Saturday 9 June 2012

Bank Holiday rambles continued......................................................................

Tuesdays weather wasn't as good as Mondays but I did my planned walk anyway.

The reed beds along the river bank were alive with birds... this little Reed Bunting had a mouthful of insects to feed to it's young.

 Dutton Lock was about to be put into action as I arrived.

 Dutton Locks were built in 1874 at the height of Cheshire's salt trading industry to help transport the valuable mineral from Northwich to the Port of Liverpool.

The paddles are opened letting the water escape slowly.

The river craft descend to the level of the river beyond the lock gates... I took a little video clip of the boats as they carried on their journey as the gates opened.




           Alongside the locks are some pretty cottages... these used to be the homes of the lock keepers.
                                                     
The gardens were lovely to see.

As the boats continued their journeys so did I.

 Passing under the railway viaduct before turning left to follow some footpaths that would eventually take me across country back towards Acton Bridge and my starting point.

 The railway viaduct from the far side as I headed away from the river.

 It's a wealthy part of the county... with lots of private meadows complete with grazing pets.

An early 1960's Hillman lay rotting in the garden of an old cottage.

I also passed some lovely well kept gardens... always a delight to see.

I would have loved to taken a peak through that gate.

This walk was done on Tuesday (a public holiday to celebrate the Queens Jubilee) and as I passed this Landrover I had to smile... masks of the Queen and Prince Philip adorned the front seats.

It was raining quite hard as I returned to the car... but it was a lot better than being at work.

15 comments:

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

Really enjoyed the video. Do they pay a fee to pass through the lock? How long does the process take for the water to reach the correct level and gates to open?

TexWisGirl said...

the window shot w/ roses is beautiful. and i love the pastures w/ grazing, happy horses. :)

CameraCruise said...

Great post and video.
Thanks for sharing from your walk.
Mette

Elizabeth Edwards said...

gorgeous flowers & gardens. (:

holdingmoments said...

Excellent walk Andrew.

MadSnapper said...

fantastic trip down the river without leaving home, i really enjoyed the video. i love that cottage under the video and the poor hillman and i would go with you through that gate. you really hit the jackpot of photos this trip.

Horst in Edmonton said...

Love the video and photos of your walk.

Spare Parts and Pics said...

I like that old Hillman... very cool!

Magia da Inês said...

✿✿⊱╮Belas fotos.
Bom início de semana!
Beijinhos.
Brasil
•.¸¸✿⊱╮¸¸.•

Anonymous said...

I think there is a secret garden through that gate! Thank you for sharing your walk!

John said...

Nice shot of the Reed Bunting Andrew! I am glad that I not a young bird, I wouldn`t fancy those wiggly grubs for dinner! ;)
Are you sure they are masks in the Land Rover and not hte real people! ;)
J
Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Loved the little Reed Bunting, what is that in background of first canal image, it looks like an old moored boat... The horses in the field are splendid and those lovely gardens, the flowers so beautiful. It looks like a wonderful day for you~

Liz said...

Wonderful post Andrew! So much beauty. I love the bird in the first shot and that railway viaduct is beautiful. Nice shots too of the countryside.

Brian King said...

Wonderful photos! The bunting shot is excellent! I like the canals you have there (or whatever you call them). That would be fun to travel by boat. Great shot of the railway bridge, too!

Susan said...

I am always amazed by your posts! Beautiful photos!