June Cruise Part 2

Wednesday.
A little bit of heavy wind overnight kept me awake for awhile but it eventually died down. So after a full breakfast we set off towards Preston Brook, at the winding hole before Dutton Lock, we intended to wind, however there was a loose Historic Boat drfiting about just before the covered dry dock. It was the Thomas Clayton Tar Boat Spey, a boat had just entered the lock so they made no effort to tie it up, I pushed it over to the bank, winded, then pulled alongside and found the pulled out pins to hammer back in then tied it up, there did not seem to be anyone about in the drydock where there where a few more Historic boats.

Spey adrift.

All tied up again.

We set off back towards Anderton, passing another Historic boat. We intended to reach the Lion Salt Works Museum, this was not yet open but father had managed to get a preliminary visit via Cheshire Museums where we could score the museum and staff on the experience.

Manchester Ship Canal Company Butty.

With the sun now out we had a pleasant run through the 2 tunnels, watered up at Anderton services, then through Marbury Country Park to Wincham.

Near Saltersford Tunnel, note the bridges here are built with a flat deck, this
is so that if the land subsides due to the saltworkings the deck can be easily
raised with extra brickwork.

Waiting for the timed entry to the tunnel, entry from on the half hour to 10 minutes
before the hour.

Leaving the very crooked Saltersford tunnel, so crooked you cannot see the
light at the end of the tunnel.

We arrived and moored outside the museum in near Wincham in time for lunch, then leaving Gill to relax in the sun we joined the organised tour. The Lion Salt works has had a 10 million pound restoration, and is now a museum to the prime past industry of the area, brine pumping and salt production, info here Lion Salt Works
We found it very interesting, a good reminder of the brine pumping and salt making that used to go on in this area. The staff where fairly clued up on the history, we had to assess them and the museum with scoring to complete after the guided tour. There was plenty of information on offer, old photos, interactive exhibits, old salt pans, and relics of the industry to view. I don't believe there is an entrance fee, it is well worth a visit if passing this way.

Salt Raking Pan.

Seddon Salt Railway Van.

Original Brine Pumping Donkey Engine.

We pushed on after the tour, through the industry of Wincham Wharf, past the Brunner Mond works, now owned by TATA, who don't they own! lovely smell of fresh bread from the bakeries near Broken Cross, then past the Billinge Green Flashes, I expected to moor here but father wanted to moor near the old Clay pits near Crofton.

Billinge Green Flashes

Lovely House near Whatcroft Hall.

Even got a Kingfisher on camera.

Nights Mooring near the Claypits.

Unfortunately we could not get on the clay pit moorings (Bramble Cutting) as 2 boats where already on the 2 available spaces. After lunch we had a walk down to Crofton Flash, then crossed the canal to try to reach the Clay pits but where baulked by nettles and brambles.

Crofton Flash - The flashes in this area are caused by subsidence of the old salt workings.