UK Canals - Journey reports

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. A very helpful lock-keeper gave us a good briefing both for leaving and returning. 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.

Calder and Hebble Canal - Brighouse

The canal was reopened this afternoon. It takes a long time to refill a mile. BW did their bit and had pumps running higher up the canal. Even so, the pound was still a foot down. We were very thankful that we had the good fortune to be held up on the moorings of the "Colliers Arms" a Sam Smith pub with an excellent choice of beer and first rate menu. As we left it started to rain and stopped when we reached Brighouse.

Calder and Hebble Navigation - Day 1 - Elland

We were aiming today for Brighouse.  Leaving Sowerby Bridge we enter the Calder and Hebble Navigation.  The worry for me was dealing with the three locks at Salterhebble.  These are the shortest on the navigation which was designed for 57' 6" boats.  Nuggler is 60 feet.  First, however, a couple of miles in the woods along the side of the valley.  Then suddenly, almost hidden, the Salterhebble top lock appeared on the right and then straight ahead the short Halifax arm. We went up the arm and then winded at the end to return to the locks.  The shortest boat went in first, but Pilgrim at 58 feet couldn't get in alongside.  Levick therefore went down alone to pass a BW dredger coming up.  Pilgrim followed.  I was advised to take these top two locks backwards.  The cill of the lock is 'V' shaped and the bow in the 'V' will give a couple of extra inches to get the boat out of the lock which is done by keeping the stern against the closed gate, opening the other and then sliding the stern across to exit.   The last lock has a guillotine bottom gate and was no problem taken in the usual way.   The remainder of the locks are slightly longer and need to be passed diagonally with a 60 foot boat.  The main hazard is the bottom gate walkway which blocks the bows.  As soon as the boat falls, this is cleared and gives another foot of space.   Passing Elland Lock we learnt that the pound after Park Nook Lock was empty.  We have, therefore, moored up outside the Colliers Arms to await developments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The empty pound. Un-navigable as it is now.

 

Sowerby Bridge Basin

We have now descended Tuel Lane lock and were helped down the following two by Lee and Darren, who we had met previously at the summit. Diesel, pump out and gas at Shire Cruisers. The much hyped Tuel Lane lock was a bit of an anticlimax really. The curved tunnel under the road junction was easily navigated. After descendng the two locks 1 and 2 we leave the Rochdale Canal and join the Calder and Hebble. Good moorings in the basin. In summary, a very short cruising day.

Rochdale Canal - Day 6 - Tuel Lane lock moorings

Because of the recent dry weather severe restrictions have been placed on the use of the Tuel Lane lock, the deepest in the UK. For the last few days it has been completely closed. However, a change in the weather with thundery showers in the last day or two has allowed an easing of the total ban and now 4 boats per day in each direction can make passage. I am pleased to say that we had a phone call this morning to say that we can go through tomorrow. This meant leapfrogging our planned overnight at Hebden Bridge which we have now done. A pity in a way because Hebden Bridge looked interesting, however we should not miss the opportunity to pass this pinch point.

Rochdale Canal - Day 5 - Todmorden

We left the moorings from 8:00, same formation as before. At the second lock the bottom paddle had jammed in the up position.  In fact it was the pawl which had just dropped over the ratchet and needed a hefty pull simultaneously with over lifting the paddle. These are the gears in a box with white handles operating the pawl.  It is impossible to see exactly what is going on inside. Restrictors have been put on some bottom paddles to limit the egress of water and this was probably the cause of the jamming.  This caused Nuggler to fall back and the boats in front felt less secure in back filling in case there should be any upcoming boats, so we were having to wait longer at some locks.  By lock 24, the accumulated lock fulls of water were building up and the high flow of water was becoming evident with 3 or 4 inches weiring over the top gates. Some of the bywashes were not coping, and at lock 30 probably blocked.  Leaving lock 20 the towpath telegraph informed us that the lock ahead was blocked by "two barges" which couldn't get out. As we rounded the corner under the "Great Wall of Tod" sure enough, there they were. Library lock has a guillotine bottom gate and hand wound paddles in it.  One paddle was out of use and the high flow of water over the gate was preventing the electrical lifting gear from working.   By the time we arrived there the flow must have diminished, because the gate suddenly started working.  Taking another lockful out of the pound above would guarantee our escape.  We moored on the 24 hour moorings and facilities block outside the Golden Lion.

Approaching Todmorden

 

"The Great Wall of Tod"

 

 

 

 

 

The first two boats had just left the lock, but water still cascades over the top gates.

Rochdale Canal - Day 4 - Walsden

Water was weiring over the bottom gates of the western summit lock as we waited for Darren and Lee to appear to let us through the summit pound.  By the time the lock was ready for us, the second locking, water was over the top of the wharf wall where we had been moored.  The BW guys stayed wih us for the eastern summit lock and for the next one with its associated swing bridge and then left us with a telephone number in case of any difficulty.  There was a lot of water coming down with us, so much so that no amount of careful sequencing of locks would make any difference to the levels.  At lock 33, the offside top gate had a major bottom seal leak and the bywash had exploded out of the towpath below, flooding the towpath and causing some bank erosion.  Talking to local fishermen it was not a new problem.  All too soon we arrived at moorings above lock 29 where we will remain for the night.  Again we were welcomed by locals in the form of a householder overlooking the canal.  It seems that we might be eating out again if the recommendations live up to expectations.

Rochdale Canal - Day 3 - Summit

The first two boats went up the first lock just (48) above the moorings at 9:35 but it was gone 10:00 before we could go in. The reason was that the next lock is narrow due to subsidence and can only take one narrowboat at a time and it did not seem wise to fill the lock below with boats in the pound above. However, the bywash was running intermittently, so there was plenty of water. The first lock was a "leave empty". After lock 47 (the narrow one) there is a longish pound with a sanitary station, but no obvious place to leave the weed hatch harvest from yesterday. There was also a couple of moored boats making a total of three since we started on the canal. A boater with a cruiser moored in a tiny side arm at lock 46 helped us through. At lock 44 we were delayed and I spent a while trying to moor at the lock mooring despite being about 6 feet off the bank preferring to do this rather than mess about with the risk of getting the prop fouled yet again. The delay was an empty pound ahead and the boats ahead not being able to get out of the lock. Their bankside crew went up to let some water down and eventually got through, the lock being ready for me just as I succeeded in mooring up. The pound was indeed down and again we waited to fill the lock until the boats ahead were safe. Emptying the lock ahead gave us just enough water to scrape over the cills and no trouble in the pound itself. As I entered, the BW guys, Lee and Darren, appeared and worked us through the remainder of the locks up to the Summit moorings below top lock 37, including more narrow locks. The feeder into this pound was running and continued to do so for at least 4 hours, so my impression is that water is there. It's the local management that may be a problem, but this can occur on any canal. The narrow locks do mean, however, that at least one lockful of water must be provided for each boat whatever the sharing arrangement elsewhere. The moorings are good and well cared for. The lock keeper lives in the lock cottage. Thanks to Darren and Lee whose help was much appreciated and recommended the Summit pub for good homecooked food. Dog friendly and great company.

Rochdale Canal - Day 2 - Littleborough

After a very pleasant evening and meal at the Rose of Lancaster we woke this morning to light rain.  Moored right below lock 63 it didn't take long to get going, our aim to pass Rochdale before the kids come out of school.  The flight up to Slattocks was basically straightforward with plenty of water save one pound which was a little low causing the deeper draughted boats ahead some problems.  At Slattocks we all stopped for water.  The water point is on the lock cottage wall in the garden and a hose is conveniently already attached, but it means staying in the lock to get it.  We started filling the tank whilst rising in the lock.  Today we were using a different roping regime which worked a little better, using bow and stern ropes, however there is still variation in behaviour because the bollards are in slightly different places from lock to lock.  This part of the canal is recently restored and we passed the new culverted sections under the motorways with ease.  The weather had brightened up by the time we reached Rochdale.  The approaches are very deceptive, unlike the urban sections lower down yesterday, there is greenery all around almost until the two town locks.  The first was no problem, but the second was the gathering place for the children who seem to finish school earlier and earlier these days.  This was all made worse by a delay in getting into the lock, partly waiting for it to empty, and partly because of rubbish on the prop and a large underwater obstruction just before the gates on the left.  By the time the boat arrived in the lock in a cloud of blue smoke on the "wrong" side, the propeller was totally ineffective.  Thanks due to two of the more intelligent kids taking the initiative to open the opposite gate for Pat.  Deciding to go "down the hatch" before anything else seemed to bore the kids and they all left as I fished out some large pieces of plastic.  The swing bridge not far further on was also very productive with a bicycle tyre and more plastic.    At last we are reaching more rural and more scenic parts of the canal. 

 

 

 Approaching Lttleborough with Pennines ahead

 

 

Reaching Littleborough (hopeless shallow moorings) we are nestled right under the hills and no obvious way in which the canal can possibly make the crossing.  Stories from opposite direction boaters suggest we will have dry pounds and lots of adventures tomorrow.

Rochdale Canal - Day 1 - Rose of Lancaster

We left the Picadilly moorings to arrive at the bottom lock for 8 o'clock and await the arrival of the BW guys to unlock the gates. We then learned that they had first gone to the top to start boats coming down so it was 9:25 before we got moving. We could leave top gates open for the boats coming down. Lick and Pilgrim went first as the deeper drafted boats and they raised a bottom paddle for us on exit so that locks were already emptied by the time we got there as the single. There were some difficult locks and some shallow sections which gave the lead boats some trouble, but by far and away the worst was the amount of rubbish in the cut. We had 4 visits to the weed hatch, fleece being the most common objects causing total propulsion failure, and a wig. Otherwise the floating rubbish just looks horrible. The best moorings (for depth) seem to be past the pub and other side of the aqueduct.

Manchester Ship Canal

We left our moorings in time to reach Weston Marsh Lock, the gateway to the ship canal, at 8:00 am wen the BW lock keepers were due to work the lock for us.  We were all on time.  As we entered the lock there was quite a flow going through as if the bottom paddles were up, possibly to blow away flotsam from the exit.  We were advised to follow the channel markers carefully on exit as there is a lot of shallow water elsewhere.  The weather was unbroken sunshine but spoilt by a cold north easterly wind strong enough to raise white horses on the water.  The first photo shows the lead boat just making the turn and the width of the canal here is evident.  It was about 3 hours to the first lock.  At first the canal hugs the bank of the Mersey and glimpsing this through the Weaver sluice we saw massive sandbanks as the tide was out.  Our first real landmark was the Runcorn bridges at Runcorn Gap, shown here in the second photo. 

 

 

 

Further on signs of the Mersey disappeared and the canal became a truly inland waterway marked by occasional swing bridges which of course we could pass under easily.   After due time we saw our first lock ahead and one massive gate opening for us.   On entry, the lock wals towered above and the idea was to get lines onto the side by tying our lines to a rope dropped down which was then hauled up and tied to abollards well back from the lock side.  Narrowboaters are not fond of wnd.  We cannot use it in most circumstances and it does funny things in locks, blowing off the windward wall when the lock is empty.  This was the wall they wanted us on, a big mistake. No sooner had a bow line been obtained, the back had then blown out and the hieght of the lockside gave very little vector holding the boat in with the ropes nearly vertical.  So chaos ensued.   However, nce the sluices were opeed, the side flow stuck us on the wall.   The locks are massive, of course, as this third photo shows.

Our experiences in the second lock proved even more exiting and certainly tested the patience of the lock supervisor.   However, at the next twowe were allowed on the lee wall when only one boat needed to tie off, all the others rafting up to that, a result which was much faster and very stable.  Soon after leaving the third lock we passed the Barton swing bridge which carries the Bridgewater Canal over the ship canal and over which we had cruised last year.  Finally, now with the locking business cracked we found ourselves at Salford Quays.  This vast complex of basins, now no longer used for trade, has been exploited for trend developments, shopping centres, hotels and commercial premises.  The waterside is just there to look pretty apart from one basin used as a watersports centre, really a large outdoor swimmig pool as far a we could see.  There is only provision for mooring two boats and we are rafted up in consequence.   Given the access, either from the Ship Canal (£133) or Pomona Lock (£23 charge) this might be reasonable enough, but Bristol and Birmingham have shown there is another way and there is no doubt that having the boats about makes the waterfront much more attractive.  The photo shows our moorings, one boat either side of the lifting bridge in the distance.   A missed opportunity?

Sutton Bridge

Today, after lunch, the moving party upped sticks and moved a couple of miles down the navigation to Sutton Bridge. A pleasant towpath mooring away from the main road and sheltered from the strong wind. Chairs out and various beverages and topics of conversation until supper time. Tomorrow the party will cast off at 07:20 and hopefully descend the one lock to the Manchester Ship Canal for the run up to Salford Quays.

Devil's Garden

A large field on the south bank of the Weaver surrounded by woods and hills. Clearly a popular spot. We arrived yesterday from Acton Bridge early enough to accommodate all four boats. There was only one lock to pass. On arrival, tables and chairs out and a BBQ in the late afternoon.