UK Canals - Journey reports

Back to base

As usual, Lot Mead Lock top gates were open.   They are always so when the lock is full and any attempt to close them when leaving uphill is a waste of time.  So we didn't take long to be on the way to Batchworth.  There too, the top gates were open, and so it was with Stockers and Springwell.  The lower lock landing at Springwell was cordoned off so we left the bottom gate open on leaving as this would make it easier for any upcoming boat.   Good we did because one appeared shortly after.   Coppermill was nearly full and BW were below trimming the vegeation on the offside lower landing, normally hidden in overgrowth.   By 10:00 we had arrived back at Harefield Marina, checked that the car would still start as past experience made us always suspicious and loaded up for return home.   Another visit will need to be made to finish the unloading because one additional passenger and a large labrador made things very tight.

Lot Mead Lock

We started the day by drifting across the cut to buy a newspaper at the nearby service station.  Sadly, the access from the canal is being overgrown by nettles and brambles.   A machete will soon be required.  At the first lock the bike came out again and we resumed lock-wheeling.  All the way downhill we had no traffic ahead and again, all the opposite direction stuff was perfectly timed.  By 16:10 we had reached Bridgewater Boats wharf at Croxley where we needed a full cylinder of gas - now an amazing £17.50.   We then proceeded on to a mooring above Lot Mead Lock.

Cowroast

Spurred on by the thought of the CowRoast Inn and its Thai Restaurant we set off a little earlier at 7:05.  We had a good road.  All the opposite direction traffic before Marsworth was below Slapton Lock.  This is lock-wheeling territory so below Marsworth Pat was at the helm and Mike on the bike.  The CB Radios are also useful here.  I have finally worked out my call-sign.  "Roving Mike".   Pat did well.   It was very windy which can make loitering with the boat difficult.    We were up Marsworth in 1 hour 10 minutes and arrived at Cowroast at 18:15.   The evening meal at the pub did not disappint.

Peartree Bridge

Earlty start in bright sunshine, quite dazzling in fact with the sun still low.  Blisworth was made in 2 1/2 hours and Tyro joined us for the locks.  Excelent team held back by very slow and disorganised boats ahead.  Bottom paddles in the third lock had not been lowered completely and extra water went down as a result which gave the boaters below difficulty in opening their gates (or so the story went).  A lovely sunny day, but with a cold nip in the air.  At the bottom of the flight we continued on - no sign of the disorganised team, but we met them later just about to enter Cosgrove lock.   They went on ahead bound as we were for Tesco at Wolverton.  However, they ran aground at the bridge after the Ouse Aqueduct  and we passed them and although they soon appeared to get off, there was no sign when we left after shopping.  Planning ahead we think that we could perhaps reach Cowroast (where a Thai meal might await us) tomorrow if we get ahead as far as possinle tonight, so we aimed for Peartree Bridge where we arrived at 17:40.   Good analogue TV here and 3G (enabling me to upload the backlog of reports).

Weedon

We had arranged to meet up with Minihaha at 730 to do the Stockton Flight together and precisely at 7:30 we started.  We were at the top at 8:15 and carried on on our own to the location of our Thursday barbecue where we met up with Laura AND Pilgrim again.   Angela and Mike (Laura) joined us for the three Calcutt Locks.  Pilgrim moors there.  At the junction we parted company, finally, and pushed on.   Slow up the Braunston flight as always due to other boat movements, but we had Buckby to ourselves going down and opposite direction boats appeared at precisely the right time.   At 15:00 hrs we were at Whilton Marina where we had arranged for a replacement pump to be available and whilst waiting for the techie, got a precautionary pump out (old ladies seem to use the loo more often), diesel and water.  The M1 motorway is so noisy there, we pressed on to Weedon.

Blue Lias Day 3

Quiet day on Sunday.  In the morning  no water on tap again. The tank should not have been empty, but just in case I checked the bilge.  None there. Then emptied the cupboard and removed the floor to look at the pump.  No obvious problem, but hitting it made it work.  So today we have to have a new ritual of hitting the pump if we need water.  A telephone call to Whilton chandlery was very helpful. When giving the part number of our existing pump we were told that it was designed to work with an accumulator and that our absence of same would have contributed to its shortened life. Fortunately they had a replacement of the correct type in stock. Getting back to the matter in hand, not such nice weather today.  Nonetheless the chairs were out.  Various discussions about next years GIG and it was decided to use the Blue Lias again, but with a bit more organisation perhaps to allow entertainment.  The CUTWEB strolling players may have another production to mount.   With such talent it is inevitable.  Looking forwards to the video.  Helped Laura and Pilgrim up the flight and spent the evening after supper in the pub with Glen.

Blue Lias Day 2

Chairs were put out before long this morning and the model engineers arrived to set up their miniature traction engines.   The smell of coal smoke soon pervaded the air. Once steam was up the engines did a sort of parade around the pub garden from the adjacent field.  Each towed a cart on which the engineer sat.  Steam narrow boat Adamant moved over and was fired up.  A beautiful mechanism with a multi-tube boiler and a compound steam engine with a condenser, so it is very quiet in use.  Later in the afternoon Laplander arrived at Stockton Top Lock and a greeting party went up

                                (below - Laplander arrives at StocktonTop Lock)

with windlasses to see it down.   It made a very rapid descent unimpeded by other boats.   After the dinner the "Cutweb Strollinging Players" performed the short play "Without a paddle" - based very loosely on 'Allo 'Allo.   Great stuff.  On return to the boat there was a suspicion that that we had no water on tap, then mysteriously we did.   A puzzle.

Blue Lias Day 1

Even less distance to go today, just a half hour to the top of Stockton Locks, then the descent of the seven to the Blue Lias pub where we were all expected for the weekend.  With an experienced team we soon got into a rhythm and were down in no time and found moorings by the lawn outside the pub.  Ann and I then walked back up the flight to assist the remaining two boats - many hands make light work!   Once everyone was settled, and being a sunny morning it was only a matter of time before the chairs came out again - more sandwiches and then the drinks.   Our only comittment was an eveing meal together (ordered in advance) at the pub, by which time our number had swollen to 20 and finally 22.  Narrowboats Arun, Pilgrim, Laura, Prairie Crocus, Virgo, Ayelstone, Harnser, Minihahah and of course Nuggler.   The steamboat Adamant was moved across the canal to moor with us as tomorrow, Saturday, there is to be a steam fair in the adjacent field and we are also expecting the steam icebreaker Laplander to join us tomorrow.  Grannie arrives tonight courtesy of Chloe, who stays overnight and returns home tomorrow.

Tomslow Bridge

Not so far to go today, so a lazy start with an experimental breakfast using a recipe for hash brown potatoes  Excellent!  Then up pins and off at 8:00.  Drifting towards the top of Calcutt Locks we saw nb Minihaha and made contact with fellow Cutweb Members Ann & Bill.  We stopped for water and much chatting ensued.  We were hereby invted to join them and two other couples for a barbecue at some point before our final destination at Blue Lias. Ann helped us down the locks eventually and we set off to find a spot which we did fortuitously at Tomslow Bridge.  The others joined us at about 10:30 and the chair and tables were set out in the sunshine. Coffee and bacon sandwiches appeared soon after by which time it was past midday and the wine appeared, then later the barbecue and still the chatting and laughter went on until dusk. A great day.

Napton

We were first up the locks today, so good speed.  Having done so well, once we crossed the long meandering top pound we though we could go down the Napton Flight and have an easier day tomorrow.  Finding no queue at the top lock (Marston Doles) we were exited, but soon caught up with two very slow boats ahead.  Nevertheless, we made it to the Bridge Inn and moored there.   We visited the pub after supper and did not use the restaurant on this occasion, but it does have a good reputation and we must try their menu in the future.

Cropredy

It had been a chilly night with clear skies.  We awoke to a sunny morning with shrouds of mist over the fields and canal which cleared very quickly.  We set off at our usual time and cleared the first two locks by 8:30.  Rounding the corner we saw some mored boats ahead and some activity on one, then a cloud f blue smoke as the engine fired up.  The owner must have then sen us, because he ran down the length of the boat throwing ropes abord with wild abandon, leapt to the helm and set off as fast as he could - all so that he could be in front.

Aynho

An early start as usual so that we have a relaxed afternoon.  Once past the mile of moored boats we reached the curious diamond shaped Shipton Weir Lock.  After that a short spell at river speed on the Cherwell before the canal and its leisurely speed.  There was very little traffic about to slow our progress.  Expecting to find the Farm Shop above Pigeon Lock open we looked forward to fresh eggs, a steak and Guinness pie, and fresh cream.  It is closed until Easter!  Over midday the wind became very much stronger making lingering around for locks difficult.  So we were forced to moor up formally each time.  Although there were opposite direction boats, none gave us the luxury of a straight in approach.   Aynho Wharf was reached at 14:30 and we found our usual mooring by the bridge vacant, so settled there for a sunny afternoon.

The Jolly Boatman

Having undertaken the bulk of the journey to Oxford yesterday, and having promised our guests arrival at Oxford by midday, we still had time for a reasonably leisurely start .  So a full English breakfast was put on before departure about 8:20.   Arriving a few minutes later at the automated lock we noticed that the bottom gate paddles were partially raised, so the lock was empty.  Expecting to just press the button to open the gates were disappointed.   Nothing happened.   Understanding that the system is automatic and well interlocked to prevent mishap we tried lowering the paddles, but still nothing.   After a lot of deep thought and reviewing the instructions several times it became clear that the gates would expect to be opened after the lock was emptied, so the paddles would be up.  We tried this, and once the system had gone through its 5 minute cycle and the paddles were fully up, the gates did indeed open.  Then a pump-out - best one (best pumping system and duration) for ages.   Sanford Lock, the deepest on the river, is a bottom fill and is relatively gentle.  After Iffley Lock there were masses of rowers to avoid, but once clear of these we had a clear run to Osney Lock and the moorings above where we could connect our guests with the railway station.    Godstow Lock was self service and Kings Lock the last we would use on the Thames, but waiting for a boat to descend at the later meant that the lock-keeper was back from lunch to look after us.    Then we joined the Oxford Canal and much slower passage due to the masses of mored boats and shallowness of the water.  Entering Roundham Lock the boat ground to a halt, stuck.  Opening a top paddle flushed it out again and employing more kinetic energy rode the boat over whatever it had grounded on sufficiently to get the gate closed.   Finally we saw a decent mooring outside the Jolly Boatman and tied up there.  Good DTV from Oxford and a free WiFi connection from the pub.

Abingdon

Yesterday we moved the boat from the Prison Loop to Reading Bridge so that we would have a clear getaway today with two less locks to negotiate, because we would have around 27 miles to cover to Abingdon.   So this morning, at 6:30 we set off and one hour later arrived at Mapledurham Lock to do a self service winding job. This went well and WHitchurch lock likewise.   Time for bacon rolls!   Thereafter we had serviced locks.   By Cleeve Lock the weather was not getting any warmer but out came the canapes and Pimms anyway.   We tried the trick of lighting the stove with the experience that this brought the sun out, but this didn't work either.   So we were surprised to reach Abingdon at 15:30 and get a good mooring by the bridge.  We had time then for an exploration of the town and the French Market as well as reconnoitering for the evening meal.   We tried "Broad Face", expensive but not disappointing.

Rest Day

Our mooring, quiet though it was had one disadvantage.  It was under a horse chestnut tree and occasional falls of conkers during the night woke us from time to time, one hitting the mushroom like ringing a bell.  There is convenient access to the railway station and Pat left at 11:00 for her day trip to Orpington.  I remained to do some cleaning and then in the afternoon, take the boat to the Thames & Kennet Marina for fuel and water.  This oinvolved passage of Blakes Lock, unmanned going down, and the whole exercise took two hours.  Pat returned at 18:30 and we repaired to Wetherspoons for Curry Club.

The Abbey adjacent to the moorings

Reading

We only had three locks to negotiate today, so a leisurely start at 8:00 am.  Dodging a few isolated rowers we soon arrived at Marsh Lock and the task of working the lock ourselves by winding a large wheel to generate the hydraulic pressure to operate the gates and sluices.   The top gates were open and the sluice too, so lots of action to deal with those before moving to the other end to drain the lock and open the gates.  As we set about that, a cruiser appeared in the distance and reached the lock just as I had the gates open.  It seems that the skipper had no idea that we were doing this ourselves and thought Pat was the lock-keeper.  25 minutes from beginning to end.   By the time we reached the next lock is was, of course, manned being after 9.00am.   Arriving at Reading we were pleased to find a mooring outside Tesco supermarket.   Usually they are full.   There was much debate about where to stop for the three nights we Will need to stay here.  Pat has to go to London as do I and we are meeting friends on Friday evening to join us to Oxford. In the end we settled for the Prison Loop (pictured) on the River Kennet, one lock away but reasonably quiet.  As the name suggests, the mooring is by the Reading Jail - and the Abbey ruins.  There is quite a stream running on the Kennet which makes manoeuvering interesting!

Henley

A long day anticipated.  A sort of test really as we will need to try and do Reading to Abingdon on Saturday with our guests.  So we left at 7:15 and did Old Windsor Lock ourselves.  This is push button automated and the gates were already open for us.  As we were in the lock a bunch of Environment Agency Maintenance men arrived with wet suits to inspect the local weirs.   On to Romney Lock where we just beat the lock-keeper to open the gates.  We had no real delays until the small Bray Lock where only two plastic cruisers ahead of us could get in.   Weather wise we still had the chill wind and decided to light the fire, partly to induce the sun to appear, which it duly did.   By Marlow it was shirt sleeves.   There were plenty of moorings at Henley, but the warden was waiting and got our £6 very promptly.   Supper in the Wetherspoons in the main street.      TV reception analogue only, though how much the damaged aerial is the problem I cannot say.   There is a free WiFi here.

Runnymead

The meteorologists promised us a fine day, but high cloud kept the sun off (so much for global warming) and the chilly north wind was not at all pleasant.

We took about an hour to get to the first lock at Hampton Court.  There was little traffic on the move, so no real lock delays from then on.  At Staines we found a mooring to allow Pat to get off to buy a paper and very soon we were at Runnymead where there are decent public moorings for overnight.   Tomorrow we will make for Henley

On the move again

We are now on our way to a CUTWEB gathering at the Blue Lias pub (again).   Our route is the reverse of our trip there in April, i.e. Thames Oxford Canal and back via GU.   The tide at Brentford today was suitable for a 17:00 hrs locking out, so we left Harefield early, at 7:30, treated ourselves to a cooked breakfast at the lockside cafe by Cowley Lock and then a quick shopping expedition to Tesco at Bulls Bridge to stock up of essentials.  We paired up with Alan & Pam on nb "Dawn Chorus" for the Hanwell Flight and arrived at Brentford in good time to get tideway preparations done.   A few boats had gone down the gauging locks ahead of us, so we lingered a bit knowing that we would otherwise only be held up hovering in the wind above Thames Lock.  As it was we arrived just in time to join the last boat, nb Ataraxia, and set off up River on a 7.1m tide.  There  had been some sunshine earlier, but out on the River, the wind was very strong and a coat needed.  I wanted to give the engine a bit of an exercise, so wound it up to 1800 rpm and we were in Teddington in 40 minutes, joining the earlier Brentford Lockings in the lock. (Later, the washing up water was so hot it must have been near boiling!). Paying our £5.50 to the lock-keeper, we found a space on the new Teddington moorings and settled down to a night on the telly.    Unfortunately, it has to be reported, that one of the aerial reflectors fell off into the water.   No sign of the bottom, so that's that!   Good digital TV from Crystal Palace and 3G phone.