Category: WATERWAYS

Lock 1

< Next M&SJ Canal Next > < River Irwell Jn Rochdale Canal Jn > Having passed through the paired lock 2, the other side of Water Street behind the wall, the canal comes towards us through...

Lock 1 and Lift Bridge

< Next M&SJ Canal Next > < River Irwell Jn Rochdale Canal Jn > Lock 1 was never paired, unlike locks 2, 3 and 4 which were paired.  The lock leads under the lift bridge onto the...

Lower Byrom Street

< Next M&SJ Canal Next > < River Irwell Jn Rochdale Canal Jn > The canal continued straight ahead at Lower Byrom Street where pedestrians now have to walk around the television studios which now cover...

Pedestrianised Camp Street

< Next M&SJ Canal Next > < River Irwell Jn Rochdale Canal Jn > Still following a straight line the Manchester & Salford Junction Canal passed along what is now the pedestrianised length of Camp Street....

Camp Street

< Next M&SJ Canal Next > < River Irwell Jn Rochdale Canal Jn > After passing under the railway goods station and crossing Deansgate the canal continued straight ahead along what is now Camp Street in its...

Reaching Watson Street

< Next M&SJ Canal Next > < River Irwell Jn Rochdale Canal Jn > Having descended through the paired staircase locks 3 and 4 as it comes towards us under Manchester Central’s Goods Depot, the canal...

Under the Building

< Next M&SJ Canal Next > < River Irwell Jn Rochdale Canal Jn > After emerging from under the Manchester Central Goods Depot and crossing Watson Street the canal continued under another railway goods depot, between...

Through the Car Park

< Next M&SJ Canal Next > < River Irwell Jn Rochdale Canal Jn > Now used as a car park, the canal would have passed under the former railway goods depot between Watson Street and Deansgate....

Under Manchester Central Station

< Next M&SJ Canal Next > < River Irwell Jn Rochdale Canal Jn > Passing under the former Manchester Central Station the canal would have passed under arches like these, now used for access to the...

Staircase Locks

Staircase Locks

< Next M&SJ Canal Next > < River Irwell Jn Rochdale Canal Jn > Now used as a car park under the former Manchester Central Station, the Manchester & Salford Junction Canal would have passed through...

Great Northern Warehouse

< Next M&SJ Canal Next > < River Irwell Jn Rochdale Canal Jn > The text around the top of the warehouse reads “Great Northern Railway Company’s Goods Warehouse”.  It stands to the side of the...

Manchester Central Station

< Next M&SJ Canal Next > < River Irwell Jn Rochdale Canal Jn > The Manchester & Salford Junction canal was built over so it passed under the former Manchester Central Station, approximately at right angles...

Looking for the Route

< Next M&SJ Canal Next > < River Irwell Jn Rochdale Canal Jn > Looking across Lower Mosley Street, at the top of the embankment in the next (right) photo there’s no visible trace of the...

Fountain in the Canal

< Next M&SJ Canal Next > < River Irwell Jn Rochdale Canal Jn > The narrow channel leads into a former basin where the canal made a right angle turn. There was once a stop lock...

Narrow Channel, unsuitable for Wide Beam Boats

< Next M&SJ Canal Next > < River Irwell Jn Rochdale Canal Jn > The channel marks the line of the canal.  This was once wide enough to pass wide beam boats. Waterway and Kilometerage MASJ...

Still in Water for a Short Distance

< Next M&SJ Canal Next > < River Irwell Jn Rochdale Canal Jn > A sharp bend follows the bridges at the entrance to the canal.  It still looks as if a short narrowboat could squeeze...

Entrance to the Canal

< Next M&SJ Canal Next > < River Irwell Jn Rochdale Canal Jn > Looking back towards the junction with the Rochdale Canal near the middle of the Rochdale Nine Locks. Ducie Street Junction is uphill to...

Swing Bridge at the Entrance

< Next M&SJ Canal Next > < River Irwell Jn Rochdale Canal Jn > A swing bridge crosses the entrance to the Manchester & Salford Junction Canal.  The bridge is fixed closed to prevent attempts to...

Junction with the Rochdale Canal

< Next M&SJ Canal JUMP TO > < River Irwell Jn River Irwell Jn > The Manchester & Salford Junction Canal meets the Rochdale Canal immediately above Tib Lock 89 near the middle of the Rochdale...

Mid Worcestershire (Droitwich) Ring Maps

Download maps of the Mid Worcestershire (Droitwich) Ring. The most up to date and clearest maps of the Mid Worcestershire (Droitwich) Ring are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart phone, or...

Middle Level Navigations Maps

Download maps of the Middle Level Navigations. The most up to date and clearest maps of the Middle Level Navigations are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet, or...

Monmouth & Brecon Canal Maps

Download maps of the Monmouth & Brecon Canal. The most up to date and clearest maps of the Monmouth & Brecon Canal are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart phone, or...

Monmouth & Brecon Canal (Restoration Section) Map

Free Maps These are my free maps covering the Monmouth & Brecon Canal (Restoration Section) Download these free maps (from the links at the end) to see how good my maps are, and to...

Montgomery Canal Maps – FREE

Free Maps These are my free maps covering the Montgomery Canal. Download these free maps (from the links at the end) to see how good my maps are, and to check you can install...

River Nene Maps

Download maps of the River Nene. The most up to date and clearest maps of the River Nene are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet, or print if...

Newcastle-under-Lyme Canal Maps – FREE

Free Maps These are my free maps covering the Newcastle-under-Lyme Canal. Download these free maps (from the links at the end) to see how good my maps are, and to check you can install...

Oxford Canal Maps

Download maps of the Oxford Canal. The most up to date and clearest maps of the Oxford Canal are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet, or print if...

Ravenhead Canal

Ravenhead Canal

< Next Ravenhead Canal Next > < First Last > Looking west along Elm Road.  The Ravenhead Canal would probably have crossed the line of the road between the 20 mph signs. Waterway and Kilometerage RAV...

Ravenhead Canal

Ravenhead Canal

< Next Ravenhead Canal Next > < First Last > Looking East along Elm Road.  The Ravenhead Canal would probably have crossed below road level near the crest of the hill, where the 20 mph signs...

Runcorn & Weston Canal Maps – FREE

Free Maps These are my free maps covering the Runcorn & Weston Canal. Download these free maps (from the links at the end) to see how good my maps are, and to check you...

Junction with the River Weaver

< JUMP TO Runcorn & Weston Canal Next > < Runcorn Locks Jn Runcorn Locks Jn > Looking along the River Weaver towards Runcorn, with the Runcorn & Weston Canal diverging to the right. Waterway and...

Start of the Runcorn & Weston Canal

< Next Runcorn & Weston Canal Next > < River Weaver Jn Runcorn Locks Jn >   Leaving the River Weaver, the Runcorn & Weston Canal climbed through one lock, now derelict. RAW 00.015.01 OS Grid Reference...

Derelict Entrance Lock

< Next Runcorn & Weston Canal Next > < River Weaver Jn Runcorn Locks Jn > The derelict entrance lock from the River Weaver leads onto the Runcorn & Weston Canal which is in water for...

Looking through the Bridge

< Next Runcorn & Weston Canal Next > < River Weaver Jn Runcorn Locks Jn > We’re standing on the first bridge of the Runcorn & Weston Canal and peering through the adjacent pipe bridge towards...

The Second Bridge

< Next Runcorn & Weston Canal Next > < River Weaver Jn Runcorn Locks Jn > Looking from the first bridge to the second, this one is navigable, if only you could get a boat there....

The First Bridge

< Next Runcorn & Weston Canal Next > < River Weaver Jn Runcorn Locks Jn > Looking back from the second bridge to the first, that has been infilled with a culver in the centre to...

Beyond the Second Bridge

< Next Runcorn & Weston Canal Next > < River Weaver Jn Runcorn Locks Jn > Beyond the second bridge the water finishes where it disappears from sight in this photo.  The canal is filled in and,...

The End of the Water

< Next Runcorn & Weston Canal Next > < River Weaver Jn Runcorn Locks Jn > The limit of the water on the Runcorn & Weston Canal.  The remaining 1.7km (just over a mile) is filled...

Runcorn New Locks

Runcorn New Locks

< Next Runcorn & Weston Canal Next > < River Weaver Jn Runcorn Locks Jn > The line of Runcorn New Locks has been built over and we are looking down the flight which passes through...

End of the Runcorn & Weston Canal

< Next Runcorn & Weston Canal JUMP TO > < River Weaver Jn River Weaver Jn > < Next Bridgewater Canal Next > < MSC Jn Top of Locks  > We’re standing at the end of the...

River Avon (Proposed Higher Avon) Maps

Free Maps These are my free maps covering the Higher Avon (Proposed). Download these free maps (from the links at the end) to see how good my maps are, and to check you can...

River Avon (Stratford) Maps

Download maps of the River Avon (Stratford). The most up to date and clearest maps of the River Avon (Stratford) are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet, or...

River Dee Maps – FREE

Free Maps These are my free maps covering the River Dee. Download these free maps (from the links at the end) to see how good my maps are, and to check you can install...

River Great Ouse and Tributaries Maps

Download maps of the River Great Ouse and Tributaries. The most up to date and clearest maps of the River Great Ouse and Tributaries are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart...

River Idle Maps

The River Idle is not available as a separate map. It is included in:- England & Wales Maps Chesterfield Canal Maps

River Ivel Maps – FREE

Free Maps These are my free maps covering the River Ivel. Download these free maps (from the links at the end) to see how good my maps are, and to check you can install...

River Severn and Gloucester & Sharpness Canal Maps

Download maps of the River Severn and Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. The most up to date and clearest maps of the River Severn and Gloucester & Sharpness Canal are available for download. View on...

River Thames (Lower) Maps

Download maps of the River Thames (Lower). The most up to date and clearest maps of the River Thames (Upper) are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet, or...

River Trent Maps

Download maps of the River Trent. The most up to date and clearest maps of the River Trent are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet, or print if...

River Weaver Maps

Download maps of the River Weaver. The most up to date and clearest maps of the River Weaver are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet, or print if...

Rivers Glen, Welland and Fens Link Maps

Free Maps These are my free maps covering the Rivers Glen, Welland and Fens Link. Download these free maps (from the links at the end) to see how good my maps are, and to...

Rochdale Canal Maps

Download maps of the Rochdale Canal. The most up to date and clearest maps of the Rochdale Canal are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet, or print if...

Shrewsbury and Newport Canals Maps – FREE

Free Maps These are my free maps covering the Shrewsbury and Newport Canals. Download these free maps (from the links at the end) to see how good my maps are, and to check you...

Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigations Maps

Download maps of the Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigations. The most up to date and clearest maps of the Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigations are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart...

Somersetshire Coal Canal (Restoration) Maps – FREE

Free Maps These are my free maps covering the Somersetshire Coal Canal. Download these free maps (from the links at the end) to see how good my maps are, and to check you can...

Shropshire Union Canal Map

Download maps of the Shropshire Union Canal. The most up to date and clearest maps of the Shropshire Union Canal are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet, or...

Sir Nigel Gresley’s Canal Maps – FREE

Free Maps These are my free maps covering Sir Nigel Gresley’s Canal. Download these free maps (from the links at the end) to see how good my maps are, and to check you can...

South Pennine Ring Maps

Download maps of the South Pennine Ring. The most up to date and clearest maps of the South Pennine Ring are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet, or...

St Helens Canal Maps

Free Maps These are my free maps covering the St Helens Canal. Download these free maps (from the links at the end) to see how good my maps are, and to check you can...

Stafford Riverway Link Maps

Free Maps These are my free maps covering the Stafford Riverway Link. Download these free maps (from the links at the end) to see how good my maps are, and to check you can...

Staffs & Worcester Canal Maps

Download maps of the Staffs & Worcester Canal. The most up to date and clearest maps of the Staffs & Worcester Canal are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart phone, or...

Stourport Ring Maps

Download maps of the Stourport Ring. The most up to date and clearest maps of the Stourport Ring are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet, or print if...

Stratford upon Avon Canal Maps

Download maps of the Stratford upon Avon Canal. The most up to date and clearest maps of the Stratford upon Avon Canal are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart phone, or...

River Thames (All)

Download maps of the River Thames (All). The most up to date and clearest maps of the River Thames (All) are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet, or...

River Thames (Upper) Maps

Download maps of the River Thames (Upper). The most up to date and clearest maps of the River Thames (Upper) are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet, or...

The Wash Maps – FREE

Free Maps These are my free maps covering the The Wash. Download these free maps (from the links at the end) to see how good my maps are, and to check you can install...

Trent & Mersey Canal Map

Download maps of the Trent & Mersey Canal. The most up to date and clearest maps of the Trent & Mersey are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet,...

Uttoxeter Canal Maps

Free Maps These are my free maps covering the Uttoxeter Canal. Download these free maps (from the links at the end) to see how good my maps are, and to check you can install...

Walton Summit Branch Maps – FREE

Free Maps These are my free maps covering the Walton Summit Branch. Download these free maps (from the links at the end) to see how good my maps are, and to check you can...

Warwickshire Ring Maps

Download maps of the Warwickshire Ring. The most up to date and clearest maps of the Warwickshire Ring are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet, or print if...

Wendover Arm (Restoration) Maps – FREE

Free Maps These are my free maps covering the Wendover Arm. Download these free maps (from the links at the end) to see how good my maps are, and to check you can install...

Werneth Branch Canal – Features

Werneth Branch Canal – Features

Distances are measured from the south end of the canal. Kilometerage Feature 00.000 Start of Navigation. 00.140 Junction with Hollinwood Canal. 00.840 End of Navigation. Kilometerage Feature

Wey & Arun Canal (Restoration) Maps – FREE

Free Maps These are my free maps covering the Wey & Arun Canal. Download these free maps (from the links at the end) to see how good my maps are, and to check you...

Wilts & Berks Canal (Restoration) Maps – FREE

Free Maps These are my free maps covering the Wilts & Berks Canal. Download these free maps (from the links at the end) to see how good my maps are, and to check you...

Wisbech Canal Maps

Free Maps These are my free maps covering the Wisbech Canal. Download these free maps (from the links at the end) to see how good my maps are, and to check you can install...

Worcester & Birmingham Canal Maps

Download maps of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. The most up to date and clearest maps of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal are available for download. View on your computer, laptop, smart phone, or...

Level Access

The Canal & River Trust (CRT) issued an email this morning saying that the River Severn was now navigable after being in flood for several days. The water levels were very raised when cycled...

Great Ouse Bore

There are approximately sixty rivers with tidal bores around the world, with eleven in Great Britain, where the River Severn Bore is probably the best known. The River Great Ouse has a bore, which...

Cruising Down the River Nene – 3

We’ve continued downstream on the River Nene passing many lovely locations along the way. The heatwave slowed us down a little but the blue sky and fluffy white cloud was great for filming. We...

Cruising Down the River Nene – 2

Another stunning day of sunshine saw us cruising down the River Nene to Thrapston. One of our first challenges was the Radial Gate on Ditchford Lock.  This is power operated, like most of the...

Standedge Tunnel

In 2013 we passed through Standedge Tunnel as we were filming for our South Pennine Ring DVDs.  I was steering the boat and didn’t have much chance to appreciate the inside of the tunnel. Here we...

Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust

We’ve just returned from our first cruise of the season over the past two days, from our home mooring at Sherborne Wharf to Wolverhampton and back.  It’s always nice to be cruising again, and...

Hulme Locks Branch

The Hulme Locks Branch of the Bridgewater Canal was opened in 1838 to provide a link from the main line of the Bridgewater Canal to the River Irwell, then the Mersey and Irwell Navigation....

Precision Timing

While cycling along the Leigh Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal recently to check my map data I encountered new signs, intended for cyclists. This was the first sign I found, at Leigh....

Barton Lift Bridge

In my previous post about the Mersey Gateway I described a new bridge being constructed across the Manchester Ship Canal near Runcorn. There’s another new bridge being constructed across the ship canal nearer Manchester....

Mersey Gateway

The Mersey Gateway project will provide a new road link to relive pressure on the existing road bridge at Runcorn. It’s being constructed to the east of the existing bridge, and scheduled for completion in...

How Big Is Your Bridge?

On the way back from seeing progress with repainting our boat in the autumn I took up an invitation to visit Willow Wren Training. They are excavating the arm at their training centre which...

Runcorn Locks

Runcorn Locks once linked the Bridgewater Canal to the Runcorn & Weston Canal, the Manchester Ship Canal and, previously, the River Mersey. History Opened in 1776, the Bridgewater Canal was linked to the River...

Runcorn & Weston Canal

The Runcorn & Weston Canal ran parallel to the River Mersey, through the outskirts of Runcorn, for 2.4km (1.5 miles).  At the southern end it joined the Weston Canal of the River Weaver Navigation through...

St Helens Canal

History The St Helens Canal ran from the River Mersey near Warrington to reach the outskirts of St Helens.  It’s sometimes known as the Sankey Canal as it used the line of the Sankey Brook in...

Lapal Canal

The Lapal Canal is the name now associated with the restoration of the Dudley No 2 Canal using an alternative route in places. History The Dudley No 2 Canal once ran from Parkhead Junction...

Homewards along the Coventry Canal

We’re heading home with our repainted Waterway Routes Narrowboat. The sunshine looks nice but it was bitterly cold. There was a sprinkling of snow on the boat this morning and it took until nearly lunchtime...

Barnsley and Dearne & Dove Canals

The Barnsley and Dearne & Dove Canals are derelict, with plans for restoration.  Together they will form a through route between the Aire & Calder Navigation and the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation. There are...

Lawton Locks

Having recovered from a very busy Crick Boat Show where we met lots of lovely customers, we were ready to set off for our summer cruise this morning.  We’ve travelled a long distance if...