Beautiful sections of both the Llangollen and Shropshire Union Canals
Lock Number 1 at Hurleston Locks and the beginning of the Llangollen Canal (Author’s Collection).
Verbose as I normally am when armed with a laptop, dancing fingers, a host of images to share and a head full of tangential dreams, I’ll keep this introduction to the absolutist of bare minimums, as well as a true story:
I met Tony at the top of the Locks here in Llangollen and the cheery Waterways volunteer immediately smiled at me when he caught my gaze and simply said:
“Not a bad way to spend an afternoon, is it?”
We collected firm ground on birthplaces, childhood, war and naval stories before departing as friends.
This was indeed a beautiful way to spend an afternoon, the brief laughs with Tony a highlight and whilst I can’t convey that here, I hope the images captured entertain and amuse you for a few minutes, and on your merry way to pastures new within The Matrix.
Disclaimer
As per my previous articles on the canals in the picturesque UK county in which I live, I don’t claim to have any experience of either a canal boat lifestyle or the inner workings and trials and tribulations of life on a houseboat/canal boat or narrow boat (whichever you prefer). I just find the peace, tranquillity and the quirky nature of an almost bygone way of existence and determination to live your life in this way, and in a floating house too, endlessly fascinating. I also bask and prosper in the sunshine, love the sights and sounds of canal life juxtaposed with the earthy nature and countryside that surrounds it, and simply discovering a new piece of the canal waterways puzzle never fails to raise a smile on my face. Guaranteed (Guaranteed) to receive oodles of smiles and “Hello’s” and “Good Afternoon’s” from the human beings you meet and watching dogs leap into a canal in search of a well thrown stick or ball can’t fail to amuse the child in all of us.
So much for all that.
*All images captured by me today, 8th July 2022*
Lock Number 1 at Hurleston Locks.
Four blue coated volunteers man the Locks at peak times all year round. That’s Tony straight ahead and who minutes before had greeted me with “Not a bad place to spend an afternoon, is it?”. A wonderful conversation ensued and a true highlight of the afternoon.
A magnificent view from Lock Number 1 capturing the true essence of these Locks and the wide open countryside that surrounds this little piece of bliss.
View from Lock Number 2.
A quick view back and “not a bad place to spend an afternoon”.
From Lock 3 back toward Locks 2 and 1.
Left, north and Chester before ultimately Manchester or right, south, and ultimately Autherley Junction near Wolverhampton.
A final and very pleasing image across Lock Number 4 heading north toward Chester.
A final view from atop Bridge 97 and a wonderful representation of the canal snaking its way north.
A final view from Bridge 97 south and the beginning of our three mile stroll to Nantwich.
“Not a bad way to spend an afternoon, is it?”
View through Bridge 96 or “Colne’s Bridge” and after the bend ahead, a long straight passage of the canal lies before you.
A “Perfect Timing” moment at Bridge 96.
View from atop Bridge 96 south and around the gentle bend onto a long straight passage of canal leading to Henhull.
Approaching Bridge 95 or “Henhull Bridge”, and ostensibly a very busy road traffic bridge with zero chance of an overhead view of the coming canal!
A pleasingly curvy stretch of the “Cut” lies ahead as we travel south toward Acton.
Just visible next to the smaller of the two trees is St Mary’s Church of Nantwich.
A particular friend who seemed to accompany me for large portions of the least attractive sections of the canal!
I have zero knowledge as to what happened to Bridge Number 94 but here’s our next one, Number 93, or simply “Acton Bridge”.
A pleasing wisp of sunshine through the bridge as we see yet another winding stretch of the canal that leads us next to our final destination of Nantwich.
View from atop Bridge 93 at Acton.
(1) A pleasing and busy approach to beautiful Nantwich.
(2) A pleasing and busy approach to beautiful Nantwich.
One of a number of favourite images captured this afternoon as we see Nantwich Junction Bridge for the first time.
I fell instantly in love with Nantwich and this image perfectly represents why.
Please see above comments. In spades! Oh so very beautiful Nantwich.
A “Perfect Timing” moment at Nantwich Junction Bridge, and on a perfect afternoon in the sun.
View from atop Bridge Number 92 at Nantwich heading south, through the multiple Locks of Audlem Mill, Adderley and Tyrley before beautiful Norbury Junction and ultimately Autherley Junction and the end/beginning of the Shropshire Union Canal.
Having conquered the long stretches of canal leading to and from both Autherley Junction and Norbury Junction, my arrival at Nantwich was somewhat of a “mission accomplished” moment and the completion of roughly 2/3rds of the Shropshire Union Canal. Onward north soon, to Chester and beyond.
Your humble narrator two days later and 10 or so miles further along the Llangollen Canal at the “Staircase” Locks of Grindley Brook near Whitchurch.
Thanks for reading. I sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed this virtual stroll along a canal in the central beating heart of England and if so, please also consider these other recently published editions within this continuing series of articles:
