More locks

Wednesday. 

After setting off from Riley Green, we passed a young chap taking his pig for a walk, as one does. 

I'd love to know if this is a one-off or a regular event. 

After that we saw to our right the home of Blackburn Rovers. 

Not easily seen in this photo but it's there. 

Then, as we entered the town proper, the locks. Only six of them but, once again, all quite heavy. 

Here's the winding gear to open the gate. 

A little more detail. Looks as if it should all make the job so much easier but, don't you believe it! 

Looking back at one of the Blackburn bridges. The canal was very messy here with bottles and takeaway boxes floating around, but then, most large towns have the very same problem. The water, however, was very clear. 

Freed from the last lock it's full steam ahead (at 4mph). 

Some lovely old covered warehouses, one now a pub/wine bar. 

There are several old mills flanking the canal, some in use, some abandoned. 

Once we had left the town we moored in open countryside by Side Beet Bridge No.106. 

A lovely sunset behind the hill. 

Apart from the 'towny' bits, the Leeds & Liverpool is a beautiful canal but we have hardly seen another boat all the time we have been cruising. Perhaps it's the Wigan Flight that puts everyone off, or the heavy locks, but we are certainly glad that we've made the effort to come here. No regrets, just aching muscles.