UK Canals - Journey reports

The Spring Cruise revisited

As the Bridgewater Canal may be out of use for a while until the breach can be secured I decided to cancel the idea of a trip to Liverpool.  A temporary fix is probably going to be made using a coffer dam as I understand, but there is too much hanging on the idea of this trip, with a lot of planning, booking etc., that I thought it wise to go for a simpler journey.  So a visit to London is proposed.   I attach below a link to the timetable for this.   As always, guests are welcome.  Just let me know in good time so that I don't over shoot.  My daughter (Chloe) and family will be likely to join the boat at Berkhamsted and make the journey with me to Limehouse.  Tides look right for a morning ride down the Thames.  The journey back will be slightly more leisurely with good opportunities for short stays.

Michael

Download Nuggler 2025 April Cruise timetable

Spring Cruise 2025

Well, so much for all my planning.   (See previous posting)   The recent canal breach on the Bridgewater Canal is very unlikely to be repaired by April and so the short route to Liverpool is blocked.  There are two alternatives to get there.  The shortest is from Ellesmere Port via the Manchester ship Canal and the River Mersey, or the Manchester Ship Canal to the Bridgewater Canal via Pomona Lock, Manchester.  The much longer route, which Pat and I did some years back was via the Leeds and Liverpool Canal all the way from Leeds. I would definitely not want to take on any of those alternatives on my own.   So back to the drawing board.

Spring Cruise 2025 Cancelled due to Bridgewater Canal Breach

The spring cruise for 2025 will be a return visit to Liverpool, Salthouse Dock.   This might be the last opportunity for the younger family to have some time on the boat before moving away, so I have tried to fit it in with school holidays in mind.  Easter seems a bit later for 2025 and they are having to be back in school on Easter Tuesday.  Consequently, to fit everything in,  the run up to Liverpool will be in Nuggler tradition, fast!

I am single handing for most of the way which is really no great problem until reaching the awkward swing bridges on the Leeds and Liverpool.  Hopefully the family be be aboard for that on the outward journey, but not the return.   As usual I welcome guests (max 2).  No previous experience experience is necessary and it could be like a floating hotel if wished, though evening meals have to be sourced from pubs as appropriate. Lunch is variable.    Leaving on the 5th April to arrive Liverpool 18th.  I have family booked from Wigan.  I like to start the day early (dep 7:00 am) so as to arrive at the daily destination in time for lunch and with a much better chance of finding a good mooring.  Then there is also time for exploring and shopping as needed. The return will be leaving Liverpool on the 25th to be back at the home mooring on the 18th May, a much slower and more relaxed journey.

How to organise a trip? Just let me know when you want to come first of all. Transport?  The fall back position is that the boat is never far from a taxi, but in the past all combinations of car train and bike have been used with great success.

The sleeping area for guests is a pull out double sofa bed and can be screened off for privacy.  Full details on the boat itself can be found on this website.

Things do go wrong from time to time, so be prepared for the unexpected.  This could be weather related, or canal stoppages, or just engine breakdown.

If interested, get in touch.  07880714890.

 

 

2 day jolly, day 2

Friday November 22nd

Continued to Braunston turn and back to Barby sharpish.  Bought a couple more bags of coal from Midland Chandlers.  It’s more convenient than at the marina.  On the way back there were a few patches of slushy ice evident, but apart from a few very light rain showers sunny with not to much wind.  I’m keeping a close eye on the weather forecasts.  Saturday’s yesterday looked the better of the weekend, now Saturday looks horrible and Sunday better.  So now I’m back in the marina, I will probably hunker down tomorrow and leave early Sunday.  Saturday is “Full English Breakfast Day”, so that is something to look forward to.

2 day jolly. Day 1.

Thursday November 21st

Decided to take the boat to Braunston and back with an overnight on the way to test the solar system.  Will it function as intended.  Well, yes.  If the sun shines.  The opportunity was then taken whilst moored away from the marina, to do an oil and filter change and replace the gearbox oil.  Also the stern tube gland nuts were given a half turn each.  Another cold night but this time no electric blanket.

Return to Barby Moorings

So much rain!  Today mostly drizzle.  The only major obstacle this morning was the 3 Hillmorton Locks.   We departed Newbold early as usual and reached the locks at around 08:30.  We had empty locks all the way.  Martin was at the helm and I was walking.  Soon we were on our way again and almost straight away met a flotilla of hire boats, maybe at least 4, then nothing.  Once moored up it didn't take long to shut the boat down and then we hit the road.

Thoughts for this cruise?  All in all very wet with some spectacular downpours.  Canal water levels were up a few inches.  No major lock issues apart from the odd ground paddle being U/S.  The one at the top of Meaford had been fixed by the time we returned.  Colwich lock ground paddle remained out of use.  The failed lockbeams with the makedo repairs using angle iron was a first and I suppose it is down to a "bad" supply of wood in the first place.  Towpaths were good throughout as far as mowing was concerned.   So inspite of a weather, a good trip.   Now I have to return to the Caldon Canal to finish the last few miles when there is no time imperative.

 

Oxford Canal:Newbold

Technically today there was rain but very light and intermittent drizzle, so in effect we got off lightly.  Our journey went without incident.  I took the chance to clean and refill the coal bunker and bag the ash for disposal.  On arrival at first attempt our mooring was looking at stakes before the ringed section , but at the last minute a boat moved off and we got the rings after all.  As usual, a visit to the pub followed to check for the possibility of a meal tonight and all looks good.

Coventry Canal :Hawkesbury Junction

First thing Martin went ahead to set the first lock. I arrived a few minutes later with the boat up to the bottom gates.  Martin was having some trouble getting a level.  The mantra always is in this situation: check the other end.  Sure enough, a top paddle was up.  Fortunately not much water had been lost from the upper pound.   The remainder of the 5 locks were transited quickly with maximum efficiency , rubbish disposed off T the top lock, and all just in time to meet the lock keeper coming on duty.  Thereafter  a straight foreword run.  Two boats peeled off in front of us at intervals but neither slowing us down. We arrived at the junction at 12:15 and a quick visit to the pub ordered to check about a meal for this evening.  It turns out that last food orders are at 6pm, so we shall have to eat a little earlier than usual.  Forecast not looking great for tomorrow with rain again.  Martin does a walk every day when we have moored up. Todays photos are his from  his walk.

Foot bridgr at Hawkesbury

Coventry Canal:Atherstone Kings Head

A bright cold sunny morning for a change, however by lunchtime it was clouding over with the hint of a shower.  A fairly uneventful day really travel wise.  Martin has done really  well and managed today’s locks perfectly.  We were chasing a Braidbar 139 and coming up behind all the time but without delay except possibly lock 6 due to opposite traffic.  We are moored in the same stretch as before and in good position for the Kings head where we are booked tonight.  With the exception of the Caldon Canal where no food was served at all and the Star at Stone, “no food after 5 pm” the pub stops have been brilliant with high quality at sensible prices.

Coventry Canal:Hopwas

Rain this morning but with the prospect of better later. We made excellent progress and the weather did improve, though much colder.  I was frozen by the time we reached Fradley and  change from rain wear to cold weather wear was indicated.  We reached Hopwas to return to our original mooring as of the outward bound leg.  We chose a different pub this time, the Tame Otter.  The car park was full - a sign of a popular place and the welcome was even for muddy boots and dogs welcome.  We booked for the evening and returned about 6pm.  An excellent meal and better all round than the place we visited last week.

Trent and Mersey Canal:Rugeley

More rain this morning but light and intermittent so not really a huge problem or needing extreme protection.  Martin nipped off first thing to get more milk and by 7:25 we were ready to go.  Not the only ones on the move:an opposite direction appeared as we were leaving the lock.  At Aston Lock it seemed to take ages to never finally fill, so according to the rule, check bottom gates.  Everything was in order at first look but then after more intensive scrutiny it seemed the the bottom gates were leaking very badly at the bottom sides. Nothing could be done about that so it just needed extreme force to crack the top gate.  The rest of the locks as far as Colwich were happily worked with well timed other boats, but Colwich is still waiting ground paddle repair and does of course take longer to fill.  The rash of broken or weak lock beams with the makeshift repairs makes me wonder if this was down to a bad batch of timber or maybe a sign of postponed maintenance.

Plenty of mooring at Rugeley then just as we were about to go out to find a new pub I discovered my wallet missing.  To cut a long story short, a telephone call to the Hotel where we ate last night revealed its location.  A taxi drive, about 1/2 hour each way, recovered it.  It was found by our waitress and kept in the hotel safe all wrapped up with a copy of my drivers licence stuck on the front.  I saw the lass and felt that a reward was in order.

Tonight will be a trip to Wetherspoons.

Trent and Mersey Canal:Stone

A short day today.  Just a couple of hours and 7 locks brought us to a nice mooring at Stone.  The broken ground paddle at the top of the Medford Locks had been fixed so the lock filled smartly.  There was a boat behind which was helpful since the lock exits through a hole in a road bridge and the next lock is invisible, so it expedited things for me to leave Martin in the lock in the care of the other skipper to go and get the next one ready.  Three of the four locks at Stone were passed and a nice mooring above the final lock was vacant so we stopped there.  A visit to the iconic Star Inn at lunchtime revealed that there is no food evenings after 5 on Wednesdays, so Martin revisited his earlier walk round town to find an alternate for this evening.   Photo: Medford Flight

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Star Inn at Stone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caldon Canal:Milton

Having had a couple of days of rain and with bad forecast for today we anxiously awaited morning.  The met office had issued an Amber Weather Warning (oh my Gawd) for our locality promising heavy rain, flooding, property damage, cats and dogs, best stay at home in case you get wet etc.  So taking into consideration that ahead the canal joins the River Churnet which was likely to be in flood and not suitable for navigation (either going or returning) we agreed that we should turn around and not take the chance of getting stuck.  So we are now at Milton.  This leg of the journey was not without its excitement.  The pound below the first lock was low and I ran aground. Martin had already prepared the next lock around the corner and could not see me, so there was a delay.  I got him to fill the lock behind then empty it which did the trick.  Odd because the by-wash was running into this pound.  There must be a big leak somewhere possibly the top gates at the next.  After that we dawdled on through the rest of that flight and the electrically operated lifting bridge to Engine Lock.  At Milton there are some lovely shiny stainless steel rings just after Milton Bridge inviting mooring so we stopped there for tonight.  The nearby pub offers fluid refreshment but no food.  Fortunately there is a decent sized COOP not far away, so we can eat in tonight.  Alternatively we could have ordered a take-away delivered at the pub. 
postscript:  14:11.  So far it hasn’t rainred. I feel let down.

Caldon Canal:Stanley Mods

As expected it was raining. It continued all day on and off. So we were wet and cold.  The fire was lit from the outset and provided welcome breaks sharing the helm. Martin executed the locks on the Stoke Flight expertly and we arrived at the top, Etruria, expecting to get a precautionary pump out.  No such luck.  There was a power cut. Martin took a couple of pictures there. (Unable to post them now)
A bit wet and sorry at this moment we carried on to find 4 boats waiting to come down at the staircase lock. The lock chambers are surprisingly deep and the was quite a delay here.  We needed to press on to find our pub mooring for the night.  Sadly it was not to be.  Firstly there was a very low bridge that I couldn’t get under with the wind generator on the roof.  That had to be dealt with.  Then there were no suitable moorings at both spots earmarked.  So it was about 5pm by the time we were directed to some nice in- line moorings-but no pub.  I had to bring out emergency meal no 2.  Looks like more rain all day tomorrow.  So the plan is to get to the destination rapidly, then return at a steady pace using the local knowledge gained so far.  This is a “difficult” canal  compared with cruising on the mainline but definitely worth a visit.

Trent and Mersey Canal : Barlaston

Great leap today.  We were originally intending to stop at Stone but we had made good time and in view of a bad weather forecast for the next couple of days wanted to get a bit ahead so made for Barlaston.  Medford locks were deserted for the most part and a volunteer lock keeper was a great help for the first two.  The top lock was full and a boat just entering so I arranged for them to leave the gates open for us.  The top lock has issues.  The walkway over the top gate is unserviceable (although I crossed there because there is no notice, just multicoloured tape) and the ground paddle is u/s.  So a slow fill.  Then 10 minutes after leaving the the heavens opened with monsoon type rain.  Still in the heavy rain we were pleased that there was space available for us right outside the Plume of Feathers pub.  I got the fire lit to dry off our wet clothes and we retired to the pub for something to eat.  It is advertised as a gastropub, so being Saturday night, fully booked.  However we could eat in the bar and enjoyed an excellent meal.  It looks like a couple of wet days for us now.

 

Weston lock

Trent and Mersey Canal:Rugeley

More than usual boats moving early today.  The water around Hademoor shallow as usual by the reeds.  Bradley to my surprise was not busy and no queue for the locks, just one boat going up ahead of us.  Wooden floor lock gates are looking very tired and there was some detritus in the lock throat that played with my prop in a solid sound of way and hindered progress.  The journey to Armitage went without trouble until the narrow cutting before the railway bridge when an opposite direction boat passing us was forced to have grazing encounter with a leaning tree. (See pic).  Armitage tunnel was free and we arrived at Rugeley for shopping with plenty of free mooring.

Coventry Canal:Hopwas

Having done well yesterday I thought I should introduce Martin to the next level whereby he is involved more in the lock working with me absent preparing the next lock.  It went brilliantly.  We were alone for this last 6 and most locks empty apart from the bottom two which had just been vacated by a “working boat”.  Things started to get busy after Alvecote and with multiple opposites at the many bridged section before Glascote I managed to pick up a discarded item of clothing on the prop which needed mooring and a weed hatch visit.  It needed the diving knife to clear it.  Expecting Glascote to be busy we actually had a very easy time.   I was pleased to find the heavily receded/narrow overgrown section at Dunstable which I had encountered last year has been cleared (and the towpaths throughout likewise).   There were plenty of moorings at Hopwas and we have investigated the Red Lion in with a view to eating there tonight

Coventry Cansl:Atherstone Kings Head

Wednesday 18th

We had the canal much to ourselves as far as Springfield Haven.  Then things started to get more busy.  There was a short wait at the top lock then it was Martin’s turn to helm the boat through the locks while I had the unusual pleasure of running the tow path.  There were about three volunteer lock keepers in evidence which helped.  Martin did very well.  We moored below the main road bridge but with easy access to the Kings Head.  It was steak night and we both enjoyed a first class rump steak there later that evening.

Coventry Canal:Atherstone - Kings Head

An early start again and not so cold this morning.  Not a lot of other traffic until passing Springfield Haven.  At Atherstone. Top lock we we first in line behind a boat just going down, but there was one moored in the pound below waiting for the next lock, so I wanted to wait until that cleared.  When an intermediate pound gets more than one boat in traffic it means that two lock worth of water have gone into that pound without a corresponding use of the lock below which can mean water wasted over the weir.  Our planned stop was below the big road bridge and the Kings Head pub, our target for eating tonight.  A recce (and a couple of pints) revealed that it is steak night.  

Coventry Canal: Hawkesbury Junction

All going well except difficulty with technology.  The ipad is not able to connect to the internet, so having to use the iPhone.  Not as easy.   Now at Hawkesbury looking forward to eating in the Greyhound this evening.  The phone is always the right way up so why is this picture upside down and why can I not change it?     Good photos by Martin Chester. 

Proposed Autumn Cruise to visit the Caldon Canal

Pat and I never managed to get to the Caldon Canal.  We passed many times but were always in a rush somewhere else.

Now I am on my own, crew or just guests are welcome.   This particular plan is more conducive to guests for a longer stay, either for the whole or a significant part.

Departure date Tuesday 17th September.  I have crew promised for the whole trip which is excellent.

The plan can be downloaded from Download Nuggler 2024 Autumn Cruise timetable

Monday 16th September.   We, my guest/crew Martin and I are on the boat ready now for an early departure in the morning.  We will be aiming for Hawkesbury Junction where the Oxford canal meets the Coventry canal.  

Grand Union Canal:Barby Moorings

I went up to the lock first thing to prep it and finding it full, emptied it, whereupon a person on a moored boat came down and said she would be coming down shortly and to leave the gates just as another appeared wanting to coming up, so I was now one of a pair.  However, the newcomer wanted to fill with water so from the lock, I was still solo.  But not for long.  I was flagged down just before the last bridge before the tunnel entrance and informed that a dredger was coming through in the opposite direction and best to wait there (in the sunshine rather than further on in the dark shade).  So my friend from earlier caught up, and once through the tunnel after a half hour or so delay, were descended the Braunston Locks together with the assistance of a couple of volunteer Lockies.  There had been a historical boat rally at Braunston the previous weekend and it was the most likely reason for the plethora of “working boats” that we had seen opposite direction on our way up.   Last evening there was a bit of wind, but the boat was in a sheltered position.   However, today, when in the open the wind was very strong making it unlikely that I would be able t get on to my mooring at Barby, so I was hoping to be able to moor in like at the top end of the Barby Straight where I have moored before.   Unfortunately these moorings were full so I was forced to go on to the marina entrance which was no problem, but the strong west wind makes it impossible with the limited room and my dodgy left bow thruster, to get onto my pontoon without hitting something.  I was forced, in the wind to go to the pumpout mooring.  This wasn’t a bad idea as I needed a pumpout, but even securing the boat was a juggling act being single handed.  After the pumpout I attempted to move the boat, but there is nowhere to tie it to that is strong enough in these weather conditions so I remain on the pumpout mooring for the night.  At 8am tomorrow I will be fine moving.   Given this is quite a blow, I put the fan up and was getting a max of about 4 amps but with continuous charging voltage of some level.  It will be interesting to see how the batteries appear in the morning.  They are definitely not going to be adequate for another season and I might well decide to change them over summer.   They are “fit and forget” sealed type.  They have managed just 3 years, whereas my previous “wet” batteries, with care, lasted seven.

Grand Union Canal:Buckby Top Lock (bottom)

Wednesday July 3rd

As is the rule with guests, a full English breakfast was enjoyed before setting off for the long cruise to the bottom of the Buckby Flight.  We arrived at Weedon in perfect time to visit the “Heart of England” pub and hotel for lunch.  Then another hour to the locks.  There were a few boats coming down to make life easier, except that the first had shut the Lock gates ahead which almost always means having the drain the results of the leakage or overspill.  Rather than risk the potential difficulty mooring above the top lock, I stopped in the pound below which is much more pleasant and with just as easy access to the pub.  My guests got a taxi here to return to Stoke Bruerne to pick up their car.

Grand Union Canal:Stoke Bruerne

Tuesday July 2nd

It was a miserable looking cold morning.  Got going with a planned stop at Baxter’s Boatyard for a diesel top up.  It was 71 litres.  By this time, in spite of my top coat I was cold and shivery.  There was a little rain to add into the mixture.  However, the day warmed up slowly.  Filled up with water at the bottom of the locks along with another boat which left just before me at which point of course my tank declared itself full, so I set off and had to drain the bottom lock by then.  When the lock was ready a boat appeared to come down which must have delayed the boat that went ahead of me because they were waiting for me.  It was a very useful partnership and we made excellent time.   Peter, one of two friends who were going to join me tomorrow, was waiting at the bottom of the top lock and Bob also joined me there.   Once we had found a mooring, a visit to “The Boat” was called for for a drink, chat and a sandwich.   Peter had visited the museum with some information of interest as he was one of the tunnellers who helped restore Blisworth Tunnel for functionality after the collapse.  He later went on to work on the the Channel Tunnel.  We ate in the “Navigation” in the evening.

Grand Union Canal:Wolverton

First obstacle this morning was the Fenny Stratford Lock and combined swing bridge.  The bottom gates were open, and from my observations yesterday at the Red Lion by the lock (over a pint), they tend to swing open on their own.  Close one, walk round to close the other and the first one has opened again.   So.. first crack a top paddle.  Once done, whist the lock is filling (it’s only about 12 inches) deal with the bridge.  This just has a pull/lifting handle to release the lock and push.  I reckoned tat there would be no point in trying to close the gates on leaving, so I just put everything back and set off.  I believe that for the next 3 hours, I only met one opposite direction boat.  I’m now moored slightly below and about 30 yards horizontally from the fast lines on the West Coast Main Railway Line.  Lovely.  Why stop here?   Just a bit further on is a wharf with rings situated in a canyon between a block of flats and the converted remains of a railway building, now flats and at park.   It’s leafy green here and much more pleasant.  The railway is nothing, I’m a railwayman (of sorts).

Grand Union Canal:Fenny Stratford

Left at 8:00 and had an easy run to Fenny.   Three Locks had volunteers on duty so a fairly effortless transit.  Proceeding on Stoke Hammond had just delivered a boat ahead of me, but otherwise quiet.   The lockside looks lovely with cut grass and daisies.  There’s even some flowers to brighten things up.  There is a board displayed stating that the lock is sponsored by the Epic Boating Company.   Whoever is responsible it certainly sets a standard and brightened my day, so thank you.   I am moored in the last practical spot before the small marina entrance and the Watling Street Bridge.   After lunch I walked up to Bletchley Park.  My goodness there have been massive changes since I was there last, maybe 10 years ago.  It was a sunny hot day and the grounds of the old mansion have remained very attractive.   The entrance suggests that crowd control is used and certainly the site was very busy.  Photos of Stoke Hammond Lockside and Bletchley Park. 

Grand Union Canal:Marsworth

I have Dan with me today and tomorrow.  He joined the boat yesterday afternoon.   He first came on the boat approximately 22 years ago with his wife and children when Pat and I took them from Limehouse to Paddington.  The children are all grown up now and Dan retired recently.  He settled in to the locking routine very quickly, so we made excellent progress arriving at Bulbourne prcisely at pub opening time.  I visited the Grand Junction Arms several years ago when it was a traditional old, rather run down place.   It has since had a makeover and has developed its garden with multiple tables and a really attractive covered garden bar with decent dining options covered by welcoming staff.  It was crowded.  Dan and I enjoyed a couple of pints and a simple lunch.  Perfect.  Then we re-joined the boat and tackled the 7 descending Marsworth locks.   There were no welcoming volunteer lock-keepers, the grass is uncut and the whole flight just looked rather neglected.  However, Dan had the routine off from the word go and in 2 hours from the pub we had reached the bottom.   Dan is a star and deserves congratulation.  It has been very hot with very little breeze and full sun, so a nap is called for.  I expect we will retire to the Red Lion later for something to eat (and maybe a drink even).

Grand Union Canal:Berkhamsted

A much shorter day today and no rush to arrive too soon.   I would hope that one or two moored boats would have decided to leave and there would be mooring space near to the pubs.  A wide beam went up the adjacent lock about half an hour before I did.  I never caught him up, but certainly felt the effects further on.  The Winkwell Top Lock was full of bubbles as usual due to the processed water issuing from the sewage plant further up stream.  Two cyclists had been camping there on the offside overnight.  Sewer Lock, aptly named was next and both top gates open, not due I suspect use to the laziness of the previous boater because I found a tendency for the gates to do that.  At the next lock (leave lock empty with a bottom paddle up) the flow of water over the gate weir was so strong that even with both bottom paddles up I could not move the gate.  It needed help from a passing runner (as before).  The reason was evident at the next lock which was again a “leave empty”, so it was that discharge of water affecting the lock below. Arriving slowly in Berkhamsted I was initially disappointed, that I could see no mooring spaces, but moving along there did seem to be almost a vacant spot if the boat behind would move a meter of so, so I tried backing in as I had previously, when the skipper decided to up pins to go for water anyway and would be returning.   No problem.  His partner sat reading on the towpath to ensure that his space would be ready on his return.

Grand Union Canal:Winkwell Top Lock

It was one of those days when everything seems against you and it took way longer than expected.  I think on reflection this is a solo boater problem with wide locks.  There’s nothing inherently difficult about wide locks but subtle differences not having any crew.  Firstly I have to moor up to set the locks, whereas I was used to having Pat going ahead and with one each side, there is no constant going a frying across the locks as I must when solo.   Other irritations like boats moored right up to the limit at lock landings, especially wide beams which make the approach just that little more difficult.  Fishery Lock is notable because of the strong water ingress at the head of the lock from the lock by wash makes it nigh near impossible to open the bottom gates without assistance (readily available from all the fitness devotees who frequent towpaths).  Oh! And there was a fisherman on what little was left of the lock landing. (He was quite cheerful and accepted the disturbance.). Then there was the sudden propulsion failure right at the outset.  I managed to creep to the edge and get a pin in to investigate.  A fleece and rope on the prop.  All part of a day’s work!  There was one space on the moorings by the pub where I have booked for supper.  I tested it, but it was about 18 inches too short, so had to go up the next lock and find somewhere else.   So it was a 7 hour plus day and I’m looking forward to something nice this evening.