Checked with the Ship Canal office first thing about the closure of the Barton swing aqueduct. Transpires it had its maintenance in March, with the next one due last two weeks of March 2015.
Sunny but chilly for cruising. Up the northern arm of the Bridgewater, not knowing what to expect, but it was fine. Passed the Trafford Centre shopping centre, so tied up and went to take a look. Could hardly believe our eyes, but the toilets were spectacular. The swing aqueduct was more interesting than spectacular. I couldn't quite work out how the difference in levels between the two canals had come about.
The stretch beyond Worsley was suddenly very rural. The mooring at Boothstown is good – opposite the marina on the east side of the bridge over to the pub "The Moorings" (Fayre and Square).
9.5 miles, 0 locks, 3.5 hours engine
