Ellesmere

As of yesterday we can no longer be referred to as fair weather boaters. We had made the decision to travel as far as Ellesmere the night before. On waking the sky was cloudy and the ground wet from the overnight rain. We decided to stick with our plan. So after breakfast the boat was made ready, no sooner had we untied the ropes it began to rain. Fortunately it was fairly light and there was no wind, so it was not unbearable. During the journey we briefly crossed into Wales, before returning to England as the canal meanders through the countryside. Ellesmere is a small market town, surrounded by 'Meres' which are glacial lakes. On the approach some are hidden from view by thick woodland, but as we passed Blakes Mere the canal was only a few feet from the waters edge.

       

                                                                   Blakes Mere.

We travelled beyond the visitor moorings which were all full, before arriving at the junction. There is a short arm that branches off towards the town centre. We carried on past the canal and river trust yard and found a semi rural spot half a mile from the town.

       

                  Canal junction at Ellesmere. Right towards Llangollen. Bottom towards town centre.

If you had not guessed already, just as we finished tightening the ropes at our mooring spot the rain stopped and the cloud started to break.

       

       

                                                           Mooring spot at Ellesmere.

Today we went for a walk back along the towpath. We picked up a bridle way that took us over what is locally called 'the mound'. Once the summit had been reached we had a good view down to the largest of the lakes which is simply called 'the mere'

     

      

                                             Views of 'the mere' on the edge of Ellesmere.

We took a circular route back to the boat which took us via the town centre and wharf area. There is a mid sized tesco supermarket located here, which makes for easy loading of the groceries, something we may need on our return in a week or so.

     

                                                       The end of the Ellesmere arm.

     

                                          Viewing down the Ellesmere arm from the junction.

There were about a dozen boats moored in the arm. All of these must move by Thursday, as notices have been placed reserving the whole arm for trading boats, that are due to arrive for a weekend floating market. We plan to depart tomorrow so will miss the hustle and bustle, and the fudge boat.

Totals 7 Miles 1 Tunnel

Running total 328 Miles 159 Locks 12 Tunnels