigan Pier.  The approach to this is straight forward enough and the Wigan Pier Pub faces the turn.  Here we, or rather I, made a fau par and misread the Pearsons guide.  As we entered the turn I swung AmyJo to the right by mistake.   I should have turned Left!

Approach to Wigan Pier 

On doing so we came face to face with a dead end.  No choice for it but to wind AmyJo and get going the correct way.  All was going to plan until on reversing, we picked up a prop jockey that stalled the engine.     A little bit of wind was making the turn harder and was not helping.  Started up the engine, forward gear,  bit of a rumble and whatever we picked up thankfully came free.  The wind was really making things difficult but I was glad of AmyJo's 50hp engine and with a lot of extra power she swung round at last.

Oops not that way

Actually called the Orwell the pub is allegedly located on Wigan Pier though some would argue not.

But this little ballad would tell you otherwise.

Been there for a while by the looks of it

Leaving Wigan behind we cruised past the DW stadium which is home ground for Wigan Athletic F.C. and Wigan Warriors Rugby Club.  At this point we could see right inside and the seat in the far stand.  No match on today and the car parks were empty.

At Lock 89 before Crooke we think the lock gates are out of balance as a simple rod on a pivot and swivel is used to hold them in place when open or closed.  For some reason Smudge took a dislike to the rod and barked profusely at it, not stopping when told to.  His barking went on for several minutes until Chris pulled him away.  Even after that he stood legs spread glaring at it.

Barking and snapping at the rod.  Why we simply cannot fathom

 Crooke came and went in a blink as the canal skirted its flanks.  There looked a nice pub which we would have stopped at for lunch but there was nowhere to moor so we carried on.

Just after Gathurst lock 90 is situated almost under the M6 that towers high above.  The massive structure domineers the surroundings in what otherwise would have been quite pretty countryside.

M6 motorway in the sky

Waiting to Lock down under the M6 and a seat to enjoy the view

We followed a gent single handing from the lock to the first of two swing bridges.  He kindly opened the first bridge for us and then waited for us and a boat coming the other way to pass before he closed the bridge.

The single hander opened the bridge and then waited.

 At Appley bridge lock we met the same gent again with his Parsons Russel dog that looked like Smudge but brown in colour.  The dogs played together as we set the lock for a while then the other dog suddenly for no reason we could tell turned on Smudge snapping, snarling and pinning Smudge to the ground biting him on the neck.  Only quick reactions got Smudge out of harms way and the other dog calmed down.  Again we nor the owner could not fathom why the dog reacted as it did.  Fortunately no harm was done and Smudge was not injured at all.

We continued on our way and finally calling it a day at Parbold a couple of mile further on..

Approaching Parbold and our mooring for the night

Total distance:12.97 miles Elapsed time:7h40m57s Locks:8 Bridges:39 

Average speed:1.69 mph (2.73 lock/mph)

Today we woke to a rain leaden sky and the wind becoming quite gusty.  We decided to have a look round the village before continuing.  Parbold is a delightful place and judging from the number of executive cars, 4x4s and people carriers, quite opulent too.  This is re-enforced by the quite stylish shops, boutiques and accountancy offices that are around the village

A little sign says Parbold new town. 

This old windmill has now been converted into picture galleries.  Its situated alongside the bridge over the canal.  The 18th century windmill, the Mill House Gallery is James Bartholomew’s own gallery and home to his studio since 1997. James’ current paintings and the whole range of signed, limited edition prints can be viewed over three floors and in the adjoining mill building. All work is for sale.

After picking ups some lovely looking Beef and Ale pies from the local butchers we headed back to AmyJo and got under way.

 By now the wind was becoming quite strong but luckily the canal was sheltered from the many trees so not hindering us too much.  The rain was on and off all the tine so the canopy remained up and was welcome shelter from the wind when the trees did not hold it back.

We had to traverse two more swing bridges along the way.  I struggled to keep AmyJo under control whilst Chris operated the bridges.  On both occasions all went well but it was a bit of a job getting Chris back on board and keep AmyJo from being blown onto the bank.  On the last occasion a leap of faith was required.  I know stupid thing to do but it was the only way to get her back aboard.

Passing through the first swing bridge

Second swing bridge with C&RT work boat on the bridge landings beyond the moored boat.

 We passed the turn for the Rufford branch and wished AmyJo could make the trip as I bet it would be fun.  Sadly, again, her length prevents us doing so.  We cruised past kept going.

Quite an ornate bridge and the Rufford branch junction.

and a swing bridge just through it.

 The wind was now getting stronger making thing more difficult.  AmyJo put her weight into it and handled well but we were getting tired with all the work keeping her going.  At Burcough we found a nice spot to moor and so put down the pins for the day.

AinsCoughs mill greets you as you come into Burcough.

 The wind has been blowing all day with bouts of rain passing through all afternoon.  Apart from a walk to Tescos for a shop we've stayed hunkered down in AmyJo.   In a gap between showers I did manage to go down the weed hatch and pulled off loads of urban jelly fish remains  (shredded plastic shopping bags to you).

The forecast is improved for tomorrow so hopefully we can crack on towards Liverpool.  This leg of the canal seems to have gone on for ever but we've enjoyed it so far.  The next few days will see us into Salterhouse docks.

Incidentally we are now barely 12 miles from Southport and the furthest North AmyJo has ever been.  We've covered 82 miles by canal were as its only 24 miles by car to get here.

Our mooring for tonight in front of Ainscoughs Mill

Total distance:3.34 miles Elapsed time:1h31m43s Locks:0 Bridges:11 

Average speed:2.18 mph (2.18 lock/mph)