,

THE LLANGOLLEN ADVENTURE

1st - 8th July 2023

An enhanced narrowboating crew of five met at the Black Prince boatyard at Chirk, on Saturday 1st July, excited to be allocated their 70ft narrowboat 'Lydia' for a one week adventure.   The route had been calculated in an attempt to reach the Shropshire Union canal, where it was hoped that the delights of Nantwich could be enjoyed.   This year Ed rejoined the group, which together with (New Boy) Jon made the crew of five.   What could possibly go wrong with such an experienced crew in charge, one would ask!!   This year the route was chosen to exclude any long tunnels in order to minimise stress levels and protect the mental health of the crew.

Saturday 1st July

• The excited crew arrived at Chirk after a shopping expedition at Sainsburys in Chester to collect sufficient healthy supplies.  Bob was first to arrive and after the re-union headed to report in to the boatyard staff.    After a quick briefing by Paul about the dangers of the trip and the infamous narrowboat toilets, they set off almost immediately in order to reach Welsh Frankton, their planned destination for the evening.
   

  'Narrowboat Lydia' awaited the crew as they caught their first glimpse of the Chirk boatyard and marina.   The crew, although anxious, were confident of their ability to complete the mission.

  The crew were not phased by the sight of the Chirk Tunnel, knowing that it was only some 1,381ft (421m) in length.   No disasters occurred.   Nothing to compare with the tunnels on previous trips.

  Alan was able to guide the narrowboat over the Chirk viaduct, knowing that the giant Pontcysyllte viaduct lay ahead of them.

  After only a few hours cruising the crew pulled into their planned moorings at Welsh Frankton.  Much ale and food was enjoyed at 'The Narrowboat Inn' and despite internet problems, causing the landlord to be unable to accept card payment, the crew were able to gather enough cash to solve the problem.

Sunday 2nd July

• The crew did not rise early in the morning knowing that just a 6 hour cruise lay ahead of them to get to Whitchurch.
   

  After stopping for water at Ellesmere the crew made a grave mistake!!!!     After setting off to continue their journey to Whitchurch, due to poor signposting, they turned left instead of right!!   This took the crew down a narrow dead end terminating at a Tesco Store.  After a text book turn at the basin, as can be seen, the crew took time off to moor for a little light lunch.

On arrival at Whitchurch, the crew selected to follow the Sandstone Trail towards the town, taking them initially down a canal spur, then to a disused and filled section.   Here they found 'The Black Bear', which Ed has selected as being the best eating and drinking establishment.

Monday 3rd July

• The crew rose, knowing that they must reach Wrenbury that evening, but knew that this could be possible with only some 5 hours of cruising.   Ed's research showed that there was an eating and drinking establishment there, right next to the infamous automated lift bridge.
   

  Although a lift bridge soon came into view, the crew knew that it could not the Wrenbury bridge and therefore, grabbing a spare windlass, Jon rushed to open the bridge by hand so that the progress of the boat would not be affected.

  Against the advise of the captain, the crew stopped at a canalside pub, the Willeymoor Lock Tavern, for some welcome lunchtime refreshments.

  On arriving at Wrenbury. the crew quickly mastered the advanced electrical and hydraulic systems of the massive lift bridge.   Lines of traffic were stopped, allowing the narrowboat to gently traverse beneath.

  Good quality food with Robinsons Ales were served that evening at the 'Dusty Miller'

Tuesday 4th July

• Only 3 hours of cruising was required for the narrowboat to reach it's destination at Nantwich on this day.  The crew enjoyed a hearty breakfast, although acutely aware that the formidable Hurleston  Locks and horrendous turn onto the Shropshire Union canal lay ahead.
   

  Much planning and discussions were seen as the crew planned their turn at Hurleston Junction. which was accomplished by Tom, on his own, while the others shouted words of encouragement from the bank.

  '

  The crew were ecstatic, on seeing the renowned Nantwich wooden horse, which they knew had been sculpted out of old lock gates, by artist John Merrill (who recycled the wood) and Julian Taylor (who produced the ironwork).    It was located not far from Telford's aqueduct bridge.

• Good value ales were enjoyed at the Oddfellows Arms and the Talbot, before the crew feasted on Italian fare at the Romazzino,

Wednesday 5th July

• After turning the boat, the crew set off back towards the Llangollen Canal, with 7 hours cruising planned to take them to Grinley Brook

  Spirits remained high as members of the crew posed for selfies whilst driving the boat

  Bob elected to make the difficult turn at Hurleston Junction into the locks,  Completed with precision!!

   

• On arrival at Grinley Brook the crew located a garage shop to supplement their supplies, before heading to the Horse and Jockey for their evening entertainment.

Thursday 6th July

• Another long day lay ahead for the crew as they struggled to reach Ellesmere for the evening
   

  The Grinley Brook staircase locks proved tiring for the crew, but they were traversed in a near record time.

  Tom (Crew) made contact with Tom (Son) and arranged to meet in Ellesmere that evening

  Despite the water levels on the boat running dangerously low, the crew were able to fill their tanks at the Ellesmere canal boat services, before mooring for the evening

  An excellent mooring spot was selected by the cunning crew on the junction to the Ellesmere Spur, where the crew posed for an automated timed photo. Afterwards the crew hurried to the Red Lion for dinner with guest Tom (Tom's Son).

Friday 7th July

• An early decision was made to cut the cruising time down from some 7½ hours to 3½ by mooring short of the Pontcysyllte viaduct, as all members of the crew had experienced this previously.  A stopping point at the Poachers Pocket was therefore agreed.
   

  Difficult waters were witnessed as the crew continued their epic journey,   But would the stress overwhelm them?

  Despite the difficult conditions, narrowboat 'Lydia' was seen cruising gently into it's destination for the evening at the Poachers Pocket (near Chirk)

Saturday 8th July

• After an early start the crew setoff to return the narrowboat to the boatyard by 9am
   

  Alan again took narrowboat 'Lydia' across the Chirk aqueduct and through the short tunnel before turning sharply into the boatyard

• Later in the day, after Bob had set off in a southerly direction, the remaining four crew were seen in a cafe in Wrexham, whilst Tom's car received a rapid charge at the Wynnstay Arms, before they headed back to Yorkshire for a well deserved rest, after another successful mission.

,

Return to Homepage