Photo-a-Day (Saturday, 11th November, 2023)
Leigh Branch
Photo: John (Westhoughton) (iPhone)
A nice scenic shot spoiled by the cycle. John are you related to Mick from Shev.?
Not seen that section for donkeys' years.
Looks splendid.
Thanks, John.
Really catches the autumn season well, good photo. I don't think the bike spoils it at all.
Nice one John.
Hey John do you realise that’s a breach of copyright with that bike in that spot on THAT bank? But like you I would have loved the canal to have come as far as Howfen . Perhaps it was far too unimportant in those days of planning with all the farming there?? Who knows? I think the good Reverend will know.
Is this up near Plank Lane bridge/Leigh Marina, please? Peter and I once walked from Abram down Crankwood Road and through Crankwood Village and then walked back along the canal to Abram but the canal looks much the same to me all the way along! Just trying to get my bearings here.
Oh at first thought this was near to Appley Bridge locks, and that Mick had changed his bike.
No relation to Mick but share the same pastime PeterP you must come from the posh part of Wigan calling my bike a cycle ha ha, I think the cost was the reason not to continue the canal Veronica,thank you for all the comments everyone it’s very often after tea when I read P.A.D but better than any newspaper the photo was encouraged by Paul who has the bike shop at Platt Bridge (a very trusted bike repair man) as we ride regularly on Sundays with Malc.
Your spot on Irene it was heading for Dover Lock from Plank Lane. I see what you mean Veronica (copyright) big smiley face from me of course.
Nice photo John especially the reflections of the trees in the canal,it looks like camaflouge.
Shevy Mick is back.
Veronica - the original plan was for the Lancaster Canal to run from Westhoughton to Kendal - with an extension from Westhoughton to the Bridgewater at Worsley. The idea was to tap the coal traffic from between Wigan and Bolton. Although work began on its construction in 1793 it was a complicated line (particularly getting across the Ribble) and expensive. Work could only continue as funds were available - and problems/ new proposals cropped up which meant most work was on the northern section above Preston. Then the Leeds & Liverpool undertakers redrew their line - eventually taking over the Lancaster section between Walton and Aspull - and the Leigh Branch of the Bridgewater was built. Also, the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal drew trade from the east of the area. From 1831 the railways began to affect canal trade and construction - so the section from Westhoughton never got started - with the exception of a short stretch from Top Lock southwards - built in 1836 to force the North Union Railway Company to build a bridge over it as they extended their tracks through New Springs.
We all run away to a calm ,
close out the world in our minds ,
where our truth is our own
we disrobe and disown ,
the rest that we see
in search of a stillness ,
where the only one breath
is beyond mine …
they say imitation is the sinceerest form of flattery
John normally I would say a push iron .
No problem PeterP as only joking,I hope Mike doesn’t think I’m trying to imatate him as I certainly could not afford that.Veronica you was right about the Rev.David knowing,his knowledge is wide and far.
You see Mick what a legend you are on WW . Just a chap on a bike I think not !
Thanks for the information Reverend you had mentioned before but not in as much detail. Imagine being connected to Lancaster/ Cumbria by canal that would have been great. So the Railways won the day in the end. It’s a pity some of the stations were wiped out as well later on after Beeching’s plans were put in action.
By the way Mick I think someone has took another block out of the towpath in between the stadium and pier hole seems bigger,hope your soon well also Dennis and not forgetting Josie.
Veronica - Westhoughton may have missed out - but you can travel by narrowboat between Wigan and Cumbria. You take the Leeds and Liverpool to the River Douglas at Tarleton via the Rufford Branch, then travel down the tideway to the Ribble, and then up the Ribble to Savick Brook - where a set of nine new (2002) locks take you up onto the Lancaster Canal north of Preston. You can them sail lock-free up to Tewitfield, north of Carnforth. Sadly the M6 then crosses and re-crosses the canal's line, cutting it off from Kendal. Some bits north are in water - mainly around Crooklands, where there's a trip boat - and the long-term ambition is to restore the link to Kendal.
It sounds lovely Reverend sailing up yonder in summer but if I was in charge of a longboat I’m afraid the sides of the boat would take a bashing. Now if Alfa or Shearings organised those boat trips I wouldn’t mind(tongue in cheek!) :o))