rgreg

Perhaps not, but may have increased interest now due to the focus on climate change.

Water firms launch £500m reservoirs plan as climate change advances https://mol.im/a/9990969 via http://dailym.ai/android

Or this:

There is a possibility that he was descending the lock in reverse, having ascended previously to moor (there are moorings above there and Castlefield is often full below).

That seems the most likely cause, unless something got snagged.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/man-rescued-sinking-barge-emergency-21324893

£18m wasn't just for relining the aqueduct, a very long section of canal around Bolton Le Sands had significant repairs too.

They will be announcing on Monday, 28th June whether the festival will go ahead this year.

I've never had an issue in or around Manchester during my many visits over the years. As others have said, incidents can occur anywhere and the "towpath telegraph" can make them a no-go area.

Lock 7, into the lower basin, is now operated by the marina staff.

The telemetry is on lock 1, Lodge Hill, at the top of the flight. There is a manual reading recorded for lock 7.

Absolutely, but you're still going through the same places. Not that there's anything wrong with an out-and-back trip, but cruising a ring is more interesting in my opinion. Having done both these trips several times I would choose the Cheshire Ring for an interesting family holiday as long as you are prepared to spend most of it boating. There won't be much time for cycling though.

The Cheshire Ring is fine for a week's holiday as long as you're happy putting in the hours. We did that when our kids were a couple of years older than yours on a week's hire and included the Upper Peak as well. Chester is a great trip but it means that you'll be repeating your journey.

Try Glasson Marina: https://www.aquavista.com/find-a-marina/glasson-waterside-marina

Exactly my point in post 4