Day 6 - Thursday December 21st - Wheelock to Swanley 19 miles 5 furlongs, 14 locks, 8 hours 35 minutes Weather - Sunshine
Another early start (6.55am) for the three mile run to the next lock. Arrived at King's lock at 9.30am, and dispatched Chris into Middlewich to secure some provisions while I worked down the lock and up Wardle lock. Short (10 minute) delay while I bought some rope from the chandlery there. Turned left onto the Middlewich Arm at 9.55am, and was greeted by two BW chaps at the empty lock. They opened and shut the gates for me and said that if I would chuck up a windlass they would work me through. An offer I could hardly refuse! Spent a further fifteen minutes chatting with them and waiting for Chris to reappear with the shopping, before setting off again at 10.20am. After passing Tam Lin, moored right by the bridge, we enjoyed a sunny if rather chilly run across to Barbridge Junction. Failed to stop at Canal shop Pete's place, as the sign outside said they were closed. We will look again on our way back. After a fifteen minute delay buying a replacement gas bottle, we turned left onto the Shroppie at 2.15pm. Some thirty minutes later we turned right at Hurleston Junction and started the ascent to Llangollen. Cleared Hurleston Top at 3.25pm, and decided to carry on to Swanley before stopping as it was beginning to freeze again. Up through Swanley lock and moored just beyond the bridge at 4.10pm. Unfortunately, no mobile signal was available, so trip reports have got a bit behind. There being no pubs within an hours walk, we ate and drank on board before retiring for the night. Terry Streeter NB Arun - Swanley
