By thunder it's Wigan

Sorry about the title but we got to Wigan on Wednesday evening and thought we would have a look at Wigan Pier. However, no sooner did we set off but the heavens opened, we took shelter under the town bridge, thunder and lightning, rivers running down the gutters, so we nipped back to the boat ASAP. We never did get to see Wigan Pier! 

But, I have jumped ahead. We set off from Worsley along a very pleasant stretch of canal. Most of the day's journey was through the old coal mining area and in places the canal was running on an embankment because of subsidence. Alongside the canal there were several flashes (lakes), again, caused by the coal mining. 

Brigid keeps telling me that we have been on this canal before but, amazingly enough, neither of us remember much of it. What we did remember was the marina where we picked up the hire boat back in 2001. 

At Astley Green there is a pit museum and the following picture shows the pit-head gear still in situ. Sorry it's so small in the picture but the closer you got the more it was obscured by trees and houses. 

Here are some of the old mill buildings in Leigh. 

Many are either being demolished or converted into modern offices or apartments. 

The above is a new development, in keeping with the factory chimney behind. 

Many of the new buildings have 'bricked-up windows' built into them to make them look like converted warehouses. 

Right in the heart of the town with an old building on the left and a converted one to the right. 

At Plank Lane I then had the responsibility of stopping all the traffic as I operated the lift bridge. Actually, all I had to do was turn my key and hold down the green button which activated traffic lights, automatic barriers and beeping noises. After that, the red button to shut it all down again, except that a C&RT man offered to do that bit so that we could get on our way again. Lovely fella! 

After that we said farewell to the Bridgewater Canal and started on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. 

Just a sighting of The Flash as we sailed past. 

Another new housing development neap Plank Lane. 

We then decided to stop for lunch at The Dover Lock Inn. The pub is just behind us. The portions were very good and the price very reasonable. 

After that, a short run into Wigan with a couple of tough locks to negotiate. We weren't aware that you needed a handcuff key to work these locks. In fact, all the locks around Wigan have these locks on them to deter folk from draining all the water out of the pounds 'just for fun!' You insert your key into a hole and turn it until a bolt is released and you can open the paddles. Very simple but very effective. The first lock also had a chain and windlass attached to the gate to help get it closed. Oh, why did we leave the narrow locks behind? 

Now not looking forward to the Wigan flight tomorrow with 21 similar locks 😕