THE CHESHIRE RING

1st - 8th September 2007

Saturday 1st September (warm, but overcast)

• The skilled and brave crew gathered at Alan's house at 9-15am in eager anticipation of the tasks ahead of them.  They departed for the boatyard at Acton Bridge (between Northwich and Runcorn), diverting into Morrisons at Warrington to collect sufficient healthy provisions for the week, including ample salad, porridge, orange juice and smoked mackerel fillets.  The crew had previously decided to reduce their intake of bacon and sausage and limited themselves to rations of one item of each per day.  They arrived at the boatyard at 12-30, to be told firmly by the lady in charge to go away and not return for at least one hour.  After consulting with one of the young cleaning girls, a pub was recommended just a few minutes walk away called the Leigh Arms.  The crew whiled away the hour with lunch of healthy Beef & Onion Baguette (except Neil) with two pints of Robinsons Unicorn Ale, which met with the particular approval of Ron.
   
• On arriving back at the boatyard after 2pm, the staff were quick to recognise the superior skills of the crew and allowed the allocated narrowboat "Carol" to commence the long, difficult and daring route at 2-15pm.  However, within 15 minutes disaster struck when, with Neil driving, as he firmly grounded the narrowboat into swallow waters, whilst passing another boat with inexperienced crew.  Despite being stuck fast, with expert team work, the skilled crew managed to free the narrowboat to recommence their journey on towards the first lock and the Preston Brook tunnel (1,239yds).  Due to the considerable delays, the crew arrived some 7 minutes after the prescribed northbound navigation window of "On the hour to 10minutes past" and therefore moored for welcome coffee and biscuits.  (Note for Cran:  The crew observed that the narrowboat Carol performed in an inferior way, compared with S'mine Too, with which the crew were very familiar).
   

  Waiting to enter the Preston Brook tunnel   Passing the junction with the Runcorn Arm

   

• The tunnel was expertly traversed in a mere 14 minutes by Ron, where upon the crew were able to gaze at the delights of the M56 as they passed beneath and shortly afterwards the junction with the Runcorn Arm.  The Bridgewater Canal was found to be wide as it wound its way through the country past Daresbury Laboratories.  The narrowboat was carefully guided onwards to its planned overnight mooring at Stockton Heath, where the excited crew were anxious to view the Manchester Ship Canal for the first time.   However, before reaching this location, they passed through the delightful village of Higher Walton, where Alan was dispatched to investigate the Walton Arms.  He returned reporting that the pub was very acceptable having an attached Bistro offering, amongst other things, a carvery at £7-95.  The crew felt that this would be a better stopping point and promptly moored before 6pm for an evening of beer and food. Ron and Neil took the opportunity to take a healthy one hour and five minute energetic power walk to beyond Stockton Heath, which greatly enhanced their appetite. 
   

  	Narrowboat "Carol" moored at Higher Walton
  The Walton Arms in Higher Walton offering a carvery dinner

   

• The crew all enjoyed carvery dinners served by an attractive waitress with a pleasant liverpudlian accent.  Several strange draft ales were sampled, including "Brains" and "Cains", which were consider foreign to the crew's tastes.  The crew returned to their boat for well desired rest without need of cheese and biscuits.  They looked forward in eager anticipation to their next day, which would take them into the unknown areas of the heart of Manchester.
   

Sunday 2nd September (overcast with brief drizzle, turning into persistent rain in the afternoon)

• The crew in their very comfortable beds sleep to a late hour rising at 7:55 to enjoy portions of wholesome porridge prepared by Neil.  The crew quickly cast off to gaze at the neat gardens of Stockton Heath, where a quick stop was made under London Bridge at a Chandlery to procure a pair of "Piling Mooring Clips" at a bargain price of only £5 each.
   
• The Narrowboat sedately cruised down the canal with Alan at the helm through Grappenhall, where Neil read of an daring excursion possibility crossing the Manchester Ship Canal on a Scull Ferry, to visit the giant Latchford locks, which greatly intrigued the crew.   The boat was promptly moored near the Thelwall Aqueduct and the crew set off at great speed in excited anticipation.  After the 3/4 mile walk the ferry station was located, together with Scull, but alas to their despair was found not to operate on Sundays.  They therefore set off on foot to find the locks by road, which due to their superior navigational skills, were soon located.
   

  The deserted ferry station, closed on Sundays

   

• The giant parallel locks were found to be deserted and sadly neglected, but on meeting an old gentleman also looking at the locks, it was discovered that until 1988 he was a Pilot on the Ship Canal, after leaving the Merchant Navy, and this was the first time he had returned.  The well spoken gentleman was able to tell us much of the history of the canal, which proved to be fascinating.  He was in fact waiting for his son, to join a boat coming down from Manchester and through the locks around Midday.  Although the crew were keen to see the rare event, it soon became apparent that it had been delayed and they reluctantly left to return to their narrowboat.
   

  The giant lock gates of the Latchford Locks   The largest Lock

   

• Neil prepared a healthy salad lunch, with pickled onions, Granary Baps and some chutney, which was greatly appreciated by the crew. They quickly set off on their adventure, much revived after their morning exertions.  The narrowboat continued on its epic voyage travelling beneath the M6 motorway before entering the pretty village of Lymm.
   
• Whilst passing the village of Oldfield Brow a stricken craft with engine failure having numerous distressed persons on board was encountered.  The crew feeling great pity for the situation, promptly stopped and offered a lifesaving tow.  After the boat was securely tied, they set off towards Manchester with the other narrowboat in close tow. 
   

  The stricken craft under tow, by the compassionate and skilled crew

   

• Ron expertly towed the stricken craft for 4 hours towards Manchester in frequent heavy showers, passing such sights as the Trafford Park Containerbase terminal, Salford Quays and the Manchester United football ground at Old Trafford.  The narrowboats continued onward, through difficult waters, to gently enter the Castlefields Basin where a suitable mooring location for two boats was sought.  The crew rapidly located a suitable spot where both boats were moored without event.  The grateful survivors offered tokens of their appreciation, which were declined by the gracious crew.
   

  Passing Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United

   

• After recovering in the warm boat after the harrowing events of the afternoon, the crew showered and prepared themselves for a night out in Manchester centre.  They left in search of food and drink and having passed many trendy bars and restaurants, located the White Lion Hotel, which offered Landlord and Thwaites "Bomber" Ales, together with Chinese cuisine.  They enjoyed several pints of ale and a most enjoyable Chinese meal in homely surroundings before returning to the boat for small portions of cheese and biscuits.  The crew reflected on their many accomplishments of the day, which had been achieved without the benefit of a fried breakfast.  However, the crew remained very conscious of the fact that the following long day, having 27 locks to negotiate, would be most taxing and dangerous and would require an early start.  They retired to contemplate these issues.
   

Monday 3rd September (sunny and warm all day)

The Narrowboat "Carol" ready to leave her moorings   Part of Castlefield Basin

• The crew awoke at an early hour eager to view the delights of the Rochdale Canal heading up through the very heart of Manchester.  Statutory porridge was prepared and consumed with gusto and Alan removed the reed hatch to remove some rope and a polythene bag from around the propeller.  The narrowboat "Carol" was the first to leave its moorings entering the first double sized lock at 7-50am.  A minor catastrophe occurred when the gate paddle flooded the well at the front of the boat, but quick thinking actions by Neil by closing the front doors, stopped the boat from being overwhelmed.
   
• However, the second lock was a different matter entirely.  It was obvious that a preceding boat, with inexperienced crew, had caught the bow of their boat in the lock gate and as the water rose lifted it from its bottom hinge.  The gate was hanging at an awkward angle and attempts to drain the lock proved fruitless.  The crew quickly dismissed thoughts of failure to complete their allocated task for the day and promptly moored to prepare a healthy breakfast of sausage, bacon and fried egg with wholemeal toast.
   

  	The misaligned Lock Gate which caused the crew much delay
  British Waterways engineers testing the lock gate after repairs

   

• British Waterways were informed of the problem and their engineers arrived after some 2 hours.  Under the scrutiny and close attention of the crew they proceeded with heavy duty jacks to lift the giant gate and manoeuvre it back into its correct position.  The crew then having completed their wholesome breakfast were able to proceed further through the remaining locks crossing the centre of Manchester.  At the top lock in Piccadilly Basin, where the crew were about to turn into the Ashton Canal, two narrowboats with inexperienced crew, were witnessed moored in a strange location.  The crew using their analytical skills quickly established that these must have been the offending boats that caused the damage to the lock gate which had put their plan of progress for the day in grave jeopardy.
   

  Travelling through the centre of Manchester

   

• The Ashton Canal proved to be in need of much attention and the locks were generally found to be in a poor state of repair.  The slow progress caused the crew much concern.  A further 18 locks were negotiated, passing several open pubs, but the crew did not falter from their allocated tasks.  It was noted that the canal was not well used, as no other vessel was passed until almost the end of the day.  Several further stops had to be made to remove rope, polythene bags and even articles of underclothing from the propeller.  Neil prepared  Smoked Mackerel Sandwiches for the crew during a brief pause while waiting for a lock to fill.  This was greatly appreciated by the hungry and tired crew and helped sustain them for remainder of the day. 
   
• The mounting delays meant that the planned liaison with Sharon (from Colin's factory at Dukinfield) would not be possible, much to the disappointment of the crew.  However, the crew pushed onward with grit and determination, desperate to reach their planned stopping point for the evening at Romiley.   The very sharp turn from the Rochdale Canal into the Peak Forest Canal was accomplished with near perfection by Ron and the crew continued in an organised and committed way.  Calculations by the skipper confirmed that due to the immense skill and determination of the crew, the narrowboat was in fact ahead of schedule and had made up virtually all of the lost time.  They arrived at Romiley at 6:30pm after what was agreed, as being the most taxing and dangerous day of their expedition so far.
   
• The exhausted crew after showering, quickly made their way into Romiley and chose the Duke of York public house for their evening.  The pub boasted the attached "Mediterranean" restaurant and also served a selection of real ales to the delight of the crew.  They started with pints of London Pride, although Neil found this not to his liking and quickly changed to Bombardier.  High quality dinners of Medallions of Minced Lamb and Mixed Grill, with extra Chilli sauce, were chosen by the crew which were thoroughly enjoyed.  Afterwards the friendly locals invited them to join in their regular Pub Quiz, in which they consider they faired well, although the scoring system seemed to disfavour them.  They were also amazed at how well the beer settled with their mood and the quantity consumed over the evening amazed them.  They were further surprised by the observed licensing hours, which seemed to benefit the locals.  After returning to the boat, both coffee as well as cheese and biscuits were declined and the crew (except Alan) retired to contemplate their next day on the narrowboat.  A difficult day down the Marple Locks lay before the skilled and capable crew as they lay dreaming of further sunny and perfect narrowboating days.
  .

Tuesday 4th September (another warm and sunny day)

• The crew enjoyed a comfortable lay-in until 8-15am confident that their superior skills would enable a swift passage up the 16 Marple locks.  Neil prepared nutritious porridge after which they set off through the Cheshire countryside.  They stopped to admire the incredible Marple Aqueduct and the adjacent railway viaduct.
   

  The narrowboat crossing the Marple Aqueduct

   

• The Marple flight of 16 locks proved no difficulty for the experienced crew, despite all the locks being against them.  As it was felt that a narrowboat ahead of them could cause them some delay, a stop for coffee with Hob Nob was made in one of the attractive locks, by the road, where the group photo below was taken.  The crew enjoyed the pleasant surroundings of Marple and top lock was reached in an envious time.
   

  The intrepid crew enjoying coffee during their transition of the Marple Locks

   

• A stop for sustenance was made after the exertions of the Marple flight of locks and they moored just after the junction with the Macclesfield Canal.  Ron prepared a splendid cooked lunch with double bacon rashers and baked beans, which met with the full approval of the other crew.  The skipper allowed a period of relaxation afterwards, where emails were sent and postcards written to their loved ones.  A two hour cruise down the remainder of the Peak Forest Canal to Bugsworth Basin lay before the crew, where they were looking forward to studying the historic canal town. 
   
• The crew enjoyed the stunning views of the Peak District as they cruised towards Whaley Bridge in the warm sunshine.  Particular note was made of the "Swizzlers" factory at New Mills, but no female staff were seen waving from the windows on this occasion.  Neil exercised his Lift Bridge opening skills at several locations on route, much to the amazement of the others.  The Whaley Arm was selected at the junction and the narrowboat gently slid down passing numerous moored boats, also observing the "Stealth" narrowboat recovered and moored by the crew some weeks earlier.
   

  The crew observed the "Stealth" narrowboat rescued some weeks earlier and safely moored on the Whaley Arm

   

• Neil was despatched to purchase further supplies of milk, fruit and orange juice from the local Tesco store. The narrowboat was filled with water and expertly turned before setting off to head to Bugsworth to take a tour of the historic basins.  Several mooring locations were considered, but the entire area was explored before Neil expertly turned and reversed the narrowboat into the chosen mooring spot, demonstrating considerable skills, much to the amazement of his fellow narrowboaters.
   

  The crew exploring Bugsworth Basin

   

• The crew showered and prepared themselves for the delights of Whaley Bridge, considering dinner and ale at one of the local establishments.  They left the boat at 7-45pm to take the torturous direct route over numerous hills to arrive at Whaley Bridge following the route of the old incline railway.  They rapidly located a number of drinking establishments, but to their distress found that none of them were serving food.  The experienced crew were unperturbed by this disastrous news, and set off on foot to follow the easier but longer canal route back to the Navigation Inn at Bugsworth, where they arrived in time to consume Fishermans Pie, Haddock and Scampi dinners, together with a number of pints of Timothy Taylors Landlord bitter.
   
• They returned to the boat for a little cheese and biscuits with their coffee.  The tortuous plans for the next two days were discussed, before they retired to their beds to contemplate the arduous work ahead of them.
   

Wednesday 5th September (damp and overcast in the morning, but getting better)

• The refreshed crew awoke to see rain on the windows as Neil prepared heartening porridge.  The initial section of the Peak Forest Canal towards Marple, was navigated through quite heavy drizzle at times.  The various swing and lift bridges presented no problems for the courageous crew and they again studied with great interest the Swizzlers factory at New Mills, as they sensed the sweet aroma that wafted into their nostrils.
   
• The tight and dangerous turn at Marple into the Macclesfield Canal was negotiated precisely by Alan before stopping for water and to allow Ron to prepare a delicious and protein rich breakfast, with double sausage, which was considered essential for the further exertions of the day.  The weather had improved considerably at this stage and the remainder of the day proved most satisfactory.
   

  The crew enjoying their nutritious breakfast

   

• The crew continued their lock free journey down the Macclesfield Canal, towards their planned overnight stopping point at Oakgrove, looking forward the feasting themselves on the splendid views of the Cheshire countryside.  Neil's incredible eyesight enabled him to locate a Kingfisher in flight and pointed this out to the other crew, which greatly pleased them.
   

  The crew were amazed by the magnificent mill buildings along the route. The Adelphi Mill at Bollington

   

• An opportunity was taken to moor the boat at Macclesfield for a walk to the local Tesco superstore to procure a minimum of 12 slices of sliced granary loaf, based on calculations of 3 crew x 2 pieces of toast x 2 days.  The cunning crew selected an Oatmeal Farmhouse Batch having 15 slices at 78p, with considerations that the local ducks may benefit from the extra 3 slices.
   
• On leaving the store, Ron was quick to locate 2 attractive young blond girls having difficulty with a pressure hose.  He gallantly went to their assistance by inflating their tyres, while the remainder of the crew gazed with envy at his characteristic opportunism.
   

  The crew satisfied with their purchase of additional bread supplies

   

• The narrowboat arrived at Oakgrove at 6-15pm and moored before the electrically operated lift bridge, due to a significant number of boats already moored after the bridge.  Neil expressed his concern that this would cause unnecessary delays to the traffic in the busy morning rush hour, but the other crew remained  totally unconcerned.  Neil was despatched to book a table at 8pm at the "Fools Nook" pub, but arrived back advising that they would be very busy.  However, on recognising the importance of the trip they promised that they would attempt to meet the crew's needs.
   
• Neil and Ron decided to use the slack time before dinner to investigate the local area on foot, leaving Alan to update the Ship's Log.  The crew hurried to the Fool's Nook for healthy and delicious Salmon dinners rich in Omega 3.  Considerable quantities of Thwaites Original bitter (despite being 3.6%) were much enjoyed.  The crew rejected the advances of a middle aged Welsh lady in pink tight suit, despite the constant exchanges of eye contact.  The faithful crew returned alone to their boat for coffee, without cheese and biscuits.
   
• The weather forecast for the following day appeared encouraging and the crew retired to their beds to further contemplate their day's achievements.  
   

Thursday 6th September (overcast in the morning, but really hot in the afternoon)

• The crew were up at an early hour for fibre enriched welcome porridge, setting off at 8am, after Alan took delight in stopping all the morning traffic with the electrically operated swing bridge.  After the excitement of the bridge the crew continued their serene cruise through the Cheshire countryside looking out for Jedrell Bank, but in the mist again failing to locate it.  Passing bridge 53 brought the boat to the top of the Bosley flight of 12 locks, where the crew were anxious to exercise their superior locking skills.
   
• The crew noticed a lone gentlemen and his dog ahead of them traversing the locks and chose to help his passage by operating the locks.  He was most appreciative, but somewhat sad as he explained that this was his first trip on his narrowboat since his wife, Elaine, died in March.  They had spent over 30 years "On the Cut" together and he was finding it difficult to continue on his own.  The crew bid him farewell at the bottom lock and promptly moored for a nutritious cooked breakfast with freshly squeezed orange juice.
   

  A near catastrophe was averted by the quick thinking actions of Ron, when a narrowboat appeared at high speed through a narrow bridge on a blind corner.  The resulting emergency stop grounded the narrowboat into the undergrowth, but the experienced crew swiftly corrected the situation and the delay caused was minimal.

   

• As the day continued the weather improved considerably and the heat of the sun made it necessary for two of the crew to remove their shirts.  A number of high aqueducts were passed which allowed the crew superb views of the Cheshire countryside.  The town of Congleton was passed before reaching the single Hall Green Lock.  Shortly afterwards Neil prepared a serving of Hot Dogs, with Classic Yellow Mustard, which provided sufficient additional energy to sustain the crew for the flight of 12 deep locks ahead of them.
   
• The sharp turn into the Trent & Mersey Canal proved too tight for the 68 foot narrowboat and additional help was provided with the use of ropes.  The crew were surprised to find the locks ahead of them were mainly "doubles", but their poor condition made their transition difficult even for the skilled crew.
   

  The crew found the Trent & Mersey deep double locks in poor condition, but this did not distract them from their important mission.

   

• After 12 locks the crew stopped at their planned destination for the day in the pleasant village of Rode Heath.  They moored opposite the canalside Broughton Arms.  Alan investigated the pub which boasted a good menu and Marston Ales.  However, on taking advice Ron walked to an alternative pub called the Royal Oak, which offering Bombardier and Abbott Ales, met with the universal favour of the crew.
   

  The crew rejected the Broughton Arms at Rode Heath, as not providing the most suitable ales for their tastes

   

•  Neil foolishly decided to take a take an energetic run along the tow path, before returning to the boat, when the crew prepared for their penultimate evening at Rode Heath.  Meanwhile Ron took the opportunity to feed the local floating wild life.
   

  Ron feeding the local wildlife

   

• After a reasonably long walk, The Royal Oak was visited by the tired and cunning crew who quickly noted the 2 meals for 1 offer.  Dinners of Steak Chasseur, Pork Steak and Chicken Jalfraizzi, with poppadom, were selected at a bargain total price of only £19-55.  The considerable savings achieved resulted in the crew succumbing to the delights of the sweet trolley, where Toffee Crunch, Lemon Meringue Pie and a Spotted Dick were ordered.  Charles Wells "Bombardier Ale" was chosen as the accompaniment for their dinner and sufficient quantities were purchased to keep the crew happy.   Coffee, with cheese and biscuits were consumed back at the boat before the crew retired at an early hour, contemplating the successes of their day.
   
• A long and busy day lay ahead of the crew on their last day, where they were hoping to reach the famous Anderton Lift.  Ron highlighted a flaw in "The Plan" in that their were two short one way tunnels in the last section of the route, which may result in delays to the return of the boat and the success of the mission.  Consideration was given to mooring after the first tunnel on Friday night, so that the passage times for the remaining tunnel could be taken into account for Saturday morning.
  
    

Friday 7th September (cloudy most of the day, but with some sunshine around midday)

• The crew awoke early aware that only one day of their adventure remained and a successful conclusion was within their grasp.  However they remained acutely aware that "The Plan" showed this to be their longest day yet, with some 11 hours and 25 gruelling locks.  Smooth, organic and delicious porridge was served by Neil, which greatly calmed their nerves.  The narrowboat gently left its moorings at 7-40am to travel the short distance to the next lock, which had been filled and the gate opened by Ron at first light, before the remainder of the crew had even awoken.
   
• The delightful villages of Hassell Green and Wheelock were passed as the skilled crew worked the constant stream of further locks.  Ron prepared their last breakfast, with excellent scrambled egg, using up all of their supplies of fresh produce and the boat was moored adjacent to a water treatment plant to consume their sustaining food.
   

• Several large factories were passed on this section of the canal, including "Ah Bisto" and a Salt factory having the most enormous pile of salt known to mankind.
   

  	The "Ah Bisto" factory   by the side of the canal
  The largest pile of salt known to mankind

   

•  Whilst travelling through Middlewich the crew much admired the Anderton Hire Boats which seemed to be available through Hoseasons, shortly after Neil made the perilous turn after the first lock.
   

  Neil skilfully negotiated the perilous turn after the first of the Middlewich locks, using all available power.  The other crew remained on the bank for safety.

   

• On leaving Middlewich, the crew considered that due to their diligence and hard work, sufficient time had been made-up to permit the crew a short shore stop at the "Big Lock" public house.
   

  	The crew were disappointed with the quality of the Cains Ale and the surroundings at "The Big Lock" public house.
  The crew past several "Flashes" (wide sections of the canal), never before witnessed by the crew

   

• Neil prepared a healthy and nutritious lunch using up most of the remaining provisions.  Ham and Hot Dog sandwiches, with soup and salad, were enjoyed in relays followed by lashings of fresh fruit salad.
   
• Just passing the little village of Higher Shurlach the crew routinely passed a narrowboat, but due to a sharp blind corner, Ron was unable to avoid a collision with the narrowboat "Cheddleton Mill", that was considered to be travelling far too close.   Their crew were very understanding about the matter, as they attempted to recover their boat, which had become impaled on the bank.
   
• The narrowboat soon arrived at Anderton, where the crew were keen to gaze at the ingenious and famous "Anderton Boat Lift".  Although they viewed the lift from a distance, the visitors centre was just closing at 5pm and an in-detail study was not possible.
   

  The crew gazed at the Anderton Lift in awe

   

• The crew initially decided to moor between the Barnton and Saltersgate tunnels.  Alan was elected to take the boat through the dark, winding and dangerous tunnel, but finding mooring somewhat limited decided to proceed through the second more difficult tunnel.  British Waterways allocated a northward travel time of between "On the Hour until 20 minutes past" and the crew duly waited their transition slot. However, on entering the tunnel a horn was heard and to their horror the light of another boat was seen coming towards them.  Alan backed the boat out of the tunnel and held the boat perilously by the entrance.  The other boat emerged, their crew quite unrepentant, blatantly breaking the British Waterways rules. 
   
• The crew considered that sufficient time had been made during the day to ensure the success of their mission and they therefore looked forward to their last evening of merriment.  The narrowboat was moored less than a mile from the boatyard and "The Leigh Arms" was the chosen venue.  The crew made their way skipping with the excitement in having successfully completed their mission.  Dinners of Chicken & Mushroom Tagliatelli, with shared garlic bread, Chicken Jalfraizzi with poppadom and Gammon with pineapple and extra egg were consumed with gusto.  At the request of Ron the chosen ale for the evening was Robinsons Unicorn.  Judicious quantities were purchased and thoroughly enjoyed.
   
• The elated crew returned to the boat to finish the small quantities of cheese and biscuits remaining, together with coffee.  They retired to contemplate their successful mission and plan their next, even more dangerous, adventure for the intrepid explorers.
   

Alan's Original Plan"

In order to have any chance of completing this dangerous mission, Alan worked out a plan in advance.  As it is very ambitious, it was considered that only a skilled crew could achieve this tortuous route, although they are acutely aware that any slippage of this plan could spell disaster!!!! 

SATURDAY:
Depart the boatyard heading northwards on the Trent & Mersey, turning onto the Bridgewater Canal after the Preston Brook tunnel (1,239 yds).  Continue to overnight at either Higher Walton or Stockton Heath.  (7 mls, 1 lock & 3.25 hrs)

SUNDAY:
Continue on the Bridgewater canal, past the Thelwall Viaduct, adjacent to the Manchester Ship Canal to cruise through Lymm. Continue past Sale, turning onto the Rochdale Canal near Stretford.  Moor near Castlefield junction for a night in the centre of Manchester. (19.5 mls, 0 locks & 6.75 hrs)

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