Barn Owl Pub

We have stopped opposite the pub on a pretty wide part of towpath, but as the pub is between bridges there is no easy access for us.   No locks today, just steady cruising, first to leave C&RT waters at Leigh (with a quick visit tot the nearby Aldi) and then onto the Bridgwater Canal (Leigh Branch).  We passed no opposite direction boats until the Barton Aqueduct which had been swung, so closed to us.   Luckily it started to swing back almost as soon as we arrived.  Very interesting to see how it all worked to seal the water it contains from the canal and of course the Manchester ship Canal below when it opens.  There are gates which swing rather than barriers which lift or drop.  Soon we were on our way again.   No sign of any shipping below, so probably just a routine test.  At Waters Meeting and past the huge Kelllogs factory we turned right for Preston Brook starting with the long straight sections through Sale and Altrincham.    Lots of walkers out there - children being taken to school and runners of all sizes.   Once out of the urban area we continued to the boatyards after Agate Bridge for a diesel top up.  Weather is warming up and looking quite hot for tomorrow.