North to Runcorn

The other two locks this way are three miles apart. We all set off one by one to get water and use the town facilities. Then it was full steam ahead to get to Saltersford lock passing the Anderton lift on the way. This lock and the next are much bigger than the previous two. We have to tie up alongside Seyella while Geoff throws ropes up to the lock keeper. George and Carol do the same. Once through the locks we all went at full speed on our journey north. Soon the river heads off to join the Manchester Ship Canal while we continue on the Weston Canal.

Industry now takes over from the open countryside.

We pass the Western Marsh Lock to turn at the end of navigation and return to that lock.

Here we can stop, get off and admire the view. Looking across the waters we see the Weaver on the left where it joins the Ship Canal and in the distance the river Mersey. All the waters heading round Runcorn to the right for Liverpool and beyond. On our return we head for a green field mooring 5 miles distant where we stayed for the night.

Geoff booked passage back through the locks at 11 am and noon so we set off first to get water. The others arrive just as Dutton lock is opening for us all. Must have done an average of 3 miles an hour between the locks but the wide deep river allows a higher speed. Going up the locks proved to be more difficult with the water pushing the boats away from the side as we went up.

Once through the locks we head for visitor moorings at Weaversham for the weekend.