Bramble Cutting to Hurleston Junction

Got up fairly early this morning. It was a lovely morning, with a slight mist and that slight autumnal nip in the air. It was so still and quiet, it was a shame to start the engine.

We set off just after 7:30 and were through the locks at Middlewich by 8:50 then onto the Middlewich branch and through Wardle Lock by 9:10 after a short natter with Maureen, the lady from the lock cottage. She is an interesting person. She was born and grew up on a working boat. We always stop to chat with her and listen to any advice she has to give.

It remained cloudy all day, with a few light showers. On the way through we saw the new marina being built at Minshull Lock. It looks huge. We stopped for lunch above Cholmondeston Lock. Had a quick look in the chandlery and gift shop. The gift shop doesn't stock as much as it used to when it was "Kates". It's now owned by the people who have Kings Lock chandlery in Middlewich.

We saw the Constance Irene just before Venetian. Liz's sister in law's sister and her partner live on board.

We decided to moore just past Hurleston Junction about 3:00. This turned out to be a very good idea, as it rained heavily for the rest of the afternoon and evening. Still, we were dry and cozy.

13 miles 8 locks

Preston Brook to Bramble Cutting.

Sorry to have left the last blog just hanging. We did actually get home, but the laptop gave up on us! Pity because we had loads of broadband time left. Unfortunately it only lasts a month so we lost what was left. We have also cruised again for two weeks in July with our friends Anne and Ray on Jennyanydots, but without the laptop.

Still, we are back on line and with a good signal tonight. We set off from Preston Brook at 9:00 this morning. Although it was cloudy, it was dry and the sun did manage to shine a few times through out the day. It was reasonably warm.

You can tell that Autumn is on it's way. There are lots of leaves in the canal and some of the leaves on the trees are begining to change colour.

The last time we set off on a cruise on a Saturday we were caught up in queues for the locks at Middlewich. We were 13th in the queue with the 12 in front of us being hire boats just setting off. This time we decided to moor before we got to Middlewich and set off early on Sunday morning. We aimed for Bramble Cutting, but it is a popular spot and the moorings were already taken so we stopped at 3:00pm just before Bramble Cutting, on a nice stretch with mooring rings.

Lots of boats passed us, but no-one joined us on the moorings. It was peaceful, not even any walkers or cyclists. Just a family of squirrels on the opposite bank running up and down the trees and throwing acorns. We sat out on the towpath until it got dark.

Early to bed tonight ready for an early start tomorrow.

15 miles, 1 lock & 3 tunnels.