This is the blog of Norwyn & Sheila aboard their narrowboat Shell Bell.
It was a fairly nice morning as we set off a little after 8am but the forecast said rain later (what a surprise).There boats already on the move and we went into Fradley top lock as one came out a good start. the next two locks would be the same what a good start alas there was nothing coming up the last two locks. In all it was quite a quick passage through the Fradley Locks, and soon we were gently going passed the line of permanent moorings one of which is held by another bloggers boat NB Waterlily there is a link to his site on the left of our home page. Just passed Waterlily another familiar boat came into view it was Living in Sanity Again with Sheila at the helm and Bruce walking between the locks a quick shouted greeting and all to soon we were passed(there is also a link to there blog site as well). It was a steady day with company at most of the locks.The rain did make an appearance after lunch but wasn’t heavy. We eventually arrived back in Mercia Marina around 4pm and set about tidying the boat and stowing stuff away as we plan to return to Suffolk for about a month in which time Shell Bell will be painted but more about that later.
Water Lily at her moorings
These two were taking bread from my hand whilst I was locking down
Yesterday I blogged how quiet it was with not many boats on the move. Well today made up for that. Boats round every corner and queues at some of the locks with all the usual banter. It was a nice sunny day as we left Stone and set of on what would be a long day as our destination was Fradley Junction. At the first lock of the day the mile marker indicted that we were at the half way point of the Trent and Mersey canal. At Haywood Junction we passed the book boat plying its trade and there were plenty of people around so hopefully sales were good. We have moored between woods end lock and the Fradley top lock tonight. Tomorrow should see us back in Mercia Marina and we plan to travel back to Suffolk on Tuesday.
Today 23 miles 8 locks
Half way point on the Trent and Mersey
The book boat
Starting today at 8am our first lock was within a hundred yards so it didn’t take long. A quick stop at the Red Bull service block to top the water tank etc. and we were off to transit the next three locks that would see us pass the Macclesfield canal turn and head for the Harecastle tunnel. On arrival at the tunnel the tunnel keeper asked us to moor as we would have a wait of about 45 minutes. The tunnel keeper gave us our brief about what action to take if we had problems in the tunnel and also asked us to take a parcel to the tunnel keeper at the southern portal (other end). After a boat came through we were given the go ahead to go through the tunnel. It took just a shade over 30 mins to transit the tunnel and of course hand over the package to the grateful tunnel keeper. Once clear of the tunnel we made our way through Stoke. It has been noticably quiet with very few boats on the move, even the tunnel keeper said they were over 50% down on the amount of boats going through the tunnel. Being Saturday we did encounter some hire boats around Stoke. We carried on south and cleared the locks in Stone and moored on the outskirts.
Entrance to the Harecastle tunnel
how cute
Is this the smallest Narrowboat or do you know better
Wow it was cold this morning ,My first job was to check my crayfish trap which i had set last night, i never got any crayfish but i did have a nice haul of sand gudgeon and roach all returned safely. Next job was to check the engine oil and water levels. But we had to get going as today we would do 24 locks on our way to Kidsgrove. This stretch of locks is known as heartbreak hill most are paired locks (two locks side by side) and are reasonably spread out over what would be a distance of about 7 miles. All in all it wasn’t too bad and we made reasonable time even stopping on route for lunch and have moored in Kidsgrove between lock 44 and 45. So tomorrow we have four locks to complete heartbreak hill and then through the Harecastle tunnel. Our current Plan should have us back in Mercia Marina on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Today 7 miles 24 locks
What no Crayfish
Paired locks
Leaving Anderton on another nice bright morning, we stopped at the services just past Anderton Marina to top up with water and dumped some rubbish. Although bright it was slightly cooler than yesterday but never the less it was dry. Cruising was pleasant with the aroma of the Rape seed heavy in the air and through the wooded areas the air was heavy with wild Garlic. We stopped for lunch in Middlewich. Straight after lunch we set about doing the four locks that would take us clear of Middlewich as we head south. Staying on the Trent and Mersey we went through four more locks and finished the day about 2 miles from Wheelock.
Total 15 miles 9 locks
Fields of Rape seed
Spot the Buzzard
What a glorious day warm sunshine all day we left Lymm a really nice place to moor and explore around 9am, our first stop would be the North Portal of Preston Brook tunnel. We had lunch and went through the tunnel at 13:30, at the south portal we left the Bridgewater canal and went onto the trent and mersey also we had our only lock of the day. Two more tunnels were navigated on our way to Anderton, which was our chosen overnight mooring. We found lovely moorings just past the Anderton lift and tied up around 16:00hrs. In the evening we took in a pleasant walk down by the river Weaver and back through the woods.
Today 18 miles 1 lock 3 tunnels
Back on the Trent Mersey
The perfect angler
We pulled the pins around 09:15 this morning and set off into a strong head wind but at least it was dry, Clive on board Lady Arwen waved and wished us well as we passed them on there moorings. After about 45 minutes we arrived at Plank Lane Lift bridge which used to be operated by a BW bridge keeper. Alas, not anymore. A new bridge has been built and the whole area opened out, rumour has it a new Marina is to go in the wide expanse of open water to the side of the bridge. One boat was already waiting when we arrived and the lady onboard informed us she had been waiting over two hours- the new bridge had broken down. Two guys from BW were on site and trying to sort the problem but to no avail. Then, as if by magic they informed us it was fixed by a guy on his laptop in an office miles away- the wonders of modern technology. Once open off we set against a really strong cross wind which caused us to crab across the open expanse but soon the shelter of the trees and banks allowed us to travel in a straight line. Next stop was Leigh for a Tesco top up. Mooring here was fun as well because the wind wanted us to moor the opposite side of the cut but the skipper of NB Ruby dashed from his moored boat and helped me pull Shell Bell in using the centre rope. What a day this was turning out to be. Shopping done we set off once more stopping at the excellent Bridgewater Marina to top up with diesel. This was going to be a long day, our destination was Lymm so, with the wind decreasing slightly we made our way through the outskirts of Manchester past the Trafford centre and on through Sale. Around 16:30 we had a shower of rain but it didn’t last to long and we moored in Lymm around 18:00.
Today 27 miles 1 lift bridge
The Trafford Centre
I know its been cold
The long straight Bridgewater canal outside Sale
It was nice and bright with light winds when we joined NB lady Arwen at the top of the Wigan Flight (21 locks). We made a good team with Clive and Mel from Lady Arwen and we cleared the last of the 21 locks in a little under four hours. Once clear we turned left and headed for the two locks that would take us onto the Bridgewater Canal . We were soon through those locks and made our way to Dover Bridge were we moored behind Lady Arwen. This evening we went to the pub with Clive and Mel and had an enjoyable couple of pints.
Today 8.5 miles 23 locks
the last of the 21 locks
Clive and Mel from NB Lady Arwen
We follow Ladt Arwen to the Bridgewater canal
The weather forecast was correct, gale force winds and rain. The decision taken yesterday to stay in Adlington was a good one. We only ventured off the boat to collect some groceries and a paper from the small Co-op, and some coal and kindling from the local garage. We have had the fire alight all day so it is really cosy and warm on the boat. Not many boats on the move today although I did feel sorry for the three hire boats that came past. I guess they had to be back at their base so couldn’t stop for the day. We have arranged with the crew of NB Lady Arwen to leave in the morning around 8am and head for the 21 locks that make up the Wigan flight.
A lazy start today as our plan was to get through the Johnson Hill locks and moor in Adlington ready for our run up to the 21 Wigan locks on Sunday. Well, we had a nice run up to the first lock in overcast chilly conditions. At the top lock we used the services for water, loo tank and rubbish. Also a chance meeting with the crew of N.B Lady Arwen who were heading for the Wigan locks. By this time we had heard the weather forecast for Sunday- heavy rain and strong winds!!!!!. After a discussion we all agreed to moor in Adlington, stay put on Sunday and attack the Wigan flight on Monday in what will hopefully be better weather conditions. So it will be a day of rest tomorrow.
Today 7 miles 7 locks
