Monday 7 May 2018

Middlewich Branch and Shropshire Union (Monday 7/5/2018) Bridge 16 Middlewich Branch to Nantwich Basin

Engine hours start: 364 end: 370 = 6 hours

Miles:8 Locks:2  Lock miles: 10


Glorious weather. The branch is unnervingly  quiet due to the breach.

 Minshull Lock being worked in our favour as we approached - likewise Cholmondeston - so through with little delay - probably because we were not in any hurry!

Paused for lunch after Hurleston Junction and returned to base mooring with no fuss at all.

Sunday 6 May 2018

Middlewich Branch (Sunday 6/5/2018) - Move to near Bridge 16 and walk into Middlewich

Engine hours start: 363? end: 364? = 1 hour

Miles:2 Locks:0  Lock miles: 2


Moved up from Church Minshull to the winding hole near Bridge 16. Turned then reversed a little way up the arm to avoid being passed twice by every winding boat. Good call as gave us a nice peaceful mooring.

Walked up the towpath to try and see the breach but the towpath is blocked by a large plywood fence.



Found a path round the breach into Middlewich where we had a very nice Sunday lunch at the White Bear. Very hot weather so a couple of pints were very welcome! 

Wandered back to the boat for a quiet evening.

Saturday 5 May 2018

Shropshire Union & Middlewich Branch (5/5/2018) - Norbury Canal Festival

Engine hours start: 357.5 end: 363.0 = 5.5 hour

Miles:6.5 Locks:2  Lock miles: 8.5


Travelled to boat on Friday evening.

Up promptly to visit the Norbury Junction Canal Festival. Went to deliver copies of Shroppie Fly Paper magazine to the IWA branch members staffing our stand.




Had a look round the various stalls and traders. Andrew got a nice leather coin holder and we got fudge and ice-cream. Chatted to the folk on the Shrewsbury and Newport Canal Trust stand: in a similar situation to Stroudwater with a length in water at Newport and only half a mile separating them from the network. But no Heritage Lottery Fund money so stuck - but hopeful...

Then back to Nantwich and away. Late lunch at Barbridge Inn - very busy as the weather so suddenly glorious. 

In afternoon, along Middlewich branch to moorings above Church Minshull - fave view.

Cooler evening a relief. Neighbours relaxing over booze - noisy but cheerful.