Middlewich (Trent & Mersey Canal) to Northwich (River Weaver)

Total Distance - 12 miles and 5 Locks.

 

After a few days restocking the boat and larking around in Middlewich, 'Ellis' will be all set to head off - be warned however the day before this trip is Capt. E's birthday so he may be a little fragile from a night in a pub (or 3) playing pool and drinking mucky beer! 

 

We’ll expect our guests to arrive about 1.30pm  on day 1 and after an introductory blah blah (and most probably a glass of something fizzy) we’ll chug off and work our way down the Middlewich 3 locks and aim to tie up for the night somewhere before Big lock.  There are a few pubs guests can walk  to if they like or take it easy onboard.

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Next morning (after a simple DIY breakfast), we’ll cast off and head down Big lock - I really have no Idea why there is a wide lock here...(I really should research it some day).  Once through Big lock, we'll  to make our way towards Rudheath - perhaps lunching outside the Broken Cross pub if there's a space.

 

After lunch, we'll meander our way through the industrial Tata Salt extraction plant  - ugly but interspaced with pretty bits...after which we continue on towards the Lion Saltworks - if there's time (and inclination) guests might want to pop in. Capt. E. went around it a few years ago and found it quite interesting.

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We'll have booked the boat lift for the following morning - avoiding the 1st passage down on to the weaver as the boat ends up covering in mud from the gates having spent the night sitting in sludge.  Boaters USED to be able to just turn up and use the lift - these days, online booking only (for a fee) is the only way.  NB - CRT keep threatening/promising a major refurbishment of the lift which might mean it isn't operational... we'll keep an eye on the notices and if it's NOT running, we'll have to come up with a plan b.

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Assuming all is well, we'll be down on to the River Weaver by lunchtime - probably stopping at the bottom for photo opportunities (and lunch) on the the floating pontoons.  Our final destination will be Northwich Quay Marina.  Guests can explore the town in the afternoon and we may even head out for a pub tea to save cooking - only Wetherspoons mind so don't get excited.

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We'll say goodbye to our guests after breakfast the following morning by around  9.30am.  IF we've not been able to get into the Marina, we'll have to moor opposite alongside - it's not a massive walk but we'll give you a lift with your luggage if required.

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