Duddleston Bridge 37 nr Whitchurch

This morning we moved forward towards the Ellesmere Arm, and whilst the crew replenished supplies at the conveniently located Tesco, I filled the water tank at the CRT service yard. Knowing the starboard side of the boat was going to be inaccessible from the towpath for some time, I also gave it a quick wash down. I then navigated to the end of the Ellesmere Arm and waited for the crew to finish shopping. The weather was as forecast cloudy, but with the sun breaking through in places. It quickly became apparent that today was going to be busy with boat traffic in both directions. Passing through the short Ellesmere Tunnel, the Francis Searchlight on the front of the boat illuminated its entire 87 yard length. We had a trip of 11 miles to do which is a long day for us, so we broke up the trip, taking lunch just beyond the junction with the Prees Branch. Not long after passing under the second of two lift bridges, we began to look for a mooring spot. We need to stop for two days to coincide with our arrangement to use the services at the Viking Afloat hirebase at Whitchurch on Sunday. We found a nice spot just prior to bridge 37 with clear views to the sky for the satellite, and 3G on the phone for Internet access. We are forecast some heavy weather tomorrow so we can now batten down the hatches if need be.

       

       

                                              Mooring at Duddleston Bridge 37 nr Whitchurch.

Totals 11 Miles 1 Tunnel

Running total 376 Miles 163 Locks 17 Tunnels

Ellesmere

Continuing our return journey along the Llangollen Canal, today we travelled as far as Ellesmere. We had to navigate the two New Marton Locks and pass through Frankton Junction. We have decided not to visit the Montgomery Canal this year due to its partial closure. On route we met an increasing number of mainly hire boats, usually at the tightest bridges and bends. Some were ok at steering and some were not, but we were able to avoid any unwanted contact. Having said that we have collected quite a few scrapes to our blacking on this canal. On arrival at Ellesmere we moored in our previous spot a couple of hundred yards from the Ellesmere Arm Junction. We will stay here a day or two, moving into the arm only to visit Tesco when we are departing.

Totals 9 Miles 2 Locks

Running total 365 Miles 163 Locks 16 Tunnels

St. Martin's Moor

In contrast to our trip to Ellesmere, today we were treated to clear blue skies and bright sunshine. There was a slight breeze which had a chill to it but otherwise, it was perfect boating weather. We set off and maintained a steady two miles an hour. It is not possible to go much faster, due to the shallow depth of this canal.

We passed through Frankton Junction where the Montgomery Canal branches off to the left. It is necessary to book passage through the Frankton locks 24 hours in advance, so we may do this on our return.

      

                                                     Approaching Frankton Junction.

      

                                                          Straight on for Llangollen.

      

                                          Passage onto the Monty requires pre booking.

We may not have time for the Monty on this trip, however there is a breach in the canal, so the last two miles of its six mile length can't be done due to a stoppage. We have also been warned that the horse flies down the Monty, have fangs and wear hobnail boots. So if we do put it off this year, it is another good reason to come back this way again.

On arrival at Maestermyn boatyard we stopped for services. The pump out was the most expensive we have paid at £18, but needs must. Shortly after departing the boatyard we arrived at the final two locks on the Llangollen. The boat traffic was heavy heading away from Llangollen, so both locks were set in our favour and we whistled through. Unlike the people coming the other way who had been enduring a two hour wait in the queue.

      

                                             Our mooring spot at St. Martin's Moor.

Our mooring spot is about half a mile above the top lock, so we were soon secured and having lunch. We are still in England but only just. Tomorrow within half an hour of setting off we will have crossed into Wales. The day ended as gloriously as it started with clear skies and the sun setting behind the hills on the horizon.

      

                                                               Sun setting over Wales.

It appears we are in for a similarly fine day tomorrow, which bodes well for our crossing of the famous Pontcysyllte Aquaduct over the river Dee, 126 feet below.

Totals 7 Miles 2 Locks

Running total 335 Miles 161 Locks 12 Tunnels

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