The Anderton Lift

Friday 11 June. 7 1/2 miles, 6 locks.

Meet some Aussies on the tow path and chatted for an hour before heading off to the end of the Middlewich Branch where we turned left to head down the Trent & Mersey. Restocked from the supermarket at Middlewich and then through the last double lock for a while. Spent the might at an isolated spot next to bridge 176 near Bulls Wood.

Saturday 12 June. 10 miles, 1 lift.

Headed off in brilliant sunshine through the industrial outskirts of Northwich. Went to look at a salt works museum but it is being renovated so continued on to arrive at the Anderton Lift about 1500. Next available slot was 1645, last of the day, so had a cuppa and waited. The lift was no great drama but great to be able to travel on this historical engineering marvel. Took about 45 minutes to get into the lift and go down the 50 ft.

Now we are on the River Weaver. By the time we got onto the river all the moorings in Northwich were full so we continued up river to the first lock. Couldn't go any further as this is a BIG lock and is operated by a lock keeper who was just on his way home for the day. At least there is no lock work for the crew.

Photo is: 'Exiting at the bottom onto the River Weaver. The whole process takes about half an hour.'