Locks and more locks

We don't often make a schedule but as we have some dates to meet I put together a plan.  Our intention was to head south as we joined the Peak Forest Canal towards Whaley Bridge but as we turned in this direction we quickly realised the canal was going to be too shallow.  Luckily we were able to turn round and head north but unluckily this took us straight into the 14 locks forming the Marple Flight.  At the bottom of the Marple Flight we crossed over the Hyde Aqueduct and through the remains of a tunnel before mooring up.  Our planned quiet day had taken an energetic turn and my schedule was redundant. 

All that remains of Rose Hill Tunnel - one side wall, the towpath and a bridge at the far end.

An early start was required for the Ashton Canal which will take us east through Manchester.  The canal passes through built up areas and unfortunately there are limited safe moorings.  We see several shopping trolleys, their wheels sticking out of the water and a lot of rubbish as we travel along this stretch.  Anti-vandal locks prevent the lock paddles being opened by non-boaters but are fiddly to use. 

The first 18 locks are narrow so only one boat can descend at a time.  Fortunately another boat followed us down so we were able to assist each other.  For the first time in 45 years Kev rode a pushbike, flying down the towpath to the next lock with Bess running alongside.  

At Dulcie Street Junction the Ashton Canal joined the Rochdale Canal and the next 9 locks were wide enough for both our boats.  After the first lock the canal flowed under a tower block and we sailed between 2 rows of large concrete columns which support the building.  After descending through the next lock we emerged into daylight below road level but we could still catch glimpses of the busy city.  

As this was Manchester we weren't surprised when it started raining and were looking forward to mooring up after the last lock but the bottom gates were leaking badly.  This stopped the lock filling so we couldn't open the top gates to get into the lock.  Eventually we decided brute force was needed and 5 of us managed to swing the gate open.   Shortly afterwards we were pleased to be moored up at Castlefield.   

Sailing out of Manchester on the Bridgewater Canal was a far more leisurely affair.  There were no locks and the canal is deep.  We passed new tower blocks with offices facing the canal and through industrial areas before seeing the Manchester United football ground. 

Manchester United football ground from the canal

The sight of the freight terminal brought back memories of Kev's lorry driving days as this was a regular destination.   We also passed the entrance to the Trafford Park shopping centre complete with moorings for any boaters who wish to stop and shop. 

The aqueduct at Barton took us over the Manchester Ship Canal.  This aqueduct is swung round to allow tall boats along the ship canal.   

The Barton swing aqueduct over the Manchester Ship Canal

The canal then flows alongside a main road and there is a traffic queue.  Horns are beeped and children wave at Bess, sat on the roof, as we pass by.  

Our surroundings change as we sail into a recreation park with well kept towpaths on either side of the canal.  The canal water gradually changes to the rusty colour of iron as we approach Worsley, our mooring for the night.   The canal was built to transport coal and two disused tunnels which led to the old coal mines are still standing.  The buildings facing the canal are very different to the industrial sights we'd seen in Manchester. 

The Packet House at Worsley.  The navigable canal turns sharply to the left , the right hand branch leads to the tunnels to the coal mines.

Our journey from Bollington to Worsley