Today we were joined by Toby & Will, so together with Greg, Nick and Helena we were quite a crowd as we headed down the road to Whitchurch.
We left Warrington slightly earlier today as we had a 53km route ahead of us. Warrington was founded by the Romans at an important crossing place on the River Mersey. A new settlement was then established by the Saxons. By the Middle Ages, Warrington had emerged as a market town at the lowest bridging point of the river. The local tradition of textile and tool production dates from this time.
The local branch of HSBC was on our route so we took the opportunity for another photo of us in front of the branch.
We walked past the Warrington Wolves Halliwell Jones stadium (They are nicknamed the Wire after the wire-drawing industry in the town) and then crossed over the Mersey (forgot to take a photo) and the Manchester Ship Canal, of which Construction began in 1887, took six years and cost £15 million (equivalent to about £1.65 billion in 2011).
We walked over the Bridgewater Canal – which is described as the first great achievement of the canal age, although the Sankey Canal opened earlier. Bridgewater captured the public imagination because of its engineering feats; it required the construction of an aqueduct to cross the River Irwell, and a tunnel at Worsley. We then crossed the Acton Swing Bridge across the River Weaver.
An important milestone. – we both have now walked more then one million steps so far – with two weeks walking still to go.
A bit more walking past some nice houses and open countryside and then a nice setting in a pub garden for lunch (no beer unfortunately)
A long walk down the A49 (and dodging a good amount of traffic) in the lovely sunshine and then Greg was there in a layby with Teas and Coffees.
Another long stretch of the A49 (more to come tomorrow) and finally we reached the hotel – a long day indeed – 53.65km. We now say goodbye to Helena, Greg (outstanding chaperone) and Nick – we really do appreciate them taking time out to walk with us.