15 October 2019

We woke to a misty morning, not sure what the day had in store weather wise. We now know to plan for all kinds. The wet (new) weather gear, beanies, scarves and gloves, along with sunglasses, hats and extra jackets are laid out on the bed each day for ready access.

The plan was to get to the Middlewich Junction, take a sharp left and go see the Anderton Boat Lift, a structure that drops canal boats from the Trent and Mersey Canal fifteen metres to the River Weaver (or vice versa).

We sailed throughout the morning passing sodden countryside, cow-smelly farms and nice houses.

We arrived at Middlewich and turned sharp left for the run to Alderton.

This canal was vastly different to those we had traveled so far this trip. It was less frequented, more overgrown in places, making the route very narrow.

It weaved its way through beautiful forests and heavy industrial areas, before opening out onto vast expanses of water.

The chemical factory and the salt works weren’t the prettiest but we’ve been very spoilt this trip, so we can forgive a half day of not so pretty.

The visitors centre at Anderton Lift was closed by the time we arrived. So we went for a walk to see what we could see instead.

We were pleased the Stanley Arms was nearby. We were tired, hungry and thirsty after a big day.

John and Grahame even found a Geocache on the way home. Success!

Sequence score: Partlands v Marjoribanks : Partlands Win

• Grahame 5
• John 5
• Judi 5
• Jenny 3 ☹️