Cruising Mike

Where do you intend to moor up between the Rochdale and Ashton Flights? I would suggest the TT Basin as the Piccadilly Basin really does look worse for the wear

We did the Cheshire Ring last week which included the Peak Forest as well (Bugsworth). We did it all in a week with even a few hours to spare on some days, but be mindful of the potential hold ups. Going clockwise from Preston Brook here are a few suggestions. In Manchester you can moor up at Thomas Telford Basin and have access into the city. Or at the moorings in Piccadilly Basin, but beware of all the geese feces! We stopped here at lunchtime fr an hour and the basins were empty The Ring O'Bells at Marple Junction had a lovely carvery spread on when we popped in after doing the marple flight, has a good selection of beers and a nice beer garden. The Navigation Inn in Bugsworth at the end of the Peak Forest (if you will add that to your trip). Their lamb chops special was to die for! If you can, moor up at Bollington Aqueduct, amazing views, with direct access to the town below. Didn't eat here but had a great time in their pubs. Bluebell in Kidsgrove is great, but you could moor up near the Red Bull, and walk up the hill (Congleton Road - 10 mins walk) to the pub opposite the fish and chip shop. Nice pub with 2 darts boards and a pool table. Didn't try their food as we went to the fish and chip shop after a pint and it was very very nice. Good convenience store next door too. Middlewich - King's Lock, small pub and need to book a table in advance but food is amazing. We ate in there then walked along the canal to the town and tried out the Boar's Head. Has a god range of beers, Pool room and a big sports screen. The Kindleton next door looks nice and upmarket. We passed by the Big Lock Pub which looks good from the outside but havent been in it. A bonus is a park with a few swings a few metres along the cut which you can moor at. There are mnay more pubs along the way which we didnt really stop at!

Will probably take a while for the traffic to filter out due to the hold up. Hope the Rochdale 9 will not be too busy this time next week

That's fantastic news! Back to plan A

We'll end up with stoppages due to boats yet to be sunk

He was in Series 1 of Pramface i think is was called. Not sure if he is in the other Seasons

Perhaps during the winter, CRT could conduct practical exercise classes for all Vlockies. Visiting various points in the country so everyone can partake in them. They could find a really cheap old unwanted 60/70ft boat or something of a similar size that floats. Then enroll those full time experienced Lock Keepers to conduct the classes. What they could do is do bad things deliberately and see how VLockies cope with it and then train them afterwards. Such is deliberately cilling the boat (within limits of course), and other such incidents that may happen. Seeing such incidents first hand must surely go a long way to helping Vlockies understand better what may happen. And of course, remind them that the crew are in charge at all times. Within reason, of course taking into account of those who may appear inexperienced.

Very poor circumstances. How can CRT expect visitors (Local and International) to come back again after experiences like that? After all, they make money from licenses, moorings, Temp crusing licenses, what have you. Are they really willing to alienate everyone?? OP - Just to be on the safe side, i'd write back with you reference number and license number, keep a copy and forget abut it

Is there any updates regarding the demolition happening? AS far as i'm aware, the remaining bit of demolition is the front wall facing the canal is still erect

Daniel at this point it's looking likely we might pass by you at some point on the Cheshire ring in the first week of September

Great update. While some grey areas exist, I'm sure everyone now understands much more about the situation. I'm willing to bet the number of people hoping next weekend is a realistic target is in their dozens ETA - perhaps both CRT and MCC, after receiving all the enquiries they've had, will now have a better understanding how important the Bridgewater is to boaters. Local and visitors.

Picking the boat up in 2 weeks so there is still time for it t clear and reopen. How about water levels after opening? I would assume it will be unaffected particularly the Rochdale 9

Wow, if that really is true then that makes my day! *ALL FINGERS CROSSED*

I think we are steering more towards the Peak Forest. Out only issue is we really want to overnight in Bugs worth but this means 3 very long (risky) days to get back

The sun rises around 6.20am and sets around 7.35pm for that week. I appreciate the advise and i will have another go and come up with a new plan for the Peak Forest route. We are still crossing our fingers that we will be able to do the Cheshire Ring as planned. But perhaps as Mayalid said, the bottom half of the ring is the best bit anyway.