Manchester ship canal

[John Arton]

Here are some videos I found on UTUBE all about the ditch. Enjoy.
rgds
JA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKN5K49idEQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsWXia3YOko
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kWxOGCFfqs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIirC5b1r44

[Ivan Cloherty]

Here are some videos I found on UTUBE all about the ditch. Enjoy.
rgds
JA

Very nice thank you, in the last one I don't think the Captain of the feeder ship will be too happy about his lovely vessel being described as a barge

[John Albert Evans]

Lovely Videos but you must read the comments as some are priceless.

JAE>

[Nigel Smith]

I recall going up the MSC several times during the early eighties to Trafford, this was when I worked for 'Bulk Acid Shipping Services'. I did several trips on the 'Unicorn Derek' and 'Unicorn Ladd' (not a nice experience ). On one of the trips we were pelted with stones as we passed under one of the bridges, from that point I decided not to stand out on the bridge wing whilst going under bridges!

[Red Lead Ted]

The few times i paid off in Manchester what always amazed me about the canal, Was passing the rows of houses as you sailed under different bridges ETC.... It was strange to have been at sea for weeks and then see ordinary people going about there business, I always remember watching a lady sweeping her house into the street it was all matter of fact. But a great experience Terry.

[Gulliver]

Have any of you taken a Mersey Ferries cruise up the Manchester Ship Canal recently?
I'd never transited the MSC during my time at sea,but in the early 70's I lived a few miles from the Knutsford Road Swing Bridge just below Latchford Locks.During my leaves I was made to feel right at home when,with the wind in the right direction I could hear the ships and tugs whistles as they passed through.

I took a cruise last summer,2015, on the dazzle -painted Snowdrop.Fantastic nostalgic day out.Great value for £39,and it looks like they've held the prices for this year. Always recommended to book as far ahead as possible for the day and direction you want,especially during school holidays. I did the 11.30 sailing from Liverpool )it does start at Seacombe also) on a reasonably nice day (overcast with sunny periods) to Salford.We were delayed a good 45 minutes entering Eastham Locks while an outbound chemical tanker cleared,but didn't mind as it gave us great views of the Liverpool shoreline.From then on it was pure magic especially for an old seafarer as we cruised up to Salford Quays,a commentary being given from a lovely mature lady on the bridge deck who sounded just like our'Cilla'.(RIP chuck !) Every bridge,river/canal junction and major (and some now hidden) landmarks were commented on historically and all the locks transits were a pleasure to watch,especially as we didn't have to standby or get our hands dirty. ! The Dazzle colours of the ferry certainly seemed to be a big hit with the locals,especially the kids,who all waved and shouted at every bridge and lock,even the waiting motorists waving as we passed by just a few feet away from them.In busier days those motorists would have grumpy,frustated faces and probably giving a different kind of wave as they waited for ships to pass.Certainly delays at the swing bridges in the MSC's heyday made Warrington a place to avoid if you were a motorist in a hurry.
We didn't make up any lost time after our Eastham delay so arrived a bit late in Salford after a 6 hours or so cruise.A fleet of coaches then got us back to Liverpool down the M62 in about 40 minutes.The ferry returns next day on a return transit to Liverpool i.e. join Salford,cruise,then coach back from Liverpool..On some dates it actually gives you a couple of hours at Salford Quays- which is yet another brilliantly transformed area-before returning back to Liverpool,where you can drop off at Lime Street,I even had time for a pint before catching a train home. Great day out !.
INFO HERE about the Cruises.



You can download a pdf Map of the Cruise to print out and take or collect one with brochure from the ferry terminals

SNOWDROP-Dazzle Colours 2015.jpg

[Red Lead Ted]

Gulliver, I would recommend it to anyone even if during your sea time you did navigate it, Liverpool is like any other big city and i would also if you never done it make a weekend out of it its not expensive to stay within the Albert dock area there is the Atlantic hotel, Or the premier inn you could also clash with a show in the new echo arena, Liverpool is as safe as any other city in the U.K. And i can assure anyone it is very well policed not just by the police security guards roam the dock on a regular basis, Not to watch over you to clear any unwanted attention in the area. Safe as houses. Terry.

[Des Taff Jenkins]

Hi John.
Thanks for this post, I couldn't get the sound on but I think that is my speakers playing up, but I enjoyed looking back, I only went up the Man Canal twice but it is a place that I have fond memories of. As Terry say's, after being at sea then going past people going about their business, it was fascinating. Shouting at the girls on the way to work that you would see them later, not a hope of course as you wouldn't remember who they were, but it all added to the memories, thanks.
Cheers Des


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[Ivan Cloherty]

Gulliver, I would recommend it to anyone even if during your sea time you did navigate it, Liverpool is like any other big city and i would also if you never done it make a weekend out of it its not expensive to stay within the Albert dock area there is the Atlantic hotel, Or the premier inn you could also clash with a show in the new echo arena, Liverpool is as safe as any other city in the U.K. And i can assure anyone it is very well policed not just by the police security guards roam the dock on a regular basis, Not to watch over you to clear any unwanted attention in the area. Safe as houses. Terry.

Can recommend the Premier Inn in Albert Dock, if able ask for a room on 1st/2nd/3rd floor and a view of the river, (tell them you're an ex seaman, it really helps) also make sure you get a parking discount voucher for the long stay car park nearby, as meter parking is restricted but handy for checking in/out. For those who don't like shopping with their wife, make a sacrifice on this occasion as all the pretty shop assistants will lift your heart strings, no rude comments please.

[cappy]

went on the canal cruise about 7 years ago with a crowd of ex vindi boys......it was a good day out but quite a long day as the coach from harrogate to liver pool was a time then the cruise then the coach back ...a few beers in between ...very enjoyable apart from some screaming kids galloping round the vessel during the various commentataries.....the coach picked us up in salford if i recall......a bit boring fannying around the locks....but worth doing ......overall a good day regards cappy