The Leigh section of the Leeds and Liverpool, followed by the start of the Bridgewater Canal, is very direct and unremittingly plain. The land alongside the canal was former industrial and mining landscape - several large flashes indicate subsidence usually caused by salt mining. Later, the Astley area had deep coal mines as signified by the unusual sight of a winding head at a mining museum.
Most of the stretch is bordered by semi-mature woodland which has helped to improve the environment quickly but easily becomes boring!
The rain returned with a vengeance and, at times, tipped it down as hard as we have seen in the past three weeks. One result of the rain is that the canals are very full of water - in the Wigan flight this made for some delicate judgements when moving the boat between closely situated locks.
Gradually the countryside gave way to a more urban outlook as we apprached the various satellites of Manchester. We could see very little at the Barton Swing Aqueduct - as we passed over it the rain offered up a special downpour! As we turned at a junction towards Manchester itself, we passed very close to the huge Manchester United football ground, towering above us
By early evening sunshine emerged as we navigated into central Manchester. Eventually we found Jackson's Wharf, a much improved area at Castlefield Junction. A number of other boats were moored here so we felt that it was likely to be reasonably safe. (We shall see!) Certainly, the range of buildings and bridges, from old prnate cast ironwork to modern glass and concrete is quite remarkable and the basin itself has been pleasantly laid out. All we have to do now is to find a Weatherspoons pub for a wifi connection. (This took three goes!)
