Now we have left Ellesmere Port behind us and are back down  in  Chester for two nights , only leaving there on Saturday as it was a race day many people enjoying themselves so perhaps not a good time to be moored in a city near the pubs , we stopped off on the way back down to visit Beeston castle a bit of a tester climbing the hill to the top , see the pictures , then back to the stone and iron locks and  a night spent in rural silence , apart from the early trains , not really a problem , next day back to Barbridge junction and a night spent listening to the rain banging down . Now we are going up the Middlewich branch and have moored up for tonight with a view of the river Weaver and the flash's (old salt extraction pools ) way down below us , quite funny being on top of a hill When we get to the Anderton lift that will drop us down on to the  river Weaver level if we wish , otherwise we stay on the canal
A couple of days are being spent in Middlewich only a fairly small market town but worth a look around

This is the view as you enter the Chester staircase bottom lock with water spraying in through the gaps in the  gates towering five metres above you while waiting for the paddles to be lifted and water to pour in and lift you to the next level where the gates will be opened and you move forward into the next step and repeat the procedure

This is the cutting around the Chester city walls dug  out of solid rock with road bridges over to allow access to the city

Beeston Castle perched on the top right hand side of the cliff viewed from down towards the canal

Resting on top of the castle views for many miles and time to get your breath back

Beautiful newly thatched cottage near the iron lock

Tuesdays gourmet meal .

Fried new potatoes , bacon , proccessed peas ,and fried egg  with a liberal coating of brown sauce.