Northern Exposure: Day 12

The mooring at Barnton Pool is really lovely.  Even though we appeared to be moored right next to a road, it was only the driveway to the little car park here and the Saltersford Locks down on the river, so there were only a couple of cars driving past.  Otherwise it was exceptionally quiet; this morning among the other birdsong we could hear a woodpecker hammering away.

There was rain overnight, and it was still raining this morning.  We’re in no rush now, as we’re waiting for stoppages to finish — and it’s not as if we can catch up with friends who live in the area, as everyone is avoiding social contact.  Going north, Saltersford Tunnel can only be gone through between the top of the hour and twenty past; as it kept raining, we delayed leaving until 11.  I made the filling for a cottage pie while we waited.

The tunnel is quite short but has some very significant kinks in it, which you really do have to steer around.  We weren’t going far, and we did it quite slowly in order to give the batteries a bit of a charge and to make some hot water.  There are wooded sections, and places where you can see the River Weaver in the valley below.  Standout landmarks to spot include Acton Swing Bridge, Dutton Lock with the white bridge over the weir stream, and the Dutton viaduct, which crosses the river.

We moored up at the Dutton breach site, where the replacement bank has rings set into it.  There’s a great view through the towpath hedge to the river and the viaduct.  Another boat was also tying up here when we arrived, so we said our hellos at a safe distance.  Everything is very odd at the moment!

4 miles, 0 locks.  (147 miles, 95 locks)