Glasson

Another warm, sunny day with few clouds to be seen. As we had most of two days worth of planned cruising to do in one day, we set off reasonably early, just after half past eight. (OK, so if we were really concerned it could have been properly early!)

There were no 'canal' features before Glasson Junction - the main stretch of the Lancaster Canal is entirely lock-free and no swing bridges either, just about 50 bridges instead. For the most part, this is an opportunity to enjoy the weather and the scenery. As a result, some of the pictures today will show the views rather than help to tell a story.

Well, there is actually one swing bridge that we pass today but since it is permanently left open, it does not really count!

In the last couple of days we have passed several patches of a different water plant - not sure what it is called!

There are mileposts along the Lancaster and rather different from any we have seen elsewhere. The distances are marked on oval plaques which are attached to the stones. Sadly, rather a lot of the plaques have been removed (stolen?) and then they are just blank. As a result it is easy to miss most of them.

A large complex - Guy's and Owd Nell's Tavern - including a pub, accommodation, craft centre and other facilities is alongside the canal. Most of the buildings are thatched.

Along the canal there are a number of small aqueducts (further north there is of course the famous Lune Aqueduct but that is for another day). In many cases they cross but small brooks but they obviously needed particular attention from the Engineer at the time the canal was built.

The canal skirts the western edge of the Pennines but today, even though quite close, were too hazy to see much detail.

Not the best of photos but its purpose is to record the fact that at one point, like at Buckby Locks, within a few hundred metres there is the A6 (above the camera) and, in front, the canal, a railway line and the M6 motorway.

A slightly better view includes just three of the transport routes.

Too many people feed the ducks - we passed one lady with a whole new sliced loaf which she was throwing in a slice at a time - the the result that they automatically head for boat before, in this case anyway, being disappointed.

Thirsty work being cattle!

Although most of the towpath bank is obscured by extensive weed growth and is not always welcome to boaters, at this time of the year it is often a haven for those wild flowers that enjoy wet feet.

The remains of Greenhalgh Castle stand starkly on the skyline atop a slight hill close to the canal.

As far as we can tell, this unusual concrete structure is actually a pipe bridge.

Most of the canal is open countryside but a short wooded stretch offered a welcome change and a little shelter, just for a few minutes.

Shortly before half past three we arrived at Glasson Junction and turned down the branch to Glasson Marina. This was also the start of a flight of six locks.

These locks had their own distinctive mechanisms with unusual locking devices on the top paddles. (Alas, the pictures of the sliding bottom gate paddles were taken against the sun and are not usable. Perhaps someone will remember to take better ones when we return later in the month)

Christine spotted a couple of war time pill boxes - these are unusual both being built out of brick rather than mass concrete but also with grass hair. She wants to know if they are a Lancashire special. To Mike, they look like Dougal from the Magic Roundbout!

After completing the locks it was only a short run to the basin where we found a mooring overnight. We were too late to check in with the marina office so that will have to wait until the morning.

Whilst Mike stuck in to writing this blog, Christine went to explore the dock and village, returning with the suggestion that we eat at one of the local pubs tonight! Good idea . . .

20.1 miles - 6 locks