rgreg

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

The last time I went through that lock those top gates were leaking from the intersection at an alarming rate. Great care was needed to avoid swamping the boat.

From Google Maps:

Yes, they can both be seen on the photo that I linked. I have moored against the high wall on the junction to the basins; it's not ideal but possible. Perhaps that will be out of bounds under the revised rules.

On the last couple of occasions that I have been in Manchester mooring has been a struggle at Castlefield. It looks like it is set to get worse with the new restrictions. Here is a photo of the Staffordshire Arm: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3984651

The old Alde is excellent as a secondary heating system to accompany a solid fuel stove. It's definitely worth investigating the fault and, if a repair is viable, trying it out before writing it off.

06/04/2021 16:29 Starting tomorrow, our contractors will be onsite between Bridge 200, Soot Hill and Bridge 201 on the Trent & Mersey Canal to undertake works that will help us to explore ways in which we can safely allow boat movement through the affected area without destabilising the embankment, slipped material within the canal or the above gas main. A further update will be provided by Tuesday 20 April. Update on 07/04/2021: Investigations are now complete between Bridge 38, Black Road Bridge and Bridge 39, Hollands Bridge on the Macclesfield Canal and

I don't know, but it's a shame they let it go if it was.