Day 46 - Manchester to Worsley

Saturday 18th July

7 miles

A busy day. More cloud today and a very strong wind - remarked on as unusually strong for the time of year by the weather forecast (play suspended in the Open at St Andrews). Walked to Museum of Science and Industry. On the way met some people from Lincoln also going so we walked together and chatted.



Cotton mill machinery at the Museum of Science and Industry

Huge complex too much information to take in in one visit. Highlights for us were the cotton/milling machines, the 3D printing blew my mind, Paul was excited to see the steam engine Planet and Peter Collins' speedway bike. Also saw Sinclair C5, Kamakaze plane. The history of the site itself was also fascinating.









Planet



Peter Collins' Speedway Bike

After coffee and cake and a quick shop at Sainsburies it was time to leave Manchester. Whilst getting ready to go Jude sent photos of the alter frontal which was bought in Dad's memory and fitted today. Looks very nice.

As we were preparing to leave nb Bear Necessity from Stafford CC came into Castlefield - needed our space, had a chat they knew Ann and Ken who we had met earlier on our trip.

Cruised back to Waters Meeting very slowly as we followed a wide beam trip boat to Pomona lock.



The gloriously naff Trafford centre

We had decided not to stop at the Trafford centre feeling shopped out from the previous two days. However, as we passed by the canal entrance we glimpsed it and moored. What an extraordinary place, statues and turrets, painted cupolas, marble benches etc etc all housing the usual shops.


Brings a smile to your face!



A Mock Roman?













Barton swing aqueduct

Went through Barton which was not so nice although oddly there was a pagoda and a patch of grass before the swing aqueduct. A steel aqueduct crossing the ship canal - quite something to see.












View from the aqueduct
















A lighthouse!

The surroundings improved as we crossed under the M602 bridge lots of people using the towpath at Parrin Lane bridge. Opposite a pretty waterside pub we were surprised to see a lighthouse,

The old packet building at Worsley

Cruised slowly into Worsley a pretty village/town with a huge industrial history.

The couple moored next to us told us that Barca where we were last night is owned by Mick Hucknell and the restaurant that we moored opposite is owned by Ryan Giggs who lives in the village.















Worsley old boathouse

A walk around the village was informative. We learnt that the black and white timbered buildings were added to in the 19th C because the 3rd Earl of Ellsmere wanted the village to look pretty. The 3rd Duke of Bridgewater had the canal built to carry coal from his mines - canals went underground too.

There is a boat house built in 1851 to house the royal barge for the visit of Queen Victoria.








Worsley

On the green we found a fountain/monument built from an old chimney from one of the works.














Start of mine system at Worsley

After all this we needed a beer. Couldn't afford the Giggs bar, the square fayre pub was a bit dire but the Barton Arms, an Ember Inn was just right - like being in the Woodman.