Liverpool canal link

[Andy Br]

Hello,

 

I am booked to take my boat up out of Liverpool Marina and onto the Leeds Liverpool canal next week.

 

I have never done it before so just a quick question to anyone who has done it.

 

I note that the start time is 08.00-09.30 at Mann Island. I intend to be there at 08.00. 

 

Does anyone know of there is enough time to get to Bridge 9 on the LL, Handcocks Swing Bridge, before 14.00? I note that the swing bridge is closed between 14.00 and 18.00 so would really like to get through that before losing 4 hours. I am not sure how much time is spent locking through and whether there is any extra delays.

 

Many thanks,

 

Andy

[dmr]

We used to do Liverpool a lot, but not for a few years now so some arrangements might have changed. I remember we were usually moored up at Melling by mid afternoon so as long as you don't hit any delays you should be ok. There used to be several volunteers on the Stanley locks which helped speed things up.

[Derek Porteous]

Yes, plenty of time. Never had a problem getting there before 2pm. We have come out from Liverpool 5 or 6 times

 

edit to add there were volunteers in the Stanley Locks last year. They seem very well organised.

Edited March 10, 2025 by Derek Porteous

[Andy Br]

Many thanks Derek, very helpful.

 

It looked like there was but wasn't sure of any unforseen extra delays.

 

Cheers 👍

10 minutes ago, dmr said:

We used to do Liverpool a lot, but not for a few years now so some arrangements might have changed. I remember we were usually moored up at Melling by mid afternoon so as long as you don't hit any delays you should be ok. There used to be several volunteers on the Stanley locks which helped speed things up.

Many thanks DMR 👍

[jonathanA]

I'd just add it can be a bit tight to get there for 14.00. Last time we went thru we just missed it along with 2 or 3 others.  There are worse places to wait although it was a fair walk, maybe a mile to some shops  for a paper. I'm not sure I'd stay there overnight but a short sail takes you to some reasonable moorings through the next swing bridge IIRC.

[Andy Br]

1 hour ago, jonathanA said:

I'd just add it can be a bit tight to get there for 14.00. Last time we went thru we just missed it along with 2 or 3 others.  There are worse places to wait although it was a fair walk, maybe a mile to some shops  for a paper. I'm not sure I'd stay there overnight but a short sail takes you to some reasonable moorings through the next swing bridge IIRC.

Thanks for the info 👍

[Ewan123]

Make sure to look around you and enjoy the journey through the docks, I found it really interesting - I don't think there is anything quite like it anywhere else on the canal network.

[jonathanA]

1 hour ago, Ewan123 said:

Make sure to look around you and enjoy the journey through the docks, I found it really interesting - I don't think there is anything quite like it anywhere else on the canal network.

totally agree its a experience, I am looking forward to seeing the new Everton stadium on our next trip, they were just beginning work on it last time we went through. 

we have also been lucky enough to have the CRT chaps hitch a lift with us occasionally and thats always interesting. 

Edited March 11, 2025 by jonathanA
sp

[john6767]

We did it last year, Mann Island at 8:00 and through the swing bridge before it shut at 2pm, including a stop at Litherland for services. We stopped for the night at Maghull.

[Andy Br]

Many thanks for your replies all, very helpful.

[jonathanA]

i've just booked for a few nights in April and its now 16 quid a night.  Just so folks know... 

[TheBiscuits]

1 hour ago, jonathanA said:

i've just booked for a few nights in April and its now 16 quid a night.  Just so folks know... 

 

Sounds a lot, but it's still cheaper than the Hilton 50 yards away that's around £200 a night!

[Steve Manc]

We travelled to Liverpool from the High Peak in 2020 I believe. We had read or heard the scary stories of the kids being disruptive.

When ever we saw kids we would smile and let on. We never had any problems.

We had a week in Salt House Dock. Each day visiting a Musium followed by a Real Ale pub. One night The Eagles were playing at the local festival hall. We sat on our boat playing Eagles and having a drink. A lot cheaper than watching them live 😂

[NEBUCHADNEZZAR]

On 10/03/2025 at 20:59, Andy Br said:

Hello,

 

I am booked to take my boat up out of Liverpool Marina and onto the Leeds Liverpool canal next week.

 

I have never done it before so just a quick question to anyone who has done it.

 

I note that the start time is 08.00-09.30 at Mann Island. I intend to be there at 08.00. 

 

Does anyone know of there is enough time to get to Bridge 9 on the LL, Handcocks Swing Bridge, before 14.00? I note that the swing bridge is closed between 14.00 and 18.00 so would really like to get through that before losing 4 hours. I am not sure how much time is spent locking through and whether there is any extra delays.

 

Many thanks,

 

Andy

I think you'll be fine. Also this bridge has seen several repairs and last time I went through (Feb) the were no restrictions on times. We went through at 3pm

[jonathanA]

Just bumping this thread. 

Currently in Salthouse dock and there are only a handful of visiting boats 6 or 7 counting us...

 

Lockies say its the quietest it's been. They were blaming the various breaches. Think they may have a point....

[Kingdom Isambard Brunel]

Seems like the only major canal fully open and with any boats moving is the Shroppie.

[dmr]

1 hour ago, jonathanA said:

Just bumping this thread. 

Currently in Salthouse dock and there are only a handful of visiting boats 6 or 7 counting us...

 

Lockies say its the quietest it's been. They were blaming the various breaches. Think they may have a point....

I'm surprised its that many.

No boats from the midlands or South can get there, none via the L&L (above Wigan), so its only local L&L boats, plus those on the Bridgewater (above the breach), that can get there. And I suspect Poolstock and Wigan will close very soon.

[Wafi]

2 hours ago, Kingdom Isambard Brunel said:

Seems like the only major canal fully open and with any boats moving is the Shroppie.

Apart from the Ellesmere Arm, of course.

[jonathanA]

Well numbers seemed to have swelled today there's now 11boats.  Not sure where they have all come from. One widebeam looks brand spanking new so might have been craned in nearby?  

[haggis]

34 minutes ago, jonathanA said:

Well numbers seemed to have swelled today there's now 11boats.  Not sure where they have all come from. One widebeam looks brand spanking new so might have been craned in nearby?  

I think Calderwood crane boats in just below the locks

[Steve Manc]

If you are a real ale drinker where is your best pub in Liverpool ?

 

Does the Baltic Fleet still sell Scouse ?

 

The Wild Loaf was recommended by the Hairy Bikers in 2024. This is a bakery / coffee and tea etc

https://maps.app.goo.gl/rCZUn1JoF5jLnwc86

[beerbeerbeerbeerbeer]

36 minutes ago, Steve Manc said:

If you are a real ale drinker where is your best pub in Liverpool ?

Only visited once and that’s near 10 years, 

but yes the Baltic was me and Dmr’s go to pub for a lunchtime or tea time pint before moving elsewhere,

 

possibly our favourite and best for beer, and we did cover many of  the pubs,

 

I remember going in a non interesting looking pub in the centre (can’t remember its name) and they had Sharps Sea Fury (Sharps SPESH as I know it) at a cheaper price than I’d been used to paying in Cornwall,

that was a lost afternoon 🤪

SPESH is a favourite of mine 

 

 

 

 

[dmr]

Baltic Fleet was the best pub. On our first couple of visits they were brewing their own beer but more recently this stopped. Also lots of new high rise housing encroaching, so pub not quite as good but still very good.  The pub closer to the moorings, can't remember name, is adequate.

We used to visit Ye Cracke, but its quite a walk, stopped going when they banned dogs.  Several other good pubs with interesting/spectacular interiors, and loads still to visit, but Baltic Fleet is a very short walk and a good boozer.

Any recent reports from anybody here? 

[Jon57]

This is a interesting pub not far from the Baltic. Bit pricey but very interesting. https://thebridewellpub.co.uk/

[beerbeerbeerbeerbeer]

At least the local geezer’s not got 6 fingers,

 

 

 

 

 

(6 fingers/thumbs/didgets whatever before someone corrects me)