Bridge 100 Trent & Mersey Canal

Our first full day on Solace this  trip.  We are still getting used to her smart new blue livery, she really was in need of the paint job which took place over winter.  The weather was kind and cruising was very pleasant.

The blip is of Bridge 100, a turn over bridge.   What is a turnover bridge I can hear you thinking!  Well when the canal builders wanted to change the towpath from one side of the canbal to the other they put in a turnover bridge.

As the boats were horse drawn an ordinary bridge didn't do.  If a horse walked over a normal bridge and onto the other side the rope would be on top of the bridge and need unhitched.  A turnover bridge brings the horse down and under the bridge  so that the rope is passing under the bridge.   The cyclist has just come over the bridge round as if they are heading back they way they came and then under the bridge.