Tunnels and Aqueducts

Tuesday 14th July

Although we were moored just below the locks, by the time we arrived there, a queue of four had formed - probably due to a slow boat just out from the nearby hire base. (Why do they not show hirers through a lock?) The route of the canal was gradually becoming more remote and, at the same time, attractive. A grey heron sat on a pole right alongside the canal - only taking off as we passed close by.

The bridges on this section frequently seem to be on blind bends, making it quite difficult with the amount of traffic - sometimes we had to wait for several boats to come through.

When we arrived at Chirk Aqueduct it was clear that there was a traffic jam at the other end, with only a short distance before the tunnel. We opted to wait - and then a person from one of three boats stuck in the tunnel came along to ask upcoming boats to give them some space!
The wide parapet on both sides makes the transit seem quite safe with a great view of the railway viaduct alongside - allegedly built higher to prove that it was better. After the tunnel there was a long cutting which completely hides the industry around Chirk.

We opted to moor up for lunch before tackling the next adventure: the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Although the towpath was quite busy with walkers, there is very little protection on the other side - intimidating to say the least! Christine steered across both aqueducts in this direction but baulked at the tunnels!

By now we had decided not to go beyond Trevor as our boat draws 24ins and the remaining section is recommended for boats with no more than 21ins. In any case, this would give us time to go down the Montgomery Canal. We expect this to take us two days for the seven miles because of the limited opening times for the locks at Frankton.

With not a little difficulty we moored right at the end of the Trevor Arm and took the opportunity to buy some milk from a nearby shop.

Off again and we immediately returned over the huge Pontcysyllte Viaduct. From the towpath, there were views of the railway viaduct, about half a mile away from the aqueduct. This time Mike steered, whilst Christine soon jumped off the boat to walk alongside - in fact she stayed on the towpath for the next three miles until we reached the entrance to Chirk Tunnel.

We were heading towards the mooring between Bridge 13 and the New Marton locks, thus giving us an easy run to Frankton in the morning. Alas, it started to rain and by the time we were still short of the mooring it became very heavy with a strong wind - nasty! Eventually we reached our target and quickly moored up. we were glad of the heating system which quickly heated up the main cabin to a comfortable level.