Llangollen Canal May 2014 Day 3

Monday we woke latish, around 8am, whilst having breakfast the grass cutters and strimmer's arrived to clear the towpath and moorings, glad to say they strimmed the edges apart from next to the boat, the grass was wet from overnight so when pulling the pins we had wet grass stuck to our boots which ended up all over the cockpit and stern.
Setting off towards Prees Junction we spotted NB Lois - Jane who blog about their life on the cut NB Lois-Jane moored at Prees Junction.

NB Lois-Jane.

We had booked to go down onto the Montgomery Canal at midday on Tuesday so we where not in a hurry and took it easy heading to Ellesmere. We pulled over to have a look at the Fenns nature reserve just past Prees Junction with views over the Mosses.

View over Fenn's Moss.

Rain was still on and off as we joined a small convoy near Hampton Bank, despite the clouds we could see over to the Welsh hills.

Convoy at Hampton Bank.

Getting near to Lyneal Wharf we started to get a few bright periods.

Lyneal Wharf.

I pulled over at Cole Mere for an early lunch, we had good views over the Mere.

Lunch at Cole Mere.

Moving on after lunch we headed past Blake Mere, when we where caught in a sudden downpour, including hailstone's I had to reach for the brolley, only lasted a few minutes.

Hail Storm.

The sun then came out for the cruise into Ellesmere, we headed down the arm easily finding a mooring not too near the winding hole. Shame to find that the old Shropshire Union Warehouse has not found a good use yet, sure it would make a nice cafe or restaurant if this is the only way of preserving it.

Ellesmere Arm, old Shropshire Union warehouse and crane.

Leaving Gill to do a little shopping in the town, Father and I walked the long way round to the Mere via the towpath and the Motte and Bailey and then had a look at the older part of the town, some black clouds around but any further rain held off.

Sculpture trail near the Motte and Bailey.

Fine old School House.

Timbered Cottage.

Ellesmere Church.

We walked down to the Mere visitor centre, dodging the protective Geese guarding the Goslings, and walking part way round the Mere before heading back to the boat for dinner.

Geese and Goslings

Ellesmere.