Salthouse Docks (Liverpool) to Parbold (Leeds Liverpool Canal)

Total distance is 28 miles, 6 locks and 16 moveable bridges 

 

Hopefully Capt. Ellis will have enjoyed a few nights exploring Liverpool before preparing for the journey back out of Liverpool.

 

We’ll expect our guests to arrive about 1.30pm  on day 1 and after an introductory blah blah (and most probably a glass of something fizzy) they’re welcome to go off and explore Liverpool until Dinner time…and maybe even go out for drinks afterwards as  we’ll not be casting off until the morning – an EARLY start mind as we’re expected at Mann Island Lock for 8am.

 

Breakfast will have been an early DIY affair as we prepare for departure – from memory we are expected to be at Mann Island Lock for 8am when it’ll be opened for us and our return journey passing the Royal Liver building, through Princess dock lock and dock, West Warterloo Dock, the central docks channel, Liverpool Canal Link before turning right through Salisbury Dock to end up at Stanley Dock where the 4 big locks await us.  They will be attended but not technically manned – a downside to utilising volunteers… if it rains they don’t generally  get involved!

 

Once through the lock flight, depending on timescales we may have an early lunch, or make our way to Litherland before stopping… in practice Litherland feels the best (safe) bet to stop.  After Litherland, we’ll skirt around Aintree and plan to tie up for the 2nd night together around Melling.  There’s a nice enough pub there if folks fancy a libation after dinner.

 

Day 3 will find us passing through  Maghull – possibly stopping for emergency supplies,  Lydiate and we’ll plan to moor up around Haskayne… either bridge 21A or 22. There are 2 pubs here: The Kings Arms Hotel in the village or The ship which is canal side.

 

The following morning, we’ll  be passing Halsall – near which we can pull up for a while if folks wish to take a look at the beautiful Church Spire.  We probably need to top up with water (watering points this end of the canal are not very frequent) so we’ll divert into Scarisbrick Marina – it’s a really friendly place so we’ll use their diesel and pump out facilities – possibly  having lunch here too.   There’s no rush today as we’re only aiming for Heatons Bridge (about a mile further on)… another pub (ahem) here too called Heatons Bridge Inn.

 

Our final day’s travelling is only about 7 miles – where we’ll stop in Burscough Bridge for lunch (and a quick shop) before passing the Rufford Arm (which leads off down to Tarleton) and ending our travels in Parbold… home to 4 easily assessable (from the canal) pubs.    This trip is over now and our guests will depart following breakfast on the final morning.