The Douglas Valley

Wigan pier

Another sunny day as hot as any we have had so far. Setting off at 9:20 we descended 3 locks, this time on our own, on our way out of Wigan. We were able to identify the real Wigan pier as it had an information board alongside. We then passed Wigan Athletic Football Stadium (The "DW Stadium") situated in a rather bleak area near a trading estate.

M6 crosses railway bridge over Leeds & Lverpool Canal - Gathurst

Once out of Wigan we entered the glorious scenery of the rural Douglas Valley, definitely worth a place in our list of favourite canal journeys.  Though it must be said almost anywhere would look special in this wonderful weather. A couple of miles into the valley the canal is crossed by a railway bridge near a further lock, both the canal and railway being overshadowed by the very high M6 crossing.

Just before the small village of Appley Bridge we met the first of the many swing bridges this canal is noted for.  This one just took a footpath over the canal and despite some stories of it being difficult to operate it opened very smoothly.  It may have been recently replaced, there being housing development nearby.  Clearly the locals arent completely used to the bridge: whilst I was opening it a cyclist managed to stop with squealing brakes just before the gap where the bridge wasnt.

Around 1pm we descended our final lock of the day, this time with another boat, before entering the village of Parbold where we have moored for the night.   As a write this blog the rather good music of a brass band player perhaps practicing for tomorrow's Parbold Festival is wafting over the canal.