UK Canals - Journey reports

Grove Bridge

Clear skies overnight gave us a chilly morning with low mist over the water. There was very little traffic during the morning so we made good progress. Only at Apsley did we meet opposite direction stuff, and most significant was a large barge and tug. We decided to stop early as a quiet sunny mooring turned up. Afternoon spent doing a bit of painting.

Winkwell

No holdups today. The pound between the two Ivinghoe locks had water in it and we had a friendly pair with nb Sammy Jo up Marsworth. Doing so well we carried on to Winkwell.

Grove Lock - Day 3

Pat found her shop yesterday afternoon, but said it was a long walk.  Up to the village triangle, turn right, then next left (long way) and follow it round!  At least she got back before the rain started.  Hire boaters passing then looked pretty miserable.

This morning we set off at daybreak to get our guest, Lauren, to the railway station to get an  early train back to London.   All of us had run out of cash, so a triple visit to Tesco cash machines at Wolverton was first on the agenda.  Once Lauren had been "seen off", we continued on.  We were still weaving our way through Milton Keynes by the time she phoned to say she had reached home safely.   Wind was becoming an issue by the time we reached Soulbury Three Locks at around 3pm, but manageable.  We thought we could make the Grove Lock in reasonable time and found the moorings above the lock free, tying up opposite the pub at 17:20.   Good TV, but broadband is a little disappointing here.

Day 2 - Yardley Gobion

We left our lonely overnight mooring at 7:10 and didn't see another boat moving until 10:00.  The weather forecast was bad with anticipated heavy rain at some stage, so we were anxious to get on.  We only passed two boats in Blisworth Tunnel and as we had made good time, moored up in Stoke Bruerne briefly to enable our guest to have a little look around.  On one hand it would have been better to carry on, for when we did move we found ourselves behind a Gayton hire boat extremely unfamiliar with locks!  It took two hours to descend the flight of 7 locks.  We continued after a brief water stop and found a mooring with good TV at Yardley Gobion.   Pat set off to find the local village shop.

Leaving Cutweb

It has to be admitted, six boats leaving the Cutweb Rally at the same time, and all going up the Stockton Flight was going to create a bit of mayhem.   We were last as we needed to fill up with water opposite the pub, however once moving, and with the assistance of a bankside crew, we were up to the top in 40 minutes.   Then we seemed to get caught up behind a convoy of very slow boats.  I know that the perception of speed is a bit of an illusion as one always seems to end up where you wanted anyway, but nonetheless, it's frustrating.  So by Braunston bottom lock these boats had evaporated and we joined one to do the flight, leaving it behind to traverse the tunnel alone.   Straight down Buckby to a mooring past the M1 noise where we are in good position to set off in the morning without too much delay (such as a lock flight with no water).

Blue Lias

Today our friends joined us and we enjoyed an escorted descent of the Stockton Locks. Blue Lias is a type of limestone, found locally, in which dinosaur fossils have been found.

Tomlow Bridge

 Yesterday,A chilly morning blue sky and little wind. That changed. But first we had to negotiate the Braunston Tunnel which was so warm inside that my glasses steamed up! We are entering water shortage territory and so were not surprised to find a lock keeper at the top of the flight down into Braunston who asked us to wait to pair up with another boat. We waited for a pleasant 1 and 1/2 hours before a single boat came up and we were allowed to proceed. Strangely, three other single boats passed us on the way down, one turning the lock around in front of us. So much for saving water! Out of the relative shelter of Braunston in its valley the wind was bad again with intermittent heavy showers. Finally we arrived at Calcutt where we had planned on getting the full house of diesel, gas and pump-out. Calcutt closes for 1/2 hour for lunch, but by the time we had waited at the locks for opposite direction traffic and then faffed around in the wind to get onto the wharf it worked out fine. Pressing on we reached our mooring for the night - a grassy bank with a tidy edge where we have stopped before. Now we are in good state to deal with Stockton Locks tomorrow.

A windy day

Drizzle and breezy this morning. As we came up in the top lock a Kate Boats hire boater was turning to return through the tunnel. He informed Pat that a wide beam was due to go through in our direction at 8.00am. We had just 12 minutes to beat it to the tunnel mouth. Who wants to be stuck behind a slow broad beam in a tunnel! As we got nearer to the tunnel entrance we spotted the boat in question. The crew were just releasing the mooring ropes and succeeded in getting by. The crew of the broadbeam seemed very cheerful and shouted across that they would be following us, but could not leave until 8.00am. Soon after entering we saw a bright light behind and assumed it was them. Imagine our surprise, therefore, some 5 minutes later, to see a light ahead. This turned out to be a Black Prince hire boat which we passed in the cathedral like central section. On exiting the tunnel we asked the tunnel keeper, who was stopping boats entering, how the two boats would pass in the tunnel. We don't know, of course, that it was actually the broadbeam behind but it was certainly going very slowly as the light was now dim in the distance. Apparently the boat was supposed to wait until given explicit directions to go. So if there was mayhem in the tunnel today, that would be why.

On the northern side of the tunnel the wind had got up strength and I was fearful of trees coming down and also of needing to stop for any reason, because only by maintaining some sort of way, often crabbing to maintain direction, could we keep off the bank and any moored boats of which there were many. At Weedon we came up behind nb "Molly" moving rather slowly and the skipper kindly let us pass, but then speeded up behind us. So we climbed the Whilton Locks together. The higher pounds were quite low and we tried to moor just below the top lock. However, the water level was osscilating up and down with the use of the locks and we were periodically tipping. Furthermore, the lock keeper was being fairly strict in making boats wait for a pair at the top. Molly found a "friend" to go ahead, but when we had the chance of another boat to make a pair we took it and moored at the top instead where there was plenty of water. Chance for a little bit of boat maintenance!!

Stoke Bruerne

Sunday

From our overnight position we reached Fenny lock with its integral swing bridge in a few minutes. From there it was 45 minutes to the marina, a further 1 hour 10 minutes to Giffard Park and the same to Wolverton. Mooring up against a strong wind blowing up a side canyon within the apartment buildings I was holding the boat back when my feet slipped on the pea gravel and I was nearly pulled into the water. No damage done fortunately. This is an awful development in my opinion and I have possibly ranted about it before, but it has ignored the potential the canal offers and has no character. It always looks deserted. A piazza, some grass or small gardens and a cafe, shop or even pub would have given it more of a community feel.

Tesco was open and busy. Shopping done in an hour and we were off again. Turning Cosgrove Lock round we waited for a following Wyvern boater who made a very impressive entrance to the lock in a very strong cross wind, however getting trapped against the bank by the wind between the lock and the always moored trip boat which I have always thought is in an awkward position.

At the bottom of Stoke Bruerne Pat did a recce and found a single boat going up in the second lock. They kindly waited for us and we dropped out in the long pound to find a mooring. Apart from the wind, which can be troublesome, and the odd sharp shower it has been a warm mostly sunny day, at odds with the gloomy weather forecast. Tomorrow is supposed to be horrendous. I wonder?

Fenny Stratford

Pat went ahead to set the first lock but phoned me to say that there was no water below.  The top gate of the lock below was open and clearly the bottom gates leak badly.   So we shut the gate and opened a paddle in each gate above, making a mental note of the level we needed to get enough depth.   When this was reached Pat filled the lock below and we proceeded normally.   Total delay 40 minutes.   No problems thereafter and the pound at Ivinghoe which we have twice found empty previously was fine.  Here we joined  nb Rose for a couple of locks, then continued solo again to Leighton Buzzard for a top-up Tesco shop.  Our intention was to make Great Linford, but it became apparent that we would be very late and then it occurred to us that we would then, on Sunday, find the supermarket at Wolverton closed until 11 am, so there was no advantage in pushing on.   Wolverton is the last major supermarket on our route to the Blue Lias for the Cutweb Rally, so we have to be stocked up for about a week and with guests expected, so this shop is important.   So we stopped opposite the allotments just before Fenny Stratford where we know of good visibility for the Eastern TV transmitter which my GPS calls "Sandy".

Marsworth Lock 38

We made good progress this morning as far as Sewer Lock.  However the pound ahead had little water.  Pat went on to look at the next lock with a view to letting some water down, but the pound above was also down.   Fortunately British Waterways had already been notified and the boys were already on the case, informing us of an hour's delay.   Two boats arrived below us and then a third which leapfrogged and joined us in the empty lock waiting.  nb Daisy Rose was heading for Berkhamsted to meet friends, so we left them there and carried on.   We had Marsworth flight to ourselves and took 1 hour 15 mins to descend the first 7.   Scare stories of no water proved unfounded although the last pound was a little down but normal enough for this flight in my experience.   We continued on to the stretch above the last two Marsworth locks wherre we know we can get good TV from Oxford.

Musical Chairs

We left Harefield at around 8 am for Apply, stopping first at the canalside Tesco for provisions. At Batchworth, we found two boats ahead waiting. Following them we were joined in the lock by a short narrowboat "Discovery" skippered by a total novice. A coal boat waited below. At the next lock we had to wait again for the two boats ahead, and by the time we had got into the lock, the coal boat "Archimedes" arrived and got precedence. So we joined up with "Archimedes". At Cassio one of the boats ahead had stopped for diesel, so "Archimedes" went ahead and we were now paired with "Shanti". This was a good partnership and in spite of having to turn most locks around, we reached Apsley as planned. David on "Shanti" hosted a glass of wine by way of appreciation. Tomorrow Marsworth.

Limehouse to Harefield in a day

I think we have done this before, just, but it is highly dependent on an early tide.  Well today high tide at London Bridge was at 9.23 local time, but neaps.   This means that the duration of accessibility of Thames Lock Brentford is not so long.  Three and a half hours is allowed for the trip and we were advised to leave at 7 am.   Sure enough, just before 7 the lock keeper appeared and we got the green light.   Light rain started.   Exiting the lock under grey skies and rather murky conditions we made the customary radio call to London VTS and carried on.   All the trip boats are moored up, save for the catamaran "Clippers" and we only saw two of those moving, so the water is comparatively calm.   Strangely I think we saw more movement above Westminster Bridge than below with a small freighter, a barge train and a small water taxi moving at speed leaving a huge wake which caused us some fun.   We made such good progress as to have to wait 10 minutes or so for the Thames Lock Keeper to arrive and were tied up in the basin by 10:15.   Stopping briefly for a passing chat with the crew of Uncle Mort, two fellow Cutwebbers, who had almost simultaneously arrived from Teddington, we joined nb "Blue Mist" for the climb up to Norwood Top.  By now the sun had broken through as promised.  Thinking that our crew of enthusiastic young boys would be helpful we offered to go ahead, but found two volunteer lock keepers, Peter and David, waiting for us at the bottom of the Hanwell flight and who helped us up to the top.  Peter said that as retirees, they enjoyed the exercise and had been looking for something to do when the invitation for volunteers was made.  There are two on each weekday, but only one volunteers so far at the weekend.  Peter is a retired engineer by profession and could in theory do minor maintenance tasks as well but "Health and Safety" becomes the problem.  In my other guise as a volunteer railway track inspector, "Health and Safety" is taken seriously but has never been a hindrance, just a sensible set of ground rules to keep one out of trouble. 

Pressing on at the top, we reached the marina at 17:30.

Limehouse

We awoke to a dry morning.  Where was the rain?   The forecasters were promising heavy rain and had issued an "amber" warning of local flooding.  Well we needn't have worried.  As soon as I turned the key to start the engine the rain started.  I suppose it was heavy in comparison to our usual feeble downpours, but in real terms it was just rain.  I did need to put on my yaching jacket though after a while.  At Camden, we found the top gates open as is often the case and went down the lock.   The nexy lock was open too, and then a grumpy woman appeared and gave us an earfull for stealing their lock.   It was a trip boat going down to Limehouse then around the Lee to view the Olympic site and back to Camden.  They asked us to wait at the next lock which we were happy to do, but it was quite a long wait.   They asked us to swap sides for the third lock and then asked it we minded if they went first "as there are several tight corners and we need to take them wide".   A load of rubbish if I ever heard it, but we agreed.   We followed, but with rubbish on the prop stirred up by their passage in front found it hard to keep up.  However, rounding the corner at St Pancras they were closing the gates in front of us and had the paddles open before we could get ashore.  I was furious at the sneakiness of their behaviour and the frank rudeness.   Would it have been difficult to say that they had a boat full of passengers and a tight timetable to keep to and would we mind if they went on ahead.   No problem.  The irony of it was that we had to wait for them again at Commercial Road Lock just above Limehouse Basin, so they were no faster in the end.   There is a lot more blanket weed in the canal than I have seen before, particularly in these later pounds where the water is clear and we needed several weed hatch visits before we had finished.   Friends joined us in the evening for a meal at La Figa, an Italian restaurant.  Twice the price of Zizzi, but twice the portions!  Good service too.   The rain had ceased by the afternoon and tomorrow should be better for the Thames.

Paddington Basin

We set off early in the vain hope of finding a choice of moorings either at Little Venice or Paddington Basin.   We scarcely saw another boat all the way, so had high hopes.  However on reaching the road bridge before Little Venice stretch, we found boats moored right up to the bridge and not a single space for our 60 feet from there to the Toll House.   Moving on to the Paddington Arm the situation was similar, though the mix here appeared more as genuine cruising boats than at Little Venice where most looked like live aboards.   However, as we drifted down to turn at the end a space appeared on the hospital side pontoon which turned out to be 60ft 3 inches long and we tied up there.  Our guests were due late afternoon and Paddington is an easier spot to give directions too, so we were pleased.   A meal that evening in Zizzi's.   Rain had been promised for early evening, continuing tomorrow but there was no sign of it.

Back to Cowley

Up early and off to the Marina by just after 8 am.  There was a bit of boat reorganisation to do in preparation for the next few days when we will have guests abord; the wine cellar to stock, and cupboards to clear out.  Then off.  nb "Illusion" was just starting down in Denham Deep Lock and backed up again to allow us in and we joined them then all the way to Cowley.  There were moorings below the lock and we stopped there for the night to be in a position for a quick journey to Little Venice in the morning.  Unfortunately we had stopped under a beech tree and the intermittent banging from falling beech nuts was going to be an annoyance later on, so we moved one boat length before going off to the Toll House Tea Rooms for another excellent Sunday Lunch.   More cleaning in the afternoon!

The Rochdale Canal

Early in May this year 5 narrowboats met in Picadilly Basin, Manchester with the intention of cruising the Rochdale Canal.  The canal is notoriously short of water as several of the summit reservoirs were disposed of when the canal closed.  Now it has been restored to full use. British Waterways therefore had a restriction on the number of boats that can cross the summit and had just increased the limit to six boats.  However, additionally with this year's dry spring and the water shortage a restriction had been announced at Tuel Lane with stringent booking requirements and finally the imposition of an almost complete shutdown.   Faced with this potential obstruction at the opposite end of the canal, two boats decided to cancel, but the remaining three saw it more as an adventure and had no deadlines to meet, so, on the appointed day, waited at the bottom by lock 83 for the BW staff to unlock the canal and let us in.  From the time we started up, until Littleborough, we only saw three other moving boats on our first day and none the second with no moored boats anywhere.  For the first day, through Newton Heath, the canal was dirty and full of rubbish needing several visits to the weed hatch fleeces seeming to be the most common problem, but blue rope,large plastic sheets and other rubbish all on the prop with lots of floating wood, cans and bottles in the water.  More like an open sewer.  In many areas the canal is quite open, perhaps making the deprivation more evident than were it enclosed in greenery.  For us, water availability was never a problem, but in places shallow.  Between locks 68 & 69 there was only a small channel carved through the mud marked by metal pins protruding from the water.  The three boats we passed were on their way down from the top reporting point where the BW staff were waiting to secure the lock up after us. Best moorings at the Rose of Lancaster were after the aqueduct round the corner, elsewhere too shallow.  Day 2 saw us find one low pound for no obvious reason and yet with bywashes running. More rubbish in the water again at Rochdale with an underwater obstruction at the entrance to the top lock and total immobilisation of the propulsion with rubbish.  The small amount of mooring space at Littleborough was congested, as it is at a convoy crossing point.  Climbing to the summit (after a hilarious evening at the Summit Pub by the way) we were welcomed by two of the lengthsmen, Darren & Lee, who accompanied us through to the summit itself and then again at Tuel Lane.  There was plenty of water up here with the feeders running constantly.  After a call to the BW office at Red Bull we learned that one locking per day at Tuel Lane was to be allowed with the same strict booking requirement, so we stood a chance of getting through eventually even if it meant over two days.  Once over the top there was water everywhere, even a bit of flooding in places.  At Walsden, the bywash could be heard running all night.  In fact there was so much coming down at Todmorden, weiring over the top gates, that the pressure sensor in the bottom guillotine gate would not allow it to be lifted until the flood subsided, caused largely by the second locking of the third boat from above.  The last lock before Tuel Lane has suffered from subsidence to such an extent that two narrowboats will jam in the chamber and each has to go through singly.  So for each pair of boats, two lockfulls of water enter the Tuel Lane pound.  So there should in theory never be a problem at Tuel Lane, which was a recontruction replacing two locks.  The problem is evidently leakage testified by piles of puddling clay on the bank and bankside.  Theoretically, then, the more boats that use this section the less significance the leakage will have.  It was also startlingly obvious that there was no rubbish in the water on the Yorkshire side and the water quality was good.  At Tuel Lane we met Darren & Lee again, who on the appointed next morning, with no sign of low water levels, arranged to lock us all through, fortunately as it turned out, because the boat waiting to come up later lifted the top gate of lock 1 off its post and the lock was subsequently closed for 10 days for repairs.

Two questions remain, therefore. Firstly why is the Lancashire side of the canal so filthy and full of obstructions.  Secondly, does the convoy system itself mitigate against saving water, or is it the few locks on each side of the summit that are not wide enough to take two boats, doubling the flow at these points and therefore taking more water from the summit.  As the convoys come up to the summit, they leave full locks behind.  Then the next morning, the pounds having been topped up, they empty one lock into the next, into the next into the next etc. producing a torrent lower down.  Is this why so much water appears always to be flowing over the gates of the "Rochdale 9" in Manchester?  Would a more random and balancing flow of boats be more economical?

Finally, this is when all is said and done a beautiful canal for the most part, more so perhaps on the eastern side. Don't be put off by all the stories.  We had no problems other than below the water surface. Everyone we came across was friendly and helpful.  Here is a canal, recently restored, which seemingly has a "no go" section on the western side which obviously puts people off and can, therefore, bring little economic benefit to the area which so badly needs it. It's a bit of a catch 22. Dredging and a major cleanup with provision of safe moorings is the only way to break the vicious circle.  Later in our cruise we were surprised by the cleanliness of the water through Rotherham into Sheffield. So it is not just an urban canal problem. Remarking this to the Tinsley Lockkeeper, he said it was down to management.  Was that water management or "the management"?

Harefield and home

Thus ends our marathon journey.  We always feel very sad leaving the boat behind at the end of a trip like this.  Also amazed by the amount of "stuff" we have to take home with us - and there's more to come.  There is an amount of general servicing to be done, more painting before the winter, and more trips to look forward to.   Next, a run down to Limehouse and back up the River Thames.   Got to keep our hand in!

Cassiobury Park

We left Winkwell just after 7 am because Pat hates traffic busy swing bridges, but we were unaware that a boat had left 20 minutes ahead of us until we spotted them at Nash Mills and we caught up with them at Kings Langley.  It's not that we are faster, just the vagaries of opposite direction traffic.  This was nb Vixen.  They had left early to beat the forecast rain, but there was no sign of it until later in the day when we were safely moored up below Ironbridge Lock.

Winkwell

Today, Canalplanner put us at Berkhamsted.  Well, we were there in about 3 hours on a 6 hour proposed journey time, so we carried on to Winkwell with the incentive of a Sunday lunch at the Three Horseshoes.  We reached there just after 12md.  And we found a mooring although badly spaced boats almost made this impossible with loads of wasted space.  We got our Sunday Lunch though not cheap.  If your meal is served on square plates one can expect to pay much more.  £26 for two roast beef, a pint of Directors and a pint of diet cola.  The promised hot weather has arrived and I think one could have fried an egg on the table in the sun.  The boat is nicely in the shade, so we are keeping cool.

Bulbourne

The rain came late evening and this morning we woke to a miserable grey, windy, rainswept scene with drizzle still in the air.  We carry on as usual.  It has been the custom that Pat takes Alfie for a morning walk in our direction of travel and they get picked up along the way.  No difference this morning, Church Lock seems a good target and off they went.  For some reason, Alfie, who has been fascinated by the field of sheep and cows next to the towpath decided to desert Pat and run back for a last trial of barking to see if he could make them run away. So far he has failed.  Church Lock and Slapton Lock were both empty with gates open. No problem there, nor Horton, but at the next we came up dead. The pound above lock 32 was empty.  We have been caught here before with the same problem.  It looks as if the top gates were left open and the bottom ones have a bad leak.   So, make sure that the top gates are firmly closed, then off up to the next to open top and bottom paddles and let some water down.  It took about 30 minutes to get enough in to make an attempt, but just before the upper lock the boat ran aground.  More water needed sending down.  Finally we got through but the delay meant that we would meet traffic around the Marsworth flight, which we did.  After a delay at the bottom two while an opposite direction boater was reversing away from the junction because a music festival meant he would have a noisy night, we finally met up with nb Queenborough for the main climb.  Still cloudy, but warmer and more humid we settled down for the day just beyond the top lock.  Digital TV from Oxford.

Grove Tavern

A short day.  After a shopping stop at Tesco Leighton Buzzard we arrived at The Grove.  A good spot for some restorative painting.  Rain promised tonight.

Fenny Stratford

We set off down the remaining 5 locks and soon caught up with a single hander, then had to wait above the bottom lock for a pair of "Wyverns" to get going off the water point. Later, shopping in Tesco at Wolverton, and then the long cruise through Milton Keynes. Fenny was our destination, but by the lock there was no chance of TV reception, so we moved up a little way to get a clear line to the transmitter and bingo! Good digital reception.

Stoke Bruerne

We haven't  eaten out for a while, so we though we would have a short day and moor up in the long pound at Stoke Bruerne to be able to visit one of the restaurants this evening.  Nothing more to say except that the tunnel was busy.  I do like the restored/rebuilt section in the middle.  It's like a cathedral in comparison to the original being slightly wider and not so dirty, so the tunnel light travels further.  Then there is the deluge that drops from one of the ventilation shafts.   So far I've always been able to miss it.  Being deeper (newer) I suppose, the boat just seems to fly along.

Stowe Hill Wharf

We left at 7:30, aiming for opening time at Watford Locks.  The Crick Tunnel is a bit of a wet one, I discovered without my hat!   We were first at the locks and imediately set off down with one to come up arriving below minutes after ourselves.  They had been requested to ascend the first two locks, then wait for us to emerge from the staircase.  It was quite windy and instead of waiting for us in the shelter of the lock, they emerged into the pound and made for our exit gates before we had descended the last chamber. The wind then took them and in the end the lock keeper had to go down and take a rope to get them under control.  Always best to stay in the lock and wait there!  Arriving at Buckby top lock Pat learned that a woman had fallen in the (full) lock that morning.  We were following a pair going down, so we found out after the third lock having caught them up, but then had to wait for opposite direction traffic.  At the bottom, Pat wanted to visit the Whilton Chandlery for a paper and milk which gave me the option of stopping for diesel.  Not at 99p per litre base price!   We also stopped after that at Weedon to go down the stairs to the small supermarket.  I hadn't realised that the moorings there on the offside are 14 day visitor moorings, not much use though as the boats moored were spread out and the best gap was 59ft 9 inches having tried valiantly to squeeze in.  So we moved on into the bushes.   Finally, Rugby Boats at Stowe Hill had diesel at 86p. No contest.    Preliminary tests showed that we would have no TV reception, so after supper we moved on using the GPS to point to the Sandy Hill transmitter until we had a good view down the cut.  Perfect digital TV.   So actually, we ended up at Nether Heyford.

Crick

Arrival at Crick.

Crick Wharf

A sunny morning gradually turning to fair weather cumulus.  Shortly after leaving Kilworth we came to the junction with the Welford Arm and some very tidy, quet looking moorings on the straight just after.  Thereafter it became intermittently very shallow making any power more than just over tickover useless.  There are lovely views glimped from time to time looking down frm the hills, but marred as previously by uncontrolled tall hedgerows.  We stopped at Yelvertoft to visit the Post Office/General stores, then on past the new Yelvertoft Marina to Crick.  Much of the mooring there is long term permit holders only and the shorter visitor moorings have been reduced by the entrance to the Crick Marina extension.  We found a place opposite the Wharf Marina and the "Moorings" Bar/Restaurant - closed Mondays :-( .

Kilworth Wharf

Our 6 hours a day scheme should have taken us to Husbands Bosworth tunnel north, but there were no moorings there, so here we are, the next possible spot. We left at 7:50 this morning and eventually found ourselves behind another boat whose crew helpfully opened both swing bridges for us. Arriving at the bottom of Foxton we made a beeline for the lock-keeper to book in and found we were 5 in line, about an hour wait. The flight was very busy with gongoozlers in the sunshine and we picked up a temporary crew to work the gates. Alfie got the hump because dogs have to be on a lead at all times. The flight is full of potential hazards, the locks themselves and the various side ponds with fast flowing water. None of it is fenced thank goodness but a dog did drown last week, fell into a pond and got sucked through a culvert. Take care!

Market Harborough

A straightforward run up the remainder of the broad locks ths morning, although our first lock had both bottom gates open (all night?) and the pound above was about 2 feet low. No problem though. Later in the morning we had the first of the heavy showers which had been forecast. Very heavy! After Saddington Tunnel our attention was drawn, by a heavily loaded hire boat, to a sheep stranded in the mud on the offside bank. Nuggler Crew Rescue in action yet again. The bit of bank was part of a large winding hole, so inspite of the troublesome wind I turned the boat 150 degres and drove the bows head on to the bank whereupon Pat jumped off and pulled the said half immersed sheep out of the mud, getting herself ankle deep in mud in the process. Meanwhile other boaters were involved unbeknown to us and had crossed the canal by a nearby bridge, and armed with boathooks and ropes arrived just after Pat had done the deed. The sheep seemed to have injured back legs, or was very hypothermic because it just collaped.  Much more dificult to get back on the boat though, especially as Alfie had jumped off as well and was proving elusive. Pat walked back the long way in the end, through hawthorne and over a barbed wire fence, and trashed her trainers as they were now beyond repair. The farmer had been called, and appeared just after we set off again. Passing the bottom of Foxton Locks, the views from the Market Harborough arm would have been magnificent but for the high hedge, but the end basin is very neat with modern facilities and some permanent moorings including a Canaltime base. There is a long stretch of visitor moorings. No TV reception sadly.

Kilby Bridge

Threatened with dreadful weather today we left early. Gates of first three locks were open and paddles left up. It turned out this was not so good. The pound above Limekiln lock was about two feet down. I bumped slowly along the bottom up to the next lock, but ran aground finally within a few yards of the Gates on a pile of rubble. BW were already in attendance and suggested that I tie onto the railings while they ran water down. After an hour there was enough depth to continue. Still no rain! So we carried on, past the centre of Leicester with its lines of empty mooring rings and the "safe" pontoon with only one out of four spaces vacant. Finally arrived at Kilby Bridge by about 4 pm. Only then did the rain start.

Bishops Meadow

Not a lot to say today.  We are trying to keep the cruise more relaxed, perhaps not more than 6 hours in a day.  It is generally recognised that one does not stop in Leicester for the night as the locals have the reputation of not being friendly.  Perhaps that is a historical thing but it is true that there is only a small secure BW mooring for two boats in the centre, so that must mean something.  So our last mooring before is usually Birstall and then one does the section to Kilby Bridge in one day.   It is a shame that Leicester loses out.   So we are trying to portion the stops out boefore Birstall.   Loughborough would have been a suitable place if it were in any way dog friendly, but again, memories of the pontoon mooring were not good so we are here at Bishops Meadow.  Plenty of nice grassy towpath mooring above the lock.

Cranfleet Cut

We set back for water before leaving the moorings at Gunthorpe.   Arriving at Stoke Lock there was no lock keeper on duty so Pat acted - once she found out how to open the control panel.  Well they are all different from area to area depending I suppose on how long ago they were mechanised.  At Holme lock two boats caught up with us.  What a slow fill.  It's actually much deeper than the others.   The moorings above the lock are plentiful and very tidy.  Then we got onto the Nottingham Canal.  What a contrast, a small lock relatively speaking and a case of wind your own.  Passing Castle Lock we headed for Sainsburys and a large shop.   Funny how the entrances to these supermarkets are all on the other side of the building, irritating when the boundary of the building is only yards from the canal.  There should be a special door for boaters.  Not wanting particularly to moor in Nottingham, the idea was to carry on to Cranfleet where I remember good dog friendly moorings.  It's just that I had not remembered how far it was.  Anyway we got there in the end, joining another boat for the final lock.

Gunthorpe

The rain gave one last burst at about 6:30 last evening and then stopped.  Today's forecast is better, sunny intervals later and warmer.  I went out at about 8.am to get a paper, but the town was dead. Not even the large Waitrose or Smiths open.  The market was being set up with many stalls still empty.  Perhaps this defines "a sleepy town".    I did find a small newsagent eventually, however.   The signal on the town lock turned from yellow to red at about 9.am, so we called up on the VHF to let the lock keeper that we were in business, but no reply, so we left the mooring and the gates opened to let out a small cruiser, then green for us to go in.   The lock keeper explained that as he is not technically on duty until 9:30, he doesn't answer the radio.   However, if a boat is waiting, he will let it through.  He passed on news of our intended journey to the next lock-keeper, Hazelford.  He was ready for us.  Lkewise the next, Gunthorpe.  However, we had been advised that there was a problem with an obstruction behind the gate and a BW tug was in attendance sorting the problem.  There might be a delay.  Approaching Gunthorpe the problem was confirmed on the radio and we were asked to wait with three other narrow boats on the wall or pontoon.   The delay was very short for us and we were soon in the lock and up.  The Gunthorpe Visitor Moorings were empty bar one boat.  There is a longish pontoon and security gate leading to a grassy area.  Just as it said on the tin, ideal for small doggies.

Newark

After days of frusration with poor mobile signals we are not much better in Newark however, the rain makes me a little more forgiving with a poor 3G signal down in the chasm below the mooring wall.  Getting the dog off the boat requires lifting off the roof.  Thank goodness its a small dog.  So from where I left off at Sprotbrough with a mobile phone report.

Wednesday  8 June

A quiet day waiting for our friends to pass.  Did however spot the Humber Princess in the lock which was impressive.  Apparently this a twice a week trip to Rotherham.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday 9th June

Sprotbrough to Thorne

Our aim was to stop at Sprotbrough Lock and get water, which we did, but the roof of the boat is below the lockside making access difficult and the water pressure was too low to get a quick fill.  After 15 minutes we gave up.   10 minutes after leaving the lock I spotted an odd looking dummy lying legs up the bank and head half in the water. The face was white and waxy looking with pink lips.  Just to be sure, I stopped and backed up.  It was half hidden by a large bush.  Getting closer it looked very realistic and then we saw that it was breathing, agonal jerking breaths - a woman dressed in jeans and nylon jacket.  We tried to get the boat as near as possible whilst calling 999, but it was difficult due to brushwood debris and the bush.  Emergency services wanted to know where we were of course, the most difficult question of all.  Fortunately we were near some sort of a rowing club and I turned the GPS on to give coordinates.  Then, in the interval what could we do.  We managed to get the bows within a foot of the head which appeared to be resting on the mesh of a metal fencing frame and the brushwood in the water.  Water was lapping her forehead and she was of course unconcious, no doubt very hypothermic. To have attempted to get in the water would have run the risk of sinking the raft and drowning her, and getting off to the bank well nigh impossible.  Furthermore, her lower legs were bent down and appeared trapped between the very steep bank and the bar of the fencing frame.  It would have been impossible to drag her onto the boat.  About 10 minutes after our call, the police ambulance and two fire appliances arrived.  Using one of our spare mooring ropes, and with great difficulty, she was hauled up the 10 feet onto the bank and into the waiting ambulance.  It made me realise that it would have been extremely difficult to deal with alone just the two of us, and how fortunate we were near some sort of road access.  Also, had I not spotted her she would not have lasted much longer.   The large tanker, Humber Princess must have passed earlier that morning and the wash would have gone right over her head if she had been there then.

After this incident, the day seemed to pass quickly.  Stopping at Thorne, Stanilands Marina, for diesel, we were asked if we would like a mooring with electricity for the night.  We accepted.  It was free of charge except for £1 for the juice.  Then we discovered the marina laundry.  Pat was happy.  Thorne is not a bad little town.  A high street about 10 minutes walk away with small supermarkets, a Co-op and Somerfield, but lots of small shops which are much more interesting.  Contact with the police later in the day elicited litle as one would expect, save that the woman was still alive, but sedated.  (police speak for on a ventilator in ITU perhaps).

Friday 10 June

Thorne to Keadby

We wound up our 240v line and set off.  The first swing bridge, the pedestrian one in Thorne was tempremental but Pat eventually got it to work.  Apparently, when you insert the key and lift the lid of the control pedestal there is supposed to be a click of relays energising the gate locks to release.  It took several goes once a passer by had explained.   Then at Moors Bridge Pat found a BW key already in the control box which she couldn't get out and the fault light showing.  Nothing to do except call BW.  That took 90 minutes.   All the others worked OK, but we did have to wait ages for the Vazon sliding railway bridge to be worked for us.  It's a very busy railway line. I recall waiting for about 6 trains to pass.   No other boats waiting at Keadby, so plenty of mooring and the fish shop is still open and quite busy with the deep fried black pudding still on the menu.

Saturday 11 June

Keadby to Cromwell Lock

Our original plan was to go to Torksey, but when enquiring of the Keadby lock keeper when best to go on the Cromwell he said that it would be appropriate to go all the way today given the neap tide.  Originally we had been told 12:50 to go out, but this was revised once two other boats had turned up.  He would let us into the lock at 12:00 and let us go as soon as there was enough water.  We went out at 12:30.  There was not much of a tide running at this stage and we only made about 6 mph on Ribble style revs.  This built up to a massive 8.2 later on and I guess the tide turned about 45 minutes before we got to Cromwell .   7 hours in total.   The overnight moorings at Cromwell are a bit disappointing for a doggie boat.   The quayside was level with the roof.   Alfie managed it on his own after a few tries, but it has to be said that the grass and barbecue facilities are impressive. Who uses them in this weather?

Sunday 12 June

Cromwell to Newark

A beautiful sunny morning, but it didn't last.  The front heralding a day of rain was already visible in the distance  As we hadn't visited Newark before, it seemed sensible to make a short day and stop here for the night.  Its certainly a stop with lots of interest.  The castle, a pretty centre with a market square and lots of restaurants.  Pity about the weather.

Sprotbrough

Arrival at Sprotbrough after our first full day back on the boat following a brief sojourn in London. We met Derek again at the top of Tinsley and with all top gates opened for us and leaving all bottom gates open for an upcoming we were down in no time. Then a quick food shop in Rotherham before joining a sailing boat at Eastwood for the rest of the trip.

Sheffield - Victoria Quays

Last night felt a little as if in a prison.  The "visitor" moorings are surrounded bank side with a green security fence, but the BW moorings are further isolated by a lockable gate, fortunately with no lock.  The other boats here do not look like 48 hour moorers, so to those that follow, the lock moorings might be all there is to have. Once we got started, at 9:00am as advised, It didn't take long to reach Rotherham town lock, the first of the 61 foot long locks that now continue up to Sheffield.  The lock landing was awkwardly sited, but the lock is a flood lock and had a rise of only about 2 feet.  The next lock had a landing out of sight of the lock before a turn under a railway bridge.  At the next lock Derek, the lock-keeper appeared when we were nearly done.  He had set all the locks with gate open to the top of the flight and stayed with us, securing each lock behind us with some obscure device as we went to the top.  Mostly were gate paddles and a bit violent for one boat in the lock, so I ended up roping the bow and with a long centre line to the back of the lock as the pull forwards was quite strong.  Arriving in Victoria Quays there was plenty of 48 hour visitor mooring available, so we took the first available for a late lunch before I went off in search of the marina office.  Within a very short time I was sorted with a more permanent mooring for the week, with electricity.  No charge for the mooring, just a card needed for the power.  The railway station is a 10 minute walk away and shops also quite close, so excellent. We have to commend BW Yorkshire South Navigations for the help we have received and for the cleanliness of the canals, that is lack of rubbish.  Here we are in the centre of a large industrial conurbation and no rubbish.  Derek told me that they make an effort to remove any detritus when the wind is right, but I suspect also that there must be a different attitude amongst the local population.  We saw the contrast crossing the Pennines.  The Lancashire side was in places disgusting needing many visits to the weed hatch every day.  The Yorkshire side was clean.   And by the way, no bandits spotted.

Eastwood Lock

We were a bit concerned last evening as a gaggle of youth gathered on the opposite bank. There must have been about 30 A trip boat appeared and disappeared, then the police arrived.  It seems that they had booked a boat trip, but had been abusive and maybe drunk and passage had been refused.  Slowly they dispersed.  This morning we set off early with good intentions of getting in position for the Tinsley Flight on Sunday.  Unfortunately our first lock refused to cooperate. 

 

Mexborough Low Lock

 

  Pat had inserted the key and power was available, but no "ready" light and nothing would work.  Usually this means a problem at the other end, but she could not get the key out to try the other pedestal and with one end activated the other is, of course, locked out.    Nothing for it but to call BW.   A very friendly lock-keeper arrived about an hour later and diagnosed an obstruction to full sluice closure at the other end.  With his control panel he can work everything independently, so he switched off the user operated panels which got our key out, started to empty the lock and then blew the top paddle wich resolved the problem.  Simple.  Further on at Kilnhurst Flood Lock he was waiting for us with both end gates open, closing them behind us.  Thanks for that.  At Swinton I managed to get hold of the Tinsley Lock Keeper.  He will be letting a boat down the flight first, but will open the bottom end for us to start making our own way up if we moor at Eastwood Lock overnight and leave there about 9:00 am.  So we ended up at Eastwood, the last of the 120 foot locks.  The visitor moorings were found fully occupied, so we are obliged to use the BW only mooring in the expectation that it is a bank holiday weekend and we leave in the morning, so BW wont need it.  Strange in a way that this last staging post to Sheffield only has room for about 3 boats.  We are advised not to moor anywhere except Sheffield Basin or the Marina at the top of the locks, so I guess the final leg of our journey is through Bandit country.

Sprotbrough

A leisurely 8:00am start this morning just after another fuel barge had passed.  They just seem to go on forever and fill the very long locks.  Ony one lock to do before turning onto the New Junction Canal.  The the sequence of mechanised swing and lift bridges.  Aproaching Sykehouse Lock we were surprised to see a red light.  Thus far all the locks have been on yellow light, meaning Do it Yourself.  A red light means moor up, the lock is in use.  So no sooner had I got a rope round a bollard than the gates opened and a BW workboat came out and the light turned green.  The lock-keeper let us in and shut the gates, but apologised that we would have to leave us to it as he had to go and operate the swing bridge we had just left.  Sykehouse lock has a swingbridge right across the middle and this has to be swung and the barriers closed before the lock can be operated, all done with the key in the bridge console. It takes ages.  After that, soon we reached Bramwith Junction with the Keadby Canal carryng on to Barnby Dun, where we stopped for lunch.  There is a large lift bridge here on a busy road which Pat was dreading, however it was a fast lift and didn't cause too muc problem in the end.  There are visitor moorings past the bridge, but they are right by the road and not very pleasant for an overnight.  Long Sandall Lock visitor moorings (above the lock) on the other hand are very attractive, with lawn, picnic tables, barbecue area and garden all beautifully kept.  Stop here on the way back methinks.   We could have stopped here today, but Suffering as we do with pressonitis, we were aiming for Sprotbrough.  Quite a deep lock here, but useful bollards halfway down in the lock chamber.  The visitor moorings are past the bridge and reasonable enough and quiet in a pretty spot.

Whitley Lock

After our run down the tidal Ouse yesterday, rather more sedate waters to start today if somewhat weedy. Pat hates working swing bridges on busy roads because she get abuse from motorists sometimes, so we left Selby Basin at 7:00 to manage the swing bridge before rush hour and continued for a few hundred yards to moor up again near to the path to Tesco.  I tried out the new bottle of polish I had bought at the nearby auto centre and it certainly seems to bring back the colour, better than T Cut.  Then, once shopping was done we carried on, down the Selby Canal, through the open flood gates and onto the Aire finding ourselves then behind two narrowboats evidently not wanting to get caught up.  The joke was that at the next (Beal) lock they were waiting below waving us on.  Arkholme II was waiting in the lock expecting one of the pair to join him, but they wanted to remain together, hence we became the perfect partner.  Arkholme was on the way to the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, so we parted company at Bank Dole Lock.  The forecast heavy showers were making their appearance, so unusually, we stopped for lunch and let one pass and then made the 150 degree turn onto the Aire and Calder Navigation.  Wanting to moor below the lock at Whitley we disregarded spaces on the hardstanding moorings and facilities above and took advantage of a full lock to go down.  The moorings below are on cut grass with picnic tables and a barbecue stand, much better for Alfie, although we wont be using the barbecue.   Having just moored, two very large workboats with excavators on board appeared and tied up behind.  Then shortly after, two boats shot out of the lock like corks from a bottle.  The reason was soon evident.  A large fuel tanker came upstream aiming for the lock and they must have been told to get out of the way.  Fortunately we are well moored on rings with the large fenders out, but our boat dipped in the draw from the tanker as it went by, still at some speed.   Lots of heavy showers around now.

Selby again

After writing my report up from yesterday's inspection there was a bit of cleaning to do.  The strong winds were responsible for blowing fine dust and sand into and onto the boat and this needed removing to avoid damage to paintwork.  There is also a first class ironmonger store in town which I wanted to visit for a few odds and end.   Then at midday we slipped out of our moorings and set off for Naburn, initially the marina there for fuel.  York marina couldn't have been more helpful, moving a very expensive looking cruiser so that we could get onto the fuel pontoon and then serving us a mere 74 litres where a typical cruiser might take 500.  At 81p base price not bad in these difficult times.  We arrived at the locks in good time to take water, and then we were off.  For the first hour we had the last of the flood tide making about 4.5 mph, then the speed picked up peaking at 7 mph.  As there were boats ahead, when we arrived at Selby,  we turned immediately after the to swing bridges and drifted down backwards.  The ebb tide turned out to be 1.8mph.  Soon enough the lock was ready and we entered with no problem.  Moorings in the basin tonight.

Time out

Off to N Wales today to be in place for a railway track inspection in the morning. I am a permanent way volunteer for the Welsh Highland Railway. (www.festrail.co.uk) The inspection has to be on foot every 3 weeks. That's where I come in. My length is about 5 miles, nice if the weather is good.

York

Our worry today was whether we would find a mooring in York.  The reconnaissance on Friday suggested that it would be unlikely where we wanted to be - near the railway station because I have to go to Wales on Monday afternoon.   Pat will be on the boat with dog and needs to be secure.  Intelligence gathered from a boater we met earlier who returned from York yesterday gave us hope of some alternative possibilties, but as a final failsafe I telephoned York Marina and asked about possibilities there.  They promised to ring back.  So we set off at 9:00 in sunny weather with strengthening wind.  The river initially took on a look we are familiar with from the Thames, beautiful houses and manicured lawns running down to jetties, but then deterioated into a long line of permanent moorings with riverside shanties.  After about 90 minutes we reached York and the reach we were interested between Scarborough Bridge and Lendal Bridge.  Nothing.  However, just as we were planning on turning back to tie up lower down between Blue Bridge and Skeldergate Bridge where there are no rings, but at least an accessible bank, a boat peeled off in front of us and with the assistance of a boater who offered to move a few feet, we were in.  Talk about good luck.   So now a good chance to do a bit of touristy things, the first of which was Sunday Lunch at the Crosskeys near the Minster.  And the marina did ring back and would have been able to help us.  In the event unnecessary.   Wind is now getting up and gales forecast with rain tomorrow.  Better bring the plants in off the roof.  Damage is threatened.

Naburn

Yesterday we were Locked out at Selby at 9:20 on a spring tide. Lots of flotsam but avoidable. Without pushing it our max speed over ground reached 9 mph initially. Arrived at Naburn 12:00. Stopped here overnight on good moorings.

Alfie's Blog (a recce to York)

Today I had a ride on a train.  Nana and Grandad took me. The station was not very far from the boat but we had to wait for ages on the platform when we got there. When we got on the train I had to sit under a table.  When we got off we were in York. I wanted to go to see round the National Railway Museum but they wouldn't let me in, strange really because I got there on a train.  So we walked about a lot which was very tiring especially as there were so many good smells all over the place and I wasn't allowed to keep stopping.   I had my picture taken outside a big church and we walked along the river to see where the boats stop, but there were no empty spaces for us when we come on Sunday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However I did have some fun chasing geese.  Nana and Grandad had lunch by the river but all I got was scraps and a drink of water.  It was starting to get windy and cold, so I thought it better to go back to our boat which meant another train ride.  It was nice to get back and I could flop out on my bed and have a sleep.  I was so tired.

Selby

A leisurely start, first a bit of varnishing and front fender resiting. Then off to Selby. The water is very clear and teeming with small fish. However, blanket weed is developing in places though not to such an extent as to be a problem. The banks are high and there us not a lot else to see. We moored before the swing bridge - a very busy road. Best done early in the morning. Tesco not too far away.

Selby Canal - West Haddersley

Overcast and windy again this morning when we set off for West Haddersley.  Pat went ahead to the nearby lock and got it ready, then the lock keeper appeared by car and did the remainder for us.  Ferrybridge Power Station eventually appeared and we go off the river again into the cut to Knottingley and the junction with the Selby Canal.  Back to manual locks again!  Just as we were about to open the gates two more boats appeared  There is only room for two narrowboats in these locks, so the last has to wait.  Initially we are back on the River Aire again and its very convoluted course to West Haddersley.  At Beal Lock we caught up behind a broadbeam hotel boat, so had to let that go first.  These boats seem so awkward in the water and so slow that we had caught up with it well before the flood lock at West Haddersley and had to slow to little more than tickover.  The flood lock gates were closed and so the lock had to be worked; all for about 3 inches.  However, the lock instructions say to leave it with gates closed and the paddles down, so we did.   Moored up on the neat lock landing for the night.  Weather is promised to brighten up this afternoon.

Maintenance Day

Our friends left for the River Derwent this morning and we stayed behind to make a leisurely few days to York.   Hopefully we meet up again in Sheffield.

Aire and Calder Navigation - Castleford

Only three locks today, and all mechanised.  We took it in turns to operate them.  The wind was an issue again with waves building up and hats at risk.  So again,glad to get to the moorings.  Castleford is a pleasant town with good moorings and good shopping.  There is a pedestrianised main street , a small arcade and best of all, a large indoor (and today open) market.

Aire and Calder Navigation - Stanley Ferry

At 8:30 we eased our way between all the moored boats and left the Dewsbury Arm.  No real surprises today.  Overcast with a bitterly cold wind we dealt with the locks with now real problem, just slowly.  The deep water allowed us to make good speed.  Fall Ing lock was probably the most difficult being larger with heavy gates and deep.  It seemed as if only one lower gate paddle was working.  Relieved to arrive at Stanley Ferry and get into the warm for a while.

Calder & Hebble Navigation - Savile Town Basin

Moored near the facilities at Brighouse we took water early and then visited the adjacent large Sainsburys for food and to restock our meagre cellar with various beverages.  Shortly after 9:30 we followed the leading two boats down the two locks at Brighouse and on to the route east.  Passage was slow, dealing with the unique Calder & Hebble paddle gear at many locks and, of course, the fact that we have a 60 foot boat in locks meant for 57' 6" boats.  Until the water starts to fall the lock gate walkways prevent the boat being fully forward so that the stern is right over the cill.  Rather unnerving!  Then to get out, moving the boat back to the 'V' of the cill centrally and moving the bows round the still closed half gate.  If there is a leak from the top gates, this can mean taking quite a flood of water onto the stern.  There is therefore the possibility of flooding the boat if the back doors are left open and still significant quantities can get under the doors if care is not taken.  We followed our friends as usual, but were surprised at Coopers Bridge to find another narrowboat ahead.  It must have come off the moorings there, and more surprising, about five other boats coming up or waiting.  As we have to work locks singly because of the need to be diagonal in the lock we had to let the narrowboat preceed us and suffer the delay.  The wind was starting the freshen considerably by this time which meant securing the boat above each lock and picking up Pat and Alfie below somewhat time critical on some of the very short lock landings on the river.  The wind and intermittent showers spoilt our experience but progress was steady, past Mirfield and eventually to the two locks above the junction with the Dewsbury arm.  Coming out of the bottom lock there is no way to make the left turn up into the arm other than by winding which for the 60 foot boat is only just possible.  Worse, was the need to wind at the end of the arm to reverse back into the stern herringbone moorings at the end of the basin.  Again it is very tight and the wind with the proximity of other boats made it quite an exercise, even with the bow thruster.  Our reward was a visit to the "Leggers", the quayside pub in a terrace of houses which brews its own beer and has a wide range of guest ales as well.  A limited menu is available.  We had meat pie and mushy peas with chips and mint sauce.  Sort of ethnic food I suppose.