Where it all began!

13/10/2017


Here in Worsley, just 6 miles west of Manchester, is where the canal network began. The 3rd Duke of Bridgewater had coal mines here, with a water problem. His elegant solution was to turn the water drains ('soughs') into underground canals, 46 miles eventually. When his coal reached Manchester, it reduced the cost to half. Now that's an improvement we can hope for.

Two of the exit tunnels can just still be seen, behind tatty green 'keep out' netting. The water still running out leaches iron, and the canal here is tea coloured.

An attractive town, with dry docks hundreds of years old- the canal opened in 1761.
Yesterday, fine even sunny, we walked through Worsley woods, under the M60, along railtrails, some 5 to 6 miles, lovely to stretch our legs after the 2 days of solid cruising from Liverpool.

Now off to Manchester for a few days, including the treat of the 'Last night of the Proms', suitably held at the Bridgewater concert hall.

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