Left the scenic mooring at 09:30, from here to the end of the canal the quiet rural landscape is largely made up of large farmsteads with ploughed brownfields and lush green pastures speckled with Frisian beef. The canal is well kept, very good moorings with rings thanks mainly to the efforts of the local canal society members.
On the way, we spotted Justice moored but no sign of Steve, further along, I spotted two dogs on the towpath that I recognised before their home and crew, a quick hello, travelling 'incognito' I was told...Nuff said.
As we reach Barbridge Junction there is a shabby looking Jolly Tar Inn facing us as we turn left onto the main Shropshire Union Canal, the A51 encroaches noisily for a short way but we are soon back into the rural quiet, we moor outside the Olde Barbridge Inn where we had a baguette lunch and the landlady let us sample all five real ales on offer before deciding on a
Red Squirrel for me and an
Old Faithful for Sue. The sun was hot so we sat in the garden and enjoyed an hour relaxing on dry land.
Heading off we pass the entrance to the famous LLangollen Canal which we will leave for another day. We stopped at Nantwich services to get rid of the dumpables and fill up the water tank. A short 100-yard hop to fill up the diesel tank at Nantwich Canal Centre. While there Sue noticed a boat flying the IOM flag, so she walked down the canal for a chat to Elaine & Steve on NB Skyy turns out Sue used to work with Elaine at Barclays IOM. As they left for the water point and on to Anderton we took their spot on the towpath visitor mooring. We also spotted another boat with an IOM connection as it had a painting of Bradda Head on the side. (see pics)
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| Another huge Farmstead. |
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| Ex tow horse stables are now a smart home. |
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| Interesting gable end. |
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| Deep lock at Minshull |
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| Lesley and Joe have their own basin. |
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| Possibly a toll collection booth at Barbridge Junction. |
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| LLangollen Canal |
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| NB Bradda |
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| Bradda Head IOM |
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| Wooden sculpture. |
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| Skyy hoists an IOM flag when moored, here she just stopped for water. |
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