Wrenbury

Soon after leaving Barbridge we were turning right at Hurleston Junction, to join the Llangollen Canal, and entering the bottom lock. There were warning notices informing boats to remove fenders, once in the lock it was clear why. I doubt if we had more than one inch clearance on either side in places. This was not the only issue we had with this flight of four locks. The pounds between the locks were very low, and on a couple of the locks we had trouble getting over the bottom cill. Still, once we reached the top we had good views back over the Cheshire countryside.

       

We had five more locks to go before arriving at our destination, two at Swanley and three at Baddiley. We have also experienced the effect of the flow of water on this canal. As we pass through the bridges where the gap narrows we are slowed to an almost complete stop. The Llangollen is fed by water from the river Dee, which in turn supplies the Hurleston reservoir and the Shropshire Union. Just before Wrenbury we encountered our first manual lift bridge, of which there are many on the Llangollen. These require the use of the windlass to raise and lower them.

      

Just after this bridge we stopped on the 48 hr moorings adjacent to a caravan holiday park. Not our usual type of spot, but well placed for Sunday lunch and the services at the boatyard ahead. Exploring the village there are two pubs, The Cotton Arms, and The Dusty Miller. Both are dog friendly but the Dusty Miller won the vote for our Sunday lunch. The boatyard also has a chandlers and I was able to purchase a much sought after HEP2O key, so now I should be able to manage any leaks we may get in the future.

     

                                                            Our spot at Wrenbury.

We will stay put till Monday then set off for Whitchurch. We don't plan to head too far towards Llangollen this week as it is the Eisteddfod and likely to be very busy.

Totals 7 Miles 9 Locks

Running totals 308 Miles 149 Locks 11 Tunnels