Having arrived at the Tunnel entrance we discover we can have an 'on demand' passage at 8am . The CART web site only offers you a booking for 3pm each day ! Guess which we are going to take ? Too right - the 8am one.
this is the tunnel entrance. You have to pause as you go in to make sure you fit.
getting checked before going and its only 7.45am
being measured - yes we are fine (despite them says the plants would have to be taken off the roof and the chimney - or funnel as the tunnel man called it , removed ) Their knowledge, or lack of it, inspires one with confidence.
as first boat of the day we had a rare sight - the other end of the tunnel 2960 yds away
being checked out on exiting the tunnel. You declare no. of people on board and no of pets etc. at entrance and they make sure the same number come out ! The tunnel takes around 40 mins to pass from end to end
passing the entrance to the Macclesfield canal
Red Bull top lock . tow path side . having repairs. The Cheshire Locks, or 'Heart Break Hill, were all twin locks. Sadly now a days many have fallen into disrepair, and a lot more to follow as CaRT just seem to be putting tape round them and letting them rot away. So sad.
looks like the lock gates are being replaced
see the lock to left of picture - red tape across entrance. Its been like this for years now.
that bridge is where the Macclesfield canal crosses over the Trent and Mersey canal.
below Red Bull ... chaos. Only 1 lock working here but 2 locks working below, so 2 boats come us . one in each lock !
at Church locks both the twin locks are unused and have been so for as long as I can remember, and that is a long time !
the second of the two being in a slighter better state
looking back at the old lock gates on Church top lock
now there are Halls Locks, 2 of them
Tony on his way to the 2nd of the two whilst I shut the gates behind him
Just 3 more to go to Rode Heath. Lawton Treble locks. Once again 2 of the 3 locks, the twin has been allowed to fall into disuse.
So we duly arrived at Rode Heath for a meeting with friends coming from Middlewich. The Broughton Arms tonight.
the 2 boats nose to nose opposite The Broughton Arms Judy and Lisa's flowers putting my Geraniums to shame .
A nice catch up meal with friends. What more can one ask for. Good food and good company.
I love this flight of locks. They are all easy and through some wonderful countryside. From the tunnel to Middlewich there are 30 of them over 12 and 1/4 miles
Why people think they are hard work I can not understand. - but then I love 'locking'
11 locks today
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