UK Canals - Journey reports

Next Trip

We plan to leave for Birmingham on the 20th July and after a short layover, proceed to the River Trent and the northern canals for the summer.

Harefield

We set off at 7:15 and had a good run through to Harefield.   The gravel barges were both loading and Arundel was passed moored, but getting ready for work.

Return to base - via Tidal Thames

Heavy rain overnight!  Having arranged with the lock keepers at both Limehouse and Brentford we were ready for a locking out onto the River at 11:30.    We had one other boat to accompany us.  Our preparations included the anchor made ready of course, the VHF, engine checks, life jackets and the Eberspacher exhaust sealed.   It is also a good idea to check the Notices to Mariners in case of any specific warnings, although the half hourly broadcasts by London VTS give any important advice.   Leaving at this time the trip boats are in full operation, hence the Limehouse Reach tends to be very choppy as indeed it was.   Nothing dangerous, just exciting.  After an uneventful run up river we cleared Brentford at 14:15 and found the River Brent "quite vigourous" after all the heavy rain overnight and we needed more engine revs than used so far all this trip.   Potentially difficult is the exit of the river just below Hanwell bottom Lock, however, I let Pat off early and the lock was ready for a straight-in approach.   For the first few locks we had a large audience.  BW, as part of some London wide initiative, had a "Canal Day" in progress.   There was a Gazebo just above the bottom Lock with information and a character in period costume was escourting walks to Brunel's three in one bridge.    Further up the flight I was disappointed to find that the offside bottom steps, and approaches are still partially obstructed by vegetation at lock 94.  Not very nice if paired with another boat.  This is illustrated in the two pictures. (Click to enlarge).

Rain threatened, but never happened and the temperature was such that we needed the fire again.   So much for flaming June.   At Cowley, we moored practically in a tree and settled down for an early start in the morning.

A rest day

We didn't go anywhere today. We had negotiated with the lock-keeper an extra night on the wall and Michael had a function to attend in Radlett.   Not an easy journey by public transport at the weekend.   So many engineering works!

Official Opening Three Mills Lock

Up early this morning to make preparations for the St Pancras Cruising Club organised trip to the new Three Mills Lock on the Bow Back Rivers.   This is the lock that has been especialy constructed to allow large commercial barge operations in connection with the Olympic Park construction site.   It will not be available to leisure boaters in future, so it was now or never.   There was the VHF radio to fix up, engine checks and the flags to erect.  We string flags front to back using inverted 'T' poles.  As we had a number of bridges to negotiate I decided to cut these down which actually makes a moire stable arrangement.   

 Our booking for Bow Locks was for 10:00 am and the whole exercise was to take place on the one tide, so 12 boats had to be locked out and back at Bow and then the ceremonial bits done and back through Bow before the water was lost.   Not wanting to have any unnecessary delay we all set off from Limehouse in good time.   We should not have worried.   At Bow Locks they were onloading some of the stone blocks belonging to the Euston Arch that have been retrieved from the canal. (Picture left) As a result it was 10:30 or later before we got moving.  Once at the entrance of the Prescott Channel again more waiting, this time for the commercial (huge)

barge and its tugs due to be first through the lock.  This movement was associated with dignitaries on the lock bridge, speeches etc.  Then we were locked down onto the canalised section of the channel 8 boats in one locking, proceeded to the end of the channel, turned and retraced our steps all the way to Limehouse.  Nobody got left on the mud.

Three Mills Lock.   It has sector gates.   We actually had to lock down to the new channel.  To the right of the lock are the large sluice gates for use in flood.

Dignitaries line up on the bridge after speeches (which we were too far away to hear) and after we had been let into the lock.

Paddington to Limehouse

Our guests Sam and Gemma were to leave for work at 08:00 and a full english was on order, so we were up at 6:30 to deal with this.  Once they had gone we left the mooring and set off through Maida Vale Tunnel picking up a frew plastic bags on the way.  Arriving at Camden we were disappointed to find ourselves behind two boats with the habit of leaving both bottom gates open for us.  However, occasional opposite direction traffic broke up the routine and whilst waiting at St Pancras I took the opportunity of retrieving the bag collection from the propellor.  We had a clear run through Islington Tunnel but found two "continuous moorer" type boats on the City Road Lock landing (shown in the picture), thus necessitating a nose into the lock gate technique.  The lower lock landing and moorings were similarly obstructed, so it must have been a "rally".   Carrying on past Old Ford Lock with its tricky self opening bottom gates requiring have a top paddle before they will stay closed, we begain to enconter a lot of blanket weed.  Not  serious problems yet, but I daresay if the warm weather continues it will get worse.  At Salmon Lane Lock Pat had a bit of an accident with the offside botom gate paddles.  The pawl does not catch properly to leave the paddle up.  Whilst investigating, her grip on the windlass slipped; it spun furiously and hit her wrist.   We found a spot on the wall at Limehouse and reported our intentions to the lock-keeper, reporting the accident at the same time.  The lockie was extremely helpful, allowing us to stay until Sunday and proffering a range of literature (2 new editions of the tideway manuals, the lock availabilty guide and a local amenity guide.  Excellent stuff.

Litle Venice to Paddington

Last evening we had a very pleasant meal at Zizzi canalside.  Today promises to be even hotter than yesterday, but where we are moored round the bend at Little Venice at least there is shade.  However, this is not really where we want to be because tomorrow evening we need to be at our daughter's hotel for dinner.  She works at the "Hempel" a boutique hotel in Lancaster Gate. Trendy place I am told, so we will have to appear trendy.  Difficult for a couple of peasants.  The boat is disgustingly dirty, so a wash was in order and while this was going on, Chloe tackled the brass while Pat went on a recce to see if we could move the boat back to the Paddington Arm and be closer to our evening venue.  No luck though on the first attempt.  All the boats there appeared locked up with no evidence of any movement.  However, on the second attempt an hour later, she identified a boat that was due to move so that we could be waiting for the spot.  So a long reverse down the length of the Little Venice straight, through the narrows, a cunning spin round in the basin, down the length of the Arm and a turn at the end to end up at the destined mooring facing the right way for departure tomorrow.  Settled in our new mooring we have the full heat of the sun but at least full power from the solar panels.   We wont have to run the engine again today.   Nipping out to get a newspaper at lunchtime it seems that the useful Sainsburys Local in the amphitheatre is open again.  The office workers were there in their droves enjoying the lunch hour.  Finally, a picture of Alfie. That's the white furry one!

Harefield to Little Venice

Our first real trip of the year starts here.  We have an incentive to start early - the promise of breakfast at Cowley Lock Cafe.  So we got to the boat at about 7:00.  Our daughter Chloe is with us with here West Highland  Terrier.  This little miscreant is only 7 months old and it is his first boating experience.  He come kitted out with life jacket!  He seems to take to the boat OK rushing up and down the gangway.   Setting off at a leisurely pace, we are joined at Denham Deep Lock nd have company to Cowley.  There we moor up and take the MegaBreakfast deal alfresco in the warm sunshine.  Well worth the stop. There are to many boats about!  No nice easy moorings today. Sharing Cowley Lock with Taget, also from Harefield, we go first and alls well until just before West Drayton bridge there is a plop from behind. "Alfie" has fallen in and is swimming round in circles wondering what to do.   Of course, he cannot get out unaided, but as we reverse to grab him a helpful dog walker comes to his rescue.  He is grateful for his rescue and is now more cautious.  Stopping at Buls Bridge for the inevitable shopping there is an opportunity to take water, if only we could get to the water point.  A helpful boater invites us to moor alongside and offers the use of his hose.  Thank you "Blue Goose".  Then the long lock free cruise to Paddington.  The weather is hot, but scattered clouds and a cooling wind (not caused by the speed of our passage) make it very pleasant.  Sadly, though there are no moorings left there and we are forced to turn back to Little Venice and face a long reverse when we leave.  There is no convenient winding point back the way we have come.

First trip of the year!

It is hard to believe, but the boat has been idle for 6 months, apart that is for a short maintenance excursion out of the marina and back again as part of an oil change and battery swap.    During this time occasional visits have been made, of course, to check on the boat, run the engine and finally winterise it in anticipation of the big freeze which we had at the turn of the year.   Last weekend I flushed out the water tank to get rid of the antifreeze and with some bleach too in the hope of getting rid of any bugs should there be any.    Today we resolved to brave the forecast of rain and the blustery cold wind and take the boat two locks up the canal for lunch at the Coy Carp (Coppermill).

I set the Eberspacher to come on half an hour before we left home so that the boat would be not quite so cold.    The Squirrel Stove was in a bit of a sorry state with rust around the collar at the junction with the flue.   Lighting it produced a lot of smoke in the cabin leaking from around the collar.   It occurs to me now that the boat is seven years old and the flue has never been cleaned.   Slap on wrist!  This will be a priority for our next visit.    All in all though the boat was otherwise functional, the engine started without fuss and we eventually set off taking the locks in a very relaxed fashion.   The weather was no where near as bad as the forecast would have implied.    We moored up below the road bridge in the strong current from the river using an extra rope to the concrete piling rail as a precaution.

The Coy Carp does quite a busy lunchtime trade with a good menu and a lovely log fire to stay warm by.

Returning to the boat I let it drift back fter pushing the stern towards the apex of the winding hole and the current and wind turned us round very efficiently.  Back in the marina we made a list of future work and our next visit will be combined maintenance with the stove and new chimney top priority.

Journey's End

We set off at 7:15 leaving a silent Brentford Basin, save for the noise of the low aircraft approaching Heathrow.   Our first lock, Clitherow Lock, has both ground paddles unserviceable, so filling was very slow on the gate paddles.  Osterley Lock was, as usual, surrounded by all the detritus brought down by the river Brent.   Then Hanwell.  There was a massive flow of water coming down the flight, overtopping the gates   There was a boat coming down which partly explained this, but we later found out that BW had needed to send extra down to fill the usual low pounds.   We were actually expecting to have to deal with this ourselves as we have in the past.  Approaching lock 94, the vegetation is still  obscuring the left side lock landing although the grass has been nicely cut lockside.   There was DEFRA rash* obstructing the steps but not visible until alongside.  (Click on image to enlarge) The next lock was even worse although the stairs were not themselves obstructed, the lock approach was partly obstructed by the bush, not very pleasant if you are paired up.  As I have pointed out before, this neglect is a far cry from the times when the powers that be took pride in their lock flights.  Reaching the top we passed through coconut country, there must have been dozens of them making their way slowly towards the river.  Then on to Cowley where suddenly, having seen only one moving boat thus far today, we found ourselves surrounded by activity.   The rest of the journey back to Harefield was entirely routine for us stripping the boat as we went of all the items to take home.  This time I had disconnected the car battery before we left and everythng worked (except the radio of course).   There will now be some maintenance to take care of in due course.

*DEFRA Rash.  The appearance of orange netting all over the system (like a rash) and attributed to the funding cuts imposed on BW by DEFRA - a symptom of deferred maintenance

Brentford

It was very misty again this morning.  Worse than yesterday in that no blue sky was visible above.  By 9:30 it still hadn't cleared, so we set off gingerly with headlight and nav lights on.  It was just clear enough to vaguely make out the landmarks we expected, knowing the river.   We found Chertsey Lock and the Desborough Cut beyond.   By Walton-on-Thames it suddenly cleared.   We were joined in Molesey Lock by two barges, one Ezme on its maiden voyage and destined for the GU.   High tide was given at 14:09, so we set off for Teddington Lock at 13:30 expecting the usual delays, but as luck would have it the gates were open for us and the lock-keeper let us in, down and out (without interrupting his mobile phone call).     We didn't have the benefit of the tide for half an hour, but still reached Brentford in just over the hour.

Dockett Eddy

Patchy dense mist this morning.  We know the stretch to Hambledon Lock well, so we set off slowly with the intention of waiting below the lock if it had not improved.   However, visibility was much better with the sun already warming the air, so we carried on but at Medendham we hit another dense patch by the islands for which the map was essential.  Then as we emerged from the trees the air was clear with no sign of mist at all.   Hurley Lock was a self wind job, but by Temple Lock the lock-keeper was on duty.   At Cookham we met our first traffic, a large hire cruiser and a narrowboat that we had shared locks with a year or two ago.   As usual, lots of boats about near Windsor, then we were alone again.   A telephone call to Thames Lock at Brentford confirmed our understanding of high tide just after 2pm tomorrow, so we should be in good time from here to exit Teddington on time.

Henley

Before setting off this morning we had to weigh the anchor.  I dropped it last night as the current was quite strong and the mooring by the park had the potential for late night troublemakers.  Then if someone should decide to interfere with mooring lines we wouldn't go very far.   Once done I let the current turn the boat half way and then we were off.  Our first lock, Culham, is deep and "manual".  Pat says it took 40 winds of the wheel to open the gate and 70 to close it.  Paddles take a lot of winds too!   Nevertheless we were through in about 20 minutes.  Therafter we had either automated locks, or lock keepers.  At Benson we joined another narrowboat and stayed together till Reading.  Pressing on we are now looking to catch the afternoon tide on Saturday.   Passing to the west of Temple Island we were the target of abuse from a biker (probably assocaied with rowing club) shouting at me to tell me that I was going down the wrong side of the river.   Nicholson says to use the west side to avoid rowers, there is no sign, there is no such thing as the wrong side, only the obligation to avoid collisions by passing port to port if circumstances allow.   Coming upstream there is a sign to keep right, but not downstream.   We moored just downstream of Temple Island.

Abingdon and beyond.

We left our rural overnight moorings (very good TV there by the way) and continued on.  There were only 4 other boats moving until Thrupp, then we picked up a tail.  The Viking hire boat that had been shadowing us was only out for a week and winded ahead of us at Dukes Lock.   Once on the Thames, the strong flow below Kings Lock was quite exiting. This reach was on yellow boards, but below Godstow, none.   Nevertheless we were making very good speed and Abngdon seems well within our reach today.

Bridge 208

It took us 2 hours 50 minutes to get through Banbury to the nearest spot to get to the supermarket.  Only one opposite direction boat to deal with.   Afterwards however, there was a steady stream of opposite direction boats and we found ourselves in a queue too.  A cold wind and rain showers were in such a contrast to the week-end.   Aynho Wharf was welcoming for diesel and fast water.  Seemingly in Novemberwe wil have to tell the diesel retailer how many litres of our fill were for propulsion.  40.66 pence per litre for this declaration will then be added to our bill.  We will be required to sign a duplicate form keeping a copy.  Diesel today was priced at 78p/litre.  The real question is to know how many litres will have been used for propulsion.   I have to run the engines for about 4 hours per day to keep the batteres fully charged whether I am cruising or not.     We continued on past Lower Heyford and found a spot with good TV potential on the bend before Bridge 208.

Cropredy (nearly)

After a wonderful weekend with the Cutweb Rally at the Blue Lias pub, we set off for home. The intended route is via Oxford and the Thames. We shared the locks with a fellow club member as far as the junction with the Oxford Canal and after that had a really good run right up to the summit and as far as Claydon Locks.  On the way, Belmont, a fellow Braidbar Boat said hallo and said that our friends were at the top of Claydon, and indeed we found Barabara and Malcolm there.  Stopped for a chat.  Pressing on, I have not had the bike out this time,so progress was of necessity a little slower and as this flight is all on the curve, synchronisation with other boats is not easy. After a sunny start to the day, heavy rain showers were now the norm, so well short of the Cropredy Town Lock we moored up for the night.

Blue Lias

We are now moored outside the Blue Lias pub.  It has moorings for about 6 narrowboats end to end alongside well kept lawns.  There is a function room available.   This makes it ideal for a small gathering like this.  There are 12 boats here now and many old friends.   Yesterday was spent sitting out in fine weather catching up.  Today we are promised a treasure hunt and entertainment in the evening.

Posting the reports has been difficult with poor internet access, so apologies.  Today it seems there is definite advantage in mounting the dongle on a USB extension cable and hanging it by or out of the window.

Blue Lias Arrival

The squealing belts were worse than ever today.  We started early and so were not holding up any boater behind creeping along in tickover.  Two boats trying to peel off the long moorings before Trafalgar Bridge got caught out by our silent approach and were split up.   The lead boat kindly held back and infact gave us help down the flight later, by closing gates.  We arrived to find many of our friends already there sitting out on the lawn in the sunshine.   I resolved to replace the alternator belts in a quiet moment, and the problem is now solved.

Tomlow Bridge

My efforts to sort out the alternatorbelts seemed to have made them squeal more than ever.   Anything over tickover.  However, this did not matter passing the rows of moored boats leaving Braunston and as I suspected, as the battery voltage came up and the power demand reduced I was able to give the engine more power.  At Calcutt top lock we stopped for water, perched on the end of the water mooring behind another boater who seemed to be giving his boat a spring clean.  We left before him, but not before two boats had come up to the lock.  Waiting for them seemed top take ages and then a melee seemed to break out in the pound below with boats trying to reverse onto the service bay.  We elected to stay where we were.   Finally we arrived at our destination, Tomlow Bridge.  A fine day for a barbecue - all to ourselves unfortunately.

Braunston

The painters were at work on the top lock wen we passed through at 8:00.  I managed to get a white palm from the balance beam.   Entering Braunston Tunnel we saw a light at the far endand expected to have to pass at some stage, but it turned out to be a rear light and we caught up with it just as we exited the tunnel.   It must have been going very slowly.  We descended the flight into Braunston in company with this boat and moored up near the footpath bridge up to the village.   My back is now very painful, no doubt from the activities down the engine hole yesterday. However, I still managed to clean one side of the boat and black the gunwale.

Whilton Locks

On through the Blisworth Tunnel we settled down to the long pound leading to Whilton Locks.  It was cold enough to want to light the stove.  There was little traffic in evidence.  We stopped at Whilton for a token pump out (£10).   It is irritating however that thre never seems enough time on these machines to completely empty the tank and flush it as well.    As we finished, two hire boats arrived at the foot of the flight, so we moved over to the visitor moorings and had lunch.    With no sign of any other traffic we then took advantage of a descending boat and started up the flight,crossed two boats in the next pound and then found the hire boats waiting in the pound above.   There seemed to be a queue of boats coming down as well.    Apparently there had been a problem with a lock gate earlier in the day.   At the next lock we waited for a single hire boat coming up behind, but still were being held up as we continued.   We decided in the end to call it a day and moor up for the night in the long pound below the top lock.

The repair done by RCR to our gear cable has not seemed quite right.  Everything works OK, but there is resistance in the Morse Control to powering in reverse, so as the cable used was half a metre longer than it should be, I had bought the correct one at Whilton and decided to fit it.    This proved successful.    The opportunity was also taken to tighten up the alternator belts.

Stoke Bruerne

A dry but chilly morning.  We set off at 7:30, stopped at Wolverton for supplies and arrived at Cosgrove Lock behind nb Fearless Tiergan and a fuel trader.  Gradually it got warmer as the day went on.  At the bottom of the Stoke Bruerne Flight, Fearless Tiergan had ascended the lock, but waited for us at the next and we locked up the rest of the flight together.   A good passage with experienced boaters.   We reached the top at 13:15 and the usual throng of Gongoozlers, so I did a bit of willow pruning on the way into the lock just for entertainment.

Grove to Great Linford

A lie in this morning. We are presently sitting moored on the grass bank above the Grove Lock pub watching the mist slowly lifting. We need a mega shop at Tesco this morning, and being Sunday there is no need for hurry. We might already be a day early in our plans. Yestrday afternoon I had a bit of a scratch at some of the rust spots on the roof. Even late afternoon, the gunwale was too hot to stand on in bare feet, but the evenings are getting chilly. 

Finally we left at 9:30.  Whilst in the lock we had a chat with the owner of LOTUS, Mr May, moored nearby.  His boat was also painted by Andy Russell.  We stopped at Tesco in Leighton Buzzard and then continued on catching up with a very slow moving Wvern Boat at 3 locks.   There was a long wait at the top while a boat ascended, then we moved down together.  The American hirer told us to go on ahead as they wanted to be very slow, so at Stoke Hammond we took advantage of a just exited lock and locked down on our own.   There is never very much to say about Milton Keynes.  Just that we arrived at the Giffard Park pub at 17:00.   Pat had a casserole in the slow cooker all afternoon, followed by bananas and icecream with chocolate sauce.   Great Stuff.

Berkhamsted to Grove Lock

We found a card from Andrew Denny on our rear deck this morning, so Granny Buttons must have been nearby.  Sorry to have missed him because he was the inspiration for this blog.  My blogging guru one might say.  Blogging has its uses. It was thanks to Bruce Napier's Blog (Living in Sanity) that I learned of a company called "Insight" that runs team building courses based on a three day canal cruise to Berkhamsted and back using Wyvern Shipping Boats.  So when I saw the tell tale signs - the blue boats and the windlass swinging teams preceeding them on the towpath I was ready and we were able to link up with their "office boat" for a fast transit to Bulbourne.  Leaving Berkhamsted we passed Andrew's boat moored up above the next lock.  Much too early to wake him.  Must get some cards!!! At the top of the Marsworth Flight, unfortunately, we came up behind one vey slow boat and another Wyvern hire boat and we got separated, joining the Wyvern Boat.  Generally hire boats have large crews and so it was, and we descended Marsworth in double quick time.  The first timers were hooked on the canal life and showed an avid thirst for information which is encouraging.  We carried on solo from Pitstone Wharf, but were aware of a boat in front leaving a bottom gate open for us! We caught up with it - a single hander - but only to share two locks before he too moored up.  So we were at the Grove by 15:30 and easily within reach of Leighton Buzzard, but decided to stop anyway.  Despite a warm sunny afternoon, welcome after days of chilly overcast, the evenings are still getting cold.  Time to light the fire!

Hunton Bridge to Berkhamsted

A pleasant start today.  Many locks were in our favour and some with open gates.   Stoppng at Apsley for water we were caught up with by nb Imagine from Harefield at the next lock and found Braidbar boat Rhiannon No 50, which also moors at Harefield, waiting to descend.  We stopped at Winkwell for lunch leaving nb Imagine to continue on.   Strangely it seems that this was meant to be our destination for the day, but we decided to go on to Berkhamsted anyway.  Just before the lock by the Rising Sun pub we were hit by a heavy shower, and then I felt a click in the Morse Control approaching the next lock and realised that I could not get out of reverse gear.  The engine had to be turned off to stop us leaving the lock again and the boat pulled in on the rope.   Looked like the gearbox control cable had broken - just like the throttle cable earlier this year.   However, there was nowhere to moor close by to fix it.   I then had the brilliant idea of setting the control to forward on the gearbox itself by hand, and found that I could select reverse again once if I needed to from the morse control lever, but not forward again.   This process got us to a mooring.   Although I carry a spare throtle cable, this proved to be too long for the gearbox.   A call to RCR (River Canal Rescue) elicited the news that my subscription was two years out of date.   Shock horror!   So for £50 extra, in addition to a silver subscription (£105) I could rejoin and still obtain help.   Thinking about it, really I could have got away spending less by finding a cable and getting a taxi to go and pick it up, but I really did intend to maintain RCR membership, so don't feel hard done by. You never know when you really need it.   The heavy rain had cause chaos on the M25, so it took Bob, our assigned engineer nearly 3 hours to reach us.   However, the job was finished in the failing light and we are mobile again, without really, any interruption in our schedule.    Whilst we were waiting for Bob, I chanced to look out of the window at a passing boat and saw the helmsman stowing a grey extendable boat hook just like ours.  I thought "That's unusual, someone else using a boat hook in a lock just like we do".  Then I had a sudden thought - and yes, our boat hook was missing.  I chased after the chap and caught up with him at the next lock.  He was happy to return it to its rightful owner and had picked it up thinking it belonged to the boat he was paired with.   How lucky was that.  In our consternation with the gear box problem we had left it on the lock gate and wouldn't have missed it until Stoke Bruerne Locks in a couple of days time.

CUTWEB Meeting - Cruise to Blue Lias

We should have set off two days ago leaving via Brentford and the Thames to Oxford then South Oxford Canal to our destination at Long Itchington.  However, with all the recent rain "up country", the Thames was on red and yellow boards, so not for us.  We have decided to reverse the direction and go up the Grand Union returning via the Thames if things have settled down by then.   This weather all seems to be the residues of the hurricanes that we have been hearing of recently.   So arriving at the marina about 7:00 we cleared the car, ran the central heating to air the boat, restocked the wine cellar and got the freezer going.   This time I have disconnected the car battery, so hopefully, no surprises when we return.   There was a huge mass of dense duckweed around the marina entrance but this had all but disappeared further up the canal.  We stopped at Tesco, Rickmansworth for the inevitable large shop for victuals and pressed on, not in any real hurry.  Just dawdling up to Batchworth lock we took a large object on the prop which immobilised the boat.   Fortunately I was ging very slowly, Pat had already disembarked to deal with the lock.  A visit to the weedhatch produced a fleece jacket, much to the amusement of the boatman waiting with the Rickmansworth Trust Trip Boat.   Cassio Lock was overtopping as usual making the bottom gates difficult to open because of the water coming through the lock weirs.  Ironbridge was beastly as usual. I am informed that one of the culverts is smaller than it should be and the bottom gates have a one inch gap at the bottom giving a huge leak.   I managed to staunch the flow  a bit by jamming a stick in the gap as the water was let into the lock.  But still one has to be very patient with the top gates.   Better to put the kettle on.  Finally we arrived at our assigned (Canalplan) overnight stop and got sorted out for the night. 

 

Next cruise

Our next cruise is in September and has almost become a routine trip to the Blue Lias pub at the bottom of the Stockton Flight, GU, for a Cutweb get together.  We will be retracing our steps via the Thames and Oxford Canals, and then making a fast return via the Grand Union Canal.

Home

Leaving Cowley around 08:00 we came up behind a full size dumb barge laden with a heap of scrap metal being worked up through Cowley Lock.  We joined the tug in the lock.  The boatman was repairing to the lockside cafe so would not impede further progress.   He was concerned, however, about the gravel barges because his large vessel was blocking the lock approach.  We passed ARUNDEL (without its butty)  loaded with gravel in the next pound and were hoping that Uxbridge Lock gates would be open for us as we would expect.   They were and we arrived just in time to enter the lock before the boatman operating the large gravel barge was able to turn it around.   At the next lock, Denham Deep, a group of total novices on the Denham Boat Services day boat "Lovely Job" were receiving instruction and I think we caused a bit of confusion by leaping all around the lock as we do.   Passage was, of necessity, a little slower than usual!     Finally we returned to our mooring in the marina to find the car with a totally flat battery.   It seems that the solar charger which I attach to the battery when away was no longer working.   Charging up a totally flat car battery takes ages and after two hours there was still not enough charge to turn the engine over.   We had to wait for another two hours for the rescue service to attend.

Cowley Peachey

No point in leaving early this morning, so we waited till after 9:00 when the lock-keepers come on duty, and set off.  The only other traffic was a large cruiser on the way to Rochester, that joined us in Sunbury Lock.  The long moorings at Teddington were empty apart from one narrowboat facing upstream.  Half an hour before high tide we aimed for the lock which had just been vacated by a large trip boat heading for Hampton Court and 15 minutes later were in the tideway, joined by a tiny cruiser and its lone occupant who stuck behind us all the way to Brentford.   Our intention was to carry on up the Hanwell flight and he likewise, so we would have company.   The difficulty here was to try and find a way of working given our differing techniques.  He, for example, wanted to work his own side and was used to roping his boat in and out of the locks.  So we went in first on the offside, used a bow and centre rope and never opened our side gate paddles to limit the narrowboat surging across the lock suddenly.   Leaving Brentford Gauging Locks at 15:00, we reached the top at 17:50.   There was more evidence of BW cut backs.  The lock sides were weedy, and vegetation in several cased obscured the sight line into the locks with the stairs overgrown with nettles and brambles.  Gone it seems when pride in their local patch gained the local team awards for their work - assuming that awards are even still given.

Walton-on-Thames

Not so far to go today as we will obviously not make Teddington by 12:30.   So we left later than usual - 07:10.   Yes, I know,we can't help ourselves.   The first two locks both had power, first the massively long Romney Lock and then Old Windsor Lock (because its near Old Windsor, not because of age).  The weather was cooler and cloudier with much more wind necessitating the heavy coat.   A mooring was available near the Anglers so we took it.   This will put us in a good position to make Teddington in the morning.

Windsor

Just in case we might be able to accelerate our return home by catching the tide on Tuesday, we left early - just before 7:00.   Pat went to the lock to grapple with the electronic controls for the "out of hours power".  However, she reported that nothing worked.  Then whilst waiting for me she decided to use the manual wheel (96 turns to open a gate).  Then precisely at 7:00 the power available light came on.   There is one of these boxes at each end of the lock, but they are interlocked so that it is not possible to open paddles at each end (as I have seen a lock-keeper do!).  There is a small point which catch catch out the novice however.  The gates will only open if the paddles are up.  I arrived at Abingdon lock early one morning and found the lock empty and ostensibly ready for me but I couldn't get the gates to open.  Much time was wasted running back and forth between each end of the lock thinking that the problem was at the other end.   Finally it dawned on me.  Just pretend the lock is full and raise the paddles - an automatic  4 minute timed staged process once the button is pressed.  Some locks have no public power and for them the wheel and much winding is required, like the next lock we came to - Shiplake.       At Marlow Lock we were forced to wait while a three large cruisers were let down but were entranced by a mother grebe and her two young chicks riding on her back, then being thrown off and being taught to dive.  Dad then arrived with some food for them. (Click on the picture to enlarge).   Finally we made Windsor.  Pat wanted a bottle of milk, but before we could get that we saw a dutch barge belonging to one of our CUTWEB friends and stopped for a chat and peep at the boat.   If wanting to live on a boat, this must be the way.  So much more room.    Mooring was a bit of a problem.   The field on the Eton side was nearly full and an attempt to moor in the only gap got us firmly aground about four feet from the bank.   After poleing off we eventually got a spot nearer the railway bridge and potentially quieter.  There was a fairground operating inn the field.

Sonning

Leaving Shillingford around 08:00 we son came to Benson Lock which unfortunately has no out of hours power.   Sam and Gemma took turns winding the handles to power the hydraulics that work the gates and paddles.   A good workout after the full english breakfast that started the day!  Not many locks today.  Cleeve and Goring Locks soon passed and we decided to stop early for lunch as again, the weather was sunny and hot.   The youngsters took the opportunity for a swim. The last leg to Reading took 2:25 hrs and having said goodbye to our last crew we made the short hop to Sonning to be in a good position for the last few days journey home.   We are aiming for the midday tide on Wednesday.

Shillingford

With Gemma and Sam as crew we left at 08:00.  The Thames Lock-Keepers come on duty at 09:00, but as Osney Lock has power out of hours we were soon through and on our way.   At the next lock, the lockie was also not on duty, but had turned the power on for us, so no problem there.   At Abingdon Lock we were signalled to enter alongside a large trip boat,but it was obvious we would not squeeze in and had to back out much to the embarrasment of the lock-keeper who explained that he was a relief lock-keeper and had to keep a lot of figures in his head.   Abingdon was busy, but we were not planning to stop there.  We had lunch on the move and as it was such a beautiful warm day decided to stop early at Shilingford on a bank mooring above the bridge where there was some grass and an option of setting up a barbeque.  As it happened it was so pleasant that we set the gazebo up as well, so did the whole thing in style.

Osney Bridge, Oxford

Harry has been very enthusiastic working the locks and is now fully conversant with the routine, so he came into his own for the last four manual locks today.  There was work in progress above Dukes Lock prettying up the towpath, but we stopped here anyway for water.  Once pon the Thames, Harry had a turn a the helm.  On arrival at Osney Bridge where there were plenty of moorings (it was 12:15) we visited the Watermans Arms for lunch and then said goodbye to Debbie & Harry to await Gemma and Sam.

The Jolly Boatman

After a hot breakfast, we left the mooring at 08:00 and continued south.  About 5 boats passed us going the other way while we were in this pound, but Somerton Deep Lock with its iconic lock house was deserted and the lock was half empty.   Harry leaps about with great enthusiasm and will not be beaten by the stiff lockgear.   So we were soon on our way again.   Locks are infrequent on this part of the canal, but as the valley sides steepen and the canal twists and turns, so the locks occur more frequently. At Northbrook Lock there was a queue of 4 boats waiting to come up, so plenty of help to get us down.   We stopped for lunch at the disused quarry and agin at the farm shop on the boat above Pigeons Lock.   Lots of tempting food here, tarts, cakes, pies and differnt types of chutney and preserves.   Soon we were on the river and its deeper water allows more normal speed for the boat, this reach terminating in one of the curious six sided broad weir locks.   Coming into Thrupp with its large lifting bridgewe were disappointed to see no mooring space available, so had to continue on.   There was space available outside the Jolly Boatman however.   This is not such a peaceful mooring as there is a main road on the other side of the hedge.   However, the pub is tidy.

Aynho Wharf

Got to the lauderette at 09:01 with our load of washing and managed to talk the manager in to doing a service wash for us, ready at 11:00.   I then went to the supermarket to find Pat to help carry home the provisions we need for the next few days.  Sure enough, the laundry was ready on time, beautifully folded.  Our guests, Debbie and her 9 year old son Harry arrived on time at the station and we wasted no time in getting moving.  We were by now in need of a pump out, diesel and water.   Aynho Wharf could help us, but they close at 4:30 - could we get there in time.  There were boats ahead of us and opposite dirction boats to add to the coctail and it looked as if we would be too late.    So, arriving at 4:25 we didn't expect any help.   However, "No problem"!   We were able to get the full treatment and a mooring opposite to boot.   This was an ideal situation for the "Great Western Arms" where we had an excellent meal in the restaurant arden with attentive service.

Banbury

This morning, we met just one perfectly timed opposite direction boat on the Claydon flight of locks.  After that though, traffic started to build up and whe we reached Cropredy we were in a queue of three waiting for the lock.   Opposite direction traffic became a factor and we were waiting now at every lock, not that this was a problem in any way.  Soon we reached the outskirts of Banbury and the inevitable line of permanently moored boats before coming to Sovereign Wharf where we wanted diesel.  It was closed for lunch.  There was a 61foot space on the moorings  outside Castle Quay shopping centre, so we stopped here to have something to eat before moving on again, under the Tom Rolt Bridge and past the Historic Tooley's Boatyard of Rolt's book "Narrowboat" fame to be nearer the Morrisons Supermarket on the other side of town.   We need a launderette and provisions.   I found the launderette quickly enough but had to drag the bag of laundry back to the boat because it was "half day closing".   There should be time for laundry tomorow morning before our guests arrive to join us as far as Oxford.

Fenny Compton

We had no probles up the Napton Flight early in the morning, all the locks being essentially empty.  Then the cruise along the twists and turns of the summit level before arriving at Fenny around 11:30.   The promised fine weather didn't realy arrive until the afternon, the morning was sunny spells, but the cold biting wind was still with us until the shelter of the hedge where we were moored.

Napton

Really, This should be entitled "No room at the Inn", but more of that later.   Leaving at the usual time, i.e. before most boaters have got out of bed, we had the first few Fosse Locks on our own.  Now we were climbing again.  Pat still needed to rest her ankle, so she was at the helm.  Mike on the bike.   At each lock I took a centre rope off to a rear bollard and only opened the ipsilateral paddle. The boat is very stable in this configuration but open the opposite paddle and it can go anywhere violently.  Riding ahead I caught the tail end of one of the Kate hire boats that passed us yesterday, just leaving the lock.  It was to be several locks later before we caught them up because of opposite direction traffic holding us up.  We have a pair of CB radios which are very useful so that I can advise Pat to slow down so that she does not have to bother with mooring up to wait.   Further on we came in sight of the Bascote staircase pair.  The hire boat we had seen was attempting a passage but obviously had no idea of how to work because the bottom lock was flooding.  The gates were over-topping like Niagara Falls.  Eventually, someone must have read the instructions.   We finally caught up with them at the next lock as they were waiting for an opposite direction boat, so we joined them in the lock.  A charming boat of Danish holidaymakers who in their generosity let us go first.  Unfortunately we could not return the favour, because at the next lock another boat was waiting to pair up.  Bojangles proved an excellent partner.  Pat was encouraged to attempt parallel running into locks which she had been reluctant to do, but which she turned out to be perfectly adept at.  Two boats going into the lock side by side save a lot of "messing around" as each holds the other in position, but both helmsmen must be skilled.   Together she shot up the Stockton flight in double quick time.   After a brief stop for lunch near the top we carried on with the aim of dining in the evening at the Bridge Inn, near Napton.   Sadly, there was no room on the moorings.  The Folly Inn at Napton had to do, but it s not got the same reputation.

Radford

We like to do lock flights early in the morning.  Generally there are fewer other boats moving to cause delays and pairing up can be a mixed blessing.  Some of the most enjoyable, and instructive transits have been paired with other boats, but other times it can be stressful.  So we left to descend the Hatton flight early.  Pat at the helm, because of her sprained ankle.  To our dismay, the first pound was completely empty.   There was no obvious reason for this, so one must assume leaky gates.   So our first task was to fill it which took about 20 minutes.  Two locks down the BW Lockie arrived to deal with it.  This must be a regular problem.   He said that there was another pound at the Warwick end that would need checking.  This is another problem of leaving early.   We made good progress after that and saw no other boats coming down but passed about three lockings of other boats coming up near the bottom.   By the time we passed the two Cape Locks down onto the sump of the canal we were tired to say the least.  The gates are heavy and the paddle gear is very stiff.  We just worked one side.  We decided to call it a day at Leamington, so did some small shopping for food and moved on to a quiet section of the canal near Radford and the bottom of Fosse Locks where we will start to climb again tomorrow.

Hatton

Another early start.  Needing to be at Hatton by 12:00 to meet Pat at the station I woud rather have time to lose at the end of the journey.  My prediction with regard to locks was correct.  Most were empty.  Being so early in the morning without the likelyhood of opposite direction traffic, I adopted the practice of nosing gently up to the bottom gate then accesing the lockside to either open the gate, or empty the lock in the very few cases where leaks had filled the chamber overnight.  There is no need to rope the boat as even when emptying the lock the water flow will draw the boat in.  This way I reached the top at Kingswood Junction by 09:05 and decided to take the waters. A slow fill this one!   Then onto the Grand Union up to Shrewley Tunnel where I stopped again, this time to visit the village store which you can reach easily, as the notice says, by taking the path which leads up through the short pedestrian tunnel.  Thus I arrived at Hatton with 20 minutes to spare.

Stratford and beyond

Late last night, a boat arrived from the north so there was a good chance that I might have more luck with the locks.   Locks on the Upper Avon Navigation are more standardised that the Lower Navigation.  The gates are substantially made all of steel and are heavy to move. The lock-gear is simple and well engineered.  I heard that the assemblies come from France.  So to be able to cruise straight in to the lock is a bonus.  Many more bollards are provided and right on the lock edge which makes access from the boat much easier, so I settled down into a now well rehearsed routine.   It was interesting to notice that nearing locks the channel would narrow and the current increase markedly, so that much more power was needed to maintain way.   Approaching the last lock before Stratford a remnant of recent floods was half obstructing the channel, a narrowboat with its stern on the bank.   Fortunately, that lock gates into Bancroft Basin were also open, so within a short while I was up off the River.   The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is undergoing major refurbishment and looks a mess.   Similarly the lawns aroud the basin are all cleared and a major redesign is underway with more paths, so for the moment there is no pleasure in staying there.  Taking the chimney down I pressed on under the low bridges to the first (narrow) lock.   No more need for the ropes, but what is the boat going to do when I open the top paddles?   On this canal the locks appeared docile, no rapid movement of the boat.  With a boat behind waiting, there is often help available for silly little tasks like closing gates, so I was able to walk up to the next lock and prepare it to get a head start on the one ahead.  Even single handed I could then keep well in front and not feel that I was delaying the boater behind.  However, at the bottom of the Wilmcote Flight there was a mess of boats ahead some going up, some coming down, but not synchonised in a sensible way so long delays.   Ideally opposite direction boats should just cross in the intervening pound, not have to moor up between each lock.   Towards the top, help was forthcoming from a friendly BW lengthsman ostensibly involved in hedge trimming.  Contnuing on I passed over the scary Edstone Aqueduct and through Wooten Wawen and stopped for the night almost at Lowsonford.   A swarm of opposite direction hire boats in the last hour suggested that I would have a good road in the morning with every chance of making Hatton in good time.

The River Avon

I had planned this part of the trip in my head from recollections of previous trips.  Evidently my recollection was wanting, for I had promised to pick up Pat at Hatton Railway Station on Friday morning.  Today was Wednesday.  It was dawning on me that I had better get a move on, so a 6:00am start saw me on the way.  The river level was "in the green" and the flow (as I was going upstream) not bad because I could easily maintain 4 mph, the speed limit, on 1400 revs. However, how would I be able to deal with the Avon Locks single handed?  The rules on the Lower Avon are that both gates should be opened and the boat roped up fore and aft.  Fortunately at the first lock, Strensham, I had help from a small cruiser moored nearby, once I had moored below on the awkwardly sited lock landing and opened the gates.  As there are no steps up from below, the only way is to enter slowly, throw the stern rope up, then get on the roof with the centre rope and get up the lock ladder with it to secure the boat initially.  Then the stern rope can be tied off to the bollard and a further trip down the lock ladder will retrieve the bow rope to tie off.   The top gate paddles a quite vicious and there is no way to control the boat without adequate lines.  Thanking my helpers I carried on.  The handbook provided by the Lower Avon Trust gives lots of useful information including diagrams of approaches to all the locks with navigational hazards explained, so I was ready for the odd ground paddle on the other side of the lock island at Pershore.  There were short relationships with other boats, but in essence, all the locks were against me, a shame really, because the other rule is that both exit gates are left open.  It was becoming evident to me that progress on the water was slower than progress in my mind.  Evesham was reached at 15:00hrs and I was only halfway up the river.   Such a shame that I was in such a hurry, this journey really deserves a couple of weeks.  I decided that I would stop at 19:00hrs wherever.  So, just past Bidford, I moored up at Elsie and Hiram Billington Lock on the overnight moorings.  I didn't take long to heat up the remains of yesterday's chili and I retired to bed early anticipating another long day in the morning.

The Journey Home - Day 1

I would be alone for the present, Pat having a bad ankle sprain, so having telephoned the Gloucester Lock Keeper to ascertain the state of the river, I winded the boat (actually winded, letting the bow swing round in the strong wind) and set off for Gloucester once again.  A call to Llanthony Bridge and the lock-keeper were dealt with promptly ad I was on the River Severn again.  It must have been running at about 1 - 1.5 mph because I needed 1700 revs to maintain 4 mph which I estimated would get me in to Tewkesbury at about 5 pm.   The problem with the Severn, other than its tendency to flood, is that there is very little to see but the high banks.  Wainlode Hill and the pub at Haw with its modern bridge are just about all there is to break the monotony until the massive Upper Lode Lock, but then one is almost there then.  No crew to make cups of tea for the helmsman.  A call ahead to the resident lock keeper of the Avon Lock at Tewkesbury ascertained that the lock would be ready for me and he could arrange a mooring (£3).   All that remained was for me to buy the licence for me to be on the River (£50).   A quick visit was made to the local Somerfield supermarket to buy a few essentials and an early night for an early start in the morning.

Rea Bridge

Whilst cruising the canal we had spotted tidy moorings at Rea Bridge.  The grass was cut and there was space, so this is where I took the boat.  As a bonus (for some) there is a Tesco store a 10 minute walk away.  As a further bonus there is the bridge keeper who obviously keeps an eye on things in the day time.  I secured the boat with some chains to the angle iron which is ubiquitous on the top of the piling on this canal.  It was a nice warm day and I had just set a chair out on the grass with a can of beer and reading the newspaper when Oliver Cromwell came by.  I guess this is the largest vessel regularly operating on the canal - a mock stern wheeler used as a hotel boat.   The draw from its passage broke the bow chain (actually an old dog lead) and the bow swung out.  Easily rectified, but only because I was watching.  I reverted to two stakes and a proper spring line with a further centre high tensile locking wire on the centre!   

Back to Gloucester

Hempstead Road Bridge and the large bascule bridge at the entrance to Gloucester City Docks are not available to leisure boaters between 8:20 and 9.00 for the rush hour.  Accordingly we delayed our departure from the norm, but we were much later than 9:00 arriving in the end.  A call to the LLantony Bridge operator ascertained that we should find the pontoon we really need to disembark "Grannie".   We did indeed find one, next to "Hazel" a sister boat from Braidbar.   We are now returning to London for a catch up with post and hope to resume the cruise on Tuesday, weather permitting.   Gloucester moorings are 48 hour, so the boat will move to a secret location in the meantime.

The return

Yesterday, the group disassmbled. Levick and Pilgrim went north and Uncle Mort departed also. Just Heaven was going to move nearer to the bridge and we left for Sharpness. Sunshine and occasional short showers were enjoyed but not the wind in our faces. We moored up and walked down to the end of the old arm and disused sea locks where in the clear air we had a good view of the distant Severn Bridge and the wide estuary.  The tide was in and although the water surface was relatively quiet, with the wind this would not be the situation below the lower bridge and the planned cruise to Portishead and Bristol was clearly not an option. The met chart shows another low pressure system and more bad weather on the way. We returned to the boat for lunch and just in time to sit out a really heavy shower. Then we set about the return. There is a BW compound just south of Purton Lower Bridge with a water point and new card operated pump out machine. WE availed ourselves of water and then crossed the canal to take on diesel from nb Stokie at 80p/litre (compared with he 93.25p at Stourport). We moored the boat nearby and walked down to the Berkeley Arms. This pub in a farm house sits right on the bank of the estuary with fantastic views to the north - but the farm gate was closed. Hours 7 to 11 pm weekdays! Returning to the boat we continued north and found a mooring at Fretherne Bridge for the night. Visited the Bell at Frampton. Clearly specalising in food we were a little disappointed with the range of ales, but did enjoy a pint of Doom Bar.

Today - we moved a little further north, past Saul and on to Quedgeley Wharf. Time for a bit of boat maintenance. There's always rust spots to deal with, brass to polish and varnishing to do.

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Saul Festival

Our Group moorings at the festival with Cutweb were some way from the festival entrance. Such is the way with such things. We had requested a mooring with wide grassy towpath suitable for socialising, but the weather forecast was not good. Steve and Heddi's boat was already moored when we arrived on Thursday, Angela and Mike on Levic and Barbara and Malcolm on Pilgrim arrived on Friday morning having been down to Sharpness and back. It was 5 p.m. before the remaining two boats, Capt.Beeky and Sheila on Uncle Mort and Andrew and Wendy on Lord Toulouse arrived. By this time the weather had broken and we were set for a night of rain. Saturday dawned bright with broken sunshine and I had a chance to look round the show. There is a large marquee for the set piece performances with the major folk music groups for which tickets are required, but music is all around, in the beer tent, on the canalside, the large hotel boat "Oliver Cromwell" (The civil war was big around this part of the world) and the theatre barge "Sabrina". There are also plenty of trade stands, though little in the way of general chandlery. Part of the reason to be here is to give voluntary support to the festival in support of the aims of the Cotswold Canals Trust and I have found myself helping with car parking. Pat took "Grannie" into the festival for a look round yesterday, but her Mum is not the most nimble and finds it a bit of a struggle, so evening trips for the music are out for us. During my afternoon/evening session in the car park yesterday the rain clouds gathered again and we had a very wet evening. The Cutwebbers were determined to have a session together and I returned from my car parking duties to find them drinking and laughing in the wind and rain huddled under umbrellas. It was too cold to stay long - so much for summer. Today, Sunday, it is supposed to brighten up again. The general forecast does not look good for a transit of the Bristol Channel which apart from the navigational challenges in the upper reaches becomes virtually open sea at the Avonmouth end. Not the place for a narrowboat in bad weather. Not wishing to wait indefinitely for weather - we need to be back home by the end of the month - we will try and return via Stratford on Avon if the state of the rivers allows. More rain overnight this Monday morning leads us to start worrying about the state of the rivers we have to use to return home.                                                               

The trading street                                                                           Steam Launches

Saul Junction

Last night we had a good meal at the "Tall Ships".   This morning a shopping expedition to stock up for the weekend.  Then about 10:45 we set off, through the LLantony Lift bridge, first for the pump-out and waterpoint.  By 11:10 we were done and on our way.   Two more bridges needed to be swung to bring us to our mooring 2 hours later.   The wind is still very strong and took my hat on the way.   There will be no hope of us getting to Bristol if it keeps on like this.

Saul Junction

Gloucester Docks

This morning we ad to wait for the lock-keeper, so a late start at 8:25.   Slowing for the lock the red light was flashing, so it was just a mater of dawdling.  The light then went green and we were in.   We passed the trip boat Conway Castle at Upton on Severn and a little while later heard it on the VHF calling up for traffic information on the gravel base further on where two gravel barges are providing an alternatng shuttle moving gravel over about  two miles.   Later this boat was passing us when the skipper called over for us to heave-to as one of the gravel barges was opposite direction.  Conway Castle turned and went into the Avon, whilst we continued on.  Upper Lode Lock light went green before we got there, so no delay there. Onwards again for the 3 hour leg to Gloucester.  Calling Gloucester on the radio got no repsonse and a telephone call got the answer machine, but turning the corner, the lock was ready for us.   We were joined in the lock by a neat short, Piper built broadbeam.  Then the difficulty on getting onto the short pontoon in the cross wind - two attempts, the latter heavily dependent on the bow thruster!.    All the pontoon cleats are in the wrong places, so we end up with a cats cradle of ropes in places that I wouldn't ideally put them.

Short mooring pontoons, Gloucester Docks