Ellesmere Port

From Tattenhall we sailed towards Chester.  The rural landscape gave way to the village of Waverton which has plenty of interesting back gardens along the canalside.  The canal took us back through history as we passed the old industrial buildings and steam mill before cutting through the dark red sandstone below the Roman walls.  The walls with their towers and gates across the main roads into the city, make an interesting circular walk giving good views across Chester.

The canal cuts through the red sandstone and under Northgate Bridge.  In the top left hand corner you can see the Roman Walls and the Northgate entrance into the city.

Brin quickly settled into travelling.  After looking out from the back deck she retired to bed taking Bess with her.  Later we found she'd also taken the opportunity to check the bookcase and worktops, helping herself to anything worth chewing.  In future everything will have to be placed out of her long-legged reached. 

This branch of the Shropshire Union links with the Manchester Ship Canal at Ellesmere Port, our next destination.  Unfortunately this last stretch of the canal was full of rubbish which continually wrapped itself around our propeller and rudder.  We had to make frequent stops for Kev to delve into the weedhatch to pull out plastic bags, clothing and sacks.  

The Shropshire Union on the left joins the Manchester Ship Canal at Ellesmere Port

Ellesmere Port is also the home of the Boat Museum and as we arrived a large crowd stood around the basin.  We realised they were watching a demonstration of model boats as it was an enthusiasts' weekend.  It was interesting to see the detail of the models and the speed at which they motored across the basin.  The highlight of the visit to the museum was stepping into a restored working boatman's cabin.  I can't imagine how the working boat families managed in such a small space.  

As we didn't want to venture onto the Manchester Ship Canal we retraced our route back to Hurleston Junction where we turned onto the Llangollen Canal.  This is a narrow canal with extremely narrow locks and our slim black tubular fenders had to be lifted before we entered.  

The Llangollen Canal is rural and peaceful and in common with Tattenhall we often see hawks sat in trees.  However we were surprised to see a duck fly up and land in a tree as we passed.

This canal is very popular with tourists but we prefer to be here out of season.  Moorings are plentiful but in places the towpath is very wet.  We've picked the driest spots and have dog towels at the ready for muddy paws.  

Our route from Tattenhall Marina to Grindley Brook, the retraced route is shown in orange.