Dutton to Barnton (Trent & Mersey Canal)

The sun was actually shining again as we set off from our mooring this morning.

Sunset at Dutton

Timed Entry Board at Saltersford Tunnel

In Saltersford Tunnel

Aaaah there's the end!

We chugged on along the canal which is quiet now, not many boats moving around and after a bit we came to Saltersford Tunnel which is on timed entry.  Going our way it is on the half hour to ten to the hour and we got there just after 10.30 so we checked there was nothing coming which is a bit difficult to see as this tunnel has a bend in the middle, but it looked okay so in we went.

This tunnel is not that long, 424yds but it has an S bend so it is a while before you see the end and then we did and were soon out the other side. There was some men working by the tunnel and as we were coming through, you could hear loud bangs and machinery, it was a bit disconcerting as it sounded like it was in the tunnel and I was glad when we were out.

Barton Tunnel

In Barnton Tunnel

We chugged on and came to Barnton Tunnel which is not on timed entry, you can see the end so you just need to check it is clear before you enter as it is only wide enough for one boat at a time.

I checked and it was clear, so in we went, this tunnel is 572yds long and is crooked as well but not as bad as Saltersford Tunnel.  We were soon through there and moored up in the visitor moorings just along from the tunnel.

Northwich Antiques Centre

We walked up into Barnton to the Butchers and got some more sausages, bacon, pork chops and diced lamb as it is a really good butchers.  We also called at the hardware shop as they were selling big bags of kindling for £5 so we bought a bag as it is now turning chilly at night and we have started to have a few fires.

Butchers at Barnton

We also called at the Co-op and then walked back to the canal.  Just down the road from where we are moored is Northwich Antiques Centre, we went in here on our way up, so we walked down there and had a wander around and then went to the café. They do really good toasties and home-made scones and is a good café, and really friendly.

We then walked back to the boat, it had been dry but not long after we go back it started to rain and rained for most of the afternoon.

We are staying here tonight and also tomorrow as we are going to catch the bus to Northwich for one more visit before we go on our way.

Moored at Barnton