Just leaving the pier head, Liverpool

The lower part of the canal still sees a lot of shipping

Passing the Runcorn-Widnes bridge

Lock gates opening

At one of the locks

Another ship approaching

Freight has precedence over passenger ships

Thelwall Viaduct, the M6 motorway

Near Trafford Park, a few ships still come all the way up to Manchester

For more information on the Ship Canal cruises, see the Mersey Ferries website.  Book early - they are very popular!