Day 7:-Onto the Llangollen canal.

Day 7: 23rd August. Our first goal (Llangollen canal) was within our reach but what a day it was going to be! The weather was kind once again and we set off along the Middlewich branch canal in bright warm sunshine. Heading west to Barbridge junction we had to pass through the 2 remaining locks on the Middlewich branch canal. The first of these locks will never be forgotten. The trip so far had gone with little incident but that was all about to change.

Hurleston Locks.

I had read about the very narrow first lock on the Hurleston flight and was prepared for it. I was not prepared for the lock ahead of us on the Middlewich being 'narrow'! My problems started the previous night. The fenders were down on one side but the other side were up. As we approach the lock, one of the fenders that were up must have fallen down! I did not see it and went into the lock. No problem at first but as we started to rise, I heard the exhaust behind me gurgling! I quickly realised what was going on and shouted to Dawn to close the paddles! I let some of the water out and the boat was wedged high and dry, 6 inches above the water and 6 feet up the lock! After a bit of head scratching we decided to cut the fenders off, flush some water in and hope the boat moves! With a bit of engine to help we were unstuck but it was a reminder not to be too complacent.

We reached the Hurleston flight and one of our goals: the Llangollen canal. The bottom lock was extremely narrow! Only 1/2 inch spare either side! We were quickly up the flight and just kept on going. We reached the bottom of the Grindley Brook flight and stopped for the night. Another long and traumatic day.