Having arrived on Tranquility at 1.00 on Saturday we unpacked the car and got everything on the boat, once that was completed it was a visit into Nantwich to get some provisions (and not a small amount of alcohol). Once we had returned to the boat we decided to unpack everything and stay in the Marina overnight. Once everything was ship shape it was off to the Chinese Takeaway for tea. I ended up having to drive into Crewe as the only Chinese in Nantwich couldn’t provide anything for 2 hours. Once fed and watered we settled down to a couple of hours in front of the telly.
Sunday morning found us wake up to pea souper of a foggy morning so Kaz rustled us up some breakfast while we waited for it to clear a little. When the fog had lifted a little we left Aqueduct Marina turning right and making our way along the Middlewich Branch of the Shroppie towards Middlewich, once in Middlewich we decided to moor up and look for somewhere to have an evening meal.
We settled on The Narrowboat, thinking that it was an apt name and they were serving Sunday Lunches, so we had a short walk to the hostelry Bob in tow. We were not disappointed in our choice.
The Sunday Roast was two courses for £10.
I had beef & Kaz had pork, we were both delighted not only by the size of it but it was all beautifully cooked, there was little room for the veg which came separately and accompanied by extra gravy in a gravy boat. The rhubarb crumble for desert was obviously home cooked and absolutely gorgeous with plentiful custard.
All of the staff were very welcoming and couldn’t do enough for us.
Monday saw a late start after a nice lie in and a light breakfast we cruised along for a couple of hours and then moored up for lunch outside The Old Broken Cross in Rudheath,
Had a nice drink and a sandwich. I had the Hot Beef with onion gravy & Kaz went for the Hot Pork & stuffing both on ciabatta, the lady serving asked if we wanted fries or homemade chips, we went for the homemade chips.
My oh my when the food came the chips were enormous, but so fluffy and tasty, and both sandwiches were absolutely superb – not often you can get wowed by a sandwich and some chips. The staff in the pub were also extremely pleasant and were very welcoming, we will definitely eat here again while on our travels.
After a trip to the local Co-op for a few more provisions and a walk for Bob we decided to stay here overnight & I cooked us tea – sausage, mash & onion gravy. After a few drinks and a spot of tele we settled own for an early night.
Another late start on Tuesday saw us set off for Anderton boat lift, as expected it was shut and we moored up just below the winding hole.
Went for a lunchtime drink at the local hostelry The Stanley Arms and booked a table in the bar for an evening meal.
Returned on the evening and both decided to have the homemade curry, I have to say that we were both really disappointed with it, the Wainwrights real ale was very nice though.
Wednesday we turned around and started the return journey and decided to head for one of our favourite mooring places Bramble Moorings, located between bridge 176 Hell’s Kitchen Bridge & bridge 177 Murder Bridge on the Trent & Mersey.
Had a nice evening here with Bob able to amble around to his hearts content.
On Thursday we carried on our return Journey leaving the Trent & Mersey and turning back onto Middlewich branch of the Shropshire. We moored up for the night just below bridge 19 and had a quiet night.
Friday saw us make it back to the Marina and get everything ready for our departure home on Saturday morning,
When we were finished packing we decided to get in the car and drive into Middlewich for a return visit to The Narrowboat to sample their midweek menu. We both decided to have the lasagne which was home made and came with plentiful fries, salad and crispy garlic bread. We followed this with apple pie and ice cream and again we were not disappointed. Just to top it off they also served a lovely pint of Wainwrights & Bob enjoyed a bag of crisps.
This brought another lovely relaxing trip on Tranquility to an end.
Canal Journeys on Tranquility 