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 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 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