Chester draws us: Day 6

After a lovely few days in Christleton it was time to move on, but the forecast for today had consistently suggested we’d get very wet.  It had rained in the night, but was dry when we set off at about 9; we initially didn’t go far, just through a couple of bridges to the water point, where we filled the tank and started some washing.  Adrian then walked on to Christleton lock, while I brought the boat.  Over the course of the next few locks there was the odd shower, but the rain was seldom very hard.  By the time we were at Chemistry Lock, some of the Chester landmarks, like the water tower come into view.  Below the lock there’s a nice row of cottages on the offside.

Hoole Lane Lock was the last one we were doing, and after that there’s the lead works tower, now surrounded by flats built to look like warehouses.  The tower was used to make lead shot: molten lead was poured through a sieve at the top, and by the time it reached the bottom it had formed little balls.

A bit further along, one of the bridges has s spitfire sculpture.  We’re not sure why it’s there, and it has only one wing and no propeller, but I suppose it’s a talking point.

By now the wind was really strong.  We’d decided we’d moor along here rather than going down the staircase locks, so we turned immediately before Cow Lane Bridge.  Fortunately, for once the wind was in the right direction and whipped the bow round in no time.  There were a couple of spaces on the moorings, but neither was long enough, so we pulled into one and asked the boat in front if they could move along a little.  They were happy to do so, and we were soon tied up.

After lunch, we went to the big Tesco that’s right here, stocking up with some store cupboard items as it’s not far to carry everything.  Then as the sun was now out we went for a walk through town.  We’ve been to Chester a few times as my dad lives here, so we kind of know where we’re going.  It’s a very attractive city centre, with lots of black and white buildings, the two-level shops, and the clock.  The cathedral bells were also ringing.

On the far side of town, it was clear something was going on at the racecourse.  It turned out to be a family fun day meeting, so we walked along the road where you can see across the course, although we couldn’t be bothered to wait to see a race.

We walked along the walls until we got to the corner nearest the basin, where we went down some steps onto the towpath.  It’s just as well we didn’t come down, as all the moorings were full.

Then we walked back round the corner past the Northgate Staircase Locks, three really big locks all together, and then along the towpath where it goes through a cutting below the city walls.

The wind has dropped a bit now, but tomorrow is meant to be both wet and windy.

2 miles, 5 locks.  (16 miles, 11 locks)