UK Canals - Journey reports

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Kings Cross it not our favourite London Station and anyway, with the local line at Thorne closed, a rail journey with luggage and dog would have been a nightmare.   So we booked a car with Enterprise who will pick you up anywhere, take you to the office and also do one way hires (for a fee of course).   

Stainforth and Keadby Canal:Staniland Marina

Staniland Marina welcomes visitors.  We have been before and had a very friendly reception.  For our boat it is £60 a week to stay there and the first two nights are free.   There is a club bar, a good chandlery and all facilities.  Electricity is included.  We are returning home for 10 days, so an idle day today, although some jobs got done.  Pat used the launderette and I spent some time making up a board on which to mount the base of the windturbine which we have decided to add to the boat.  When charging the batteries with the engine there is first a mighty rush of electrons giving typically 60 amps or so.  This gradually tails off as the battery voltage rises.   This will get really slow for the last 20% which can take almost as long as the first 80%.  It just seems wrong to me to have this huge lump of iron reciprocating around wearing itself out all for a measly 2 or 3 amps over a few hours.   The solar panels could fit this bill and can for the most part when the sun is shining in summer, but we haven't had much sun recently but lots of wind!    Our cruising pattern is changing, and I guess when we were doing 8 hours a day it didn't matter much, the batteries always got charged properly.   Now we have slowed down, the wind turbine should solve our problem and lead to quieter evenings.   It had taken a while to get a plan together for (a) the turbine (Rudland 914i) (b) the installation and rigging and (c) actually getting it to the boat.  There's a lot to think about, such as location, wiring run, location of the regulator etc., but I think we are ready.   I have to make holes in the roof and I have to get it right first time. 

Regarding the Eberspacher boiler, I have decided to take it out and return to London with it.  While we are there dealing with daughter's wedding I might be able to get it serviced.   Last service was 6 years ago.    It's an easy job to get it out.   Not quite so easy getting it back in.

Stainforth and Keadby Canal:Thorne

A late start.   We have no rush and the skipper of nb Emma suggested that we travel together to Thorne as it makes handling the many swing bridges easier by leapfrogging.  We both needed water as well, so it  was 10:00am before we left.   The sliding railway bridge, first after Keadby, is permanently open at the moment as the railway line is closed for a long period following a landslip elsewhere.   Apart from the Vazon swing bridge which is fairly simple to work, all the remainder gave problems except for the first which is part operated by the railway signalman because of the associated level crossing.   The difficulty arises because of the complexity of the interlocking.  The BW key must be inserted, and the road gates closed before the bridge lock, a large handle, can be lifted.   If the gates are not in exactly the right position the bridge lock won't open and it is not immediately apparent what is wrong.   At Maud's Bridge it was Emma's turn and one road gate was half an inch out of its lock.  It took ages to discover the problem by which time we had had to moor up.  Then when all was resolved, as the bridge was pushed, the pushing handle struck a car which had been parked by some anglers where it shouldn't have been inside the barriers.   So the bridge wouldn't open enough to pass.   This caused further delay. Thorne pedestrian bridge was a similar nightmare getting the gates in the right position and then it failed when Pat tried to close it after the boat had gone through and we had to call out the council man responsible for it.   Locals say that this bridge is a constant problem.   Finally we moved up to Thorne Lock with its associated swing bridge.  A boat was in the process of coming down and in order to retrieve their key the gates have to be closed first, then Pat puts her key in and the gates open again. It is not obvious how to unlock the swing bridge.  The key has to be in the lock console for it to work, that's all.   Our mooring at Stanilands Marina was waiting for us.  By now it was sunny and almost hot weather, but the forecast is for rain later.

Stainforth and Keadby Canal:Keadby

The Keadby lock-keeper wanted us to leave at 8:30 this morning.   Leaving Torksey is not critical per se, but Keadby is accessed on a falling tide and at some point there is not enough water to get in, so timely arrival is important.   We had company in the name of narrowboat Emma which was good.   Leaving Torksey the timing is generally about 1 - 1 1/2 hours after the flood, so for about an hour and a half against the tide. This is an important hour because maintaining good speed is significant in the overall trip time.  High power is necessary, whereas later it does not make so much difference when the tide turns.  It is interesting how significant the change is with speed increasing decimal points over a few minutes.   In latter stages we were making 8.9 mph at one point, however about half an hour from Keadby the overheating alarm went off.  Pulling back on the power sorted it fairly quickly and checks later showed no problems and no loss of coolant.

Arriving at Keadby the lock is of course at right angles to the river which is running well in ebb so getting in is tricky.   Last time I made a real mess of it, so this time I turned the boat before the lock and then drifted back keeping pace with the lock and using the flow to side slip towards it finally completing the turn in.  It worked!

Moorings are beyond the swing bridge and were getting quite busy in the late afternoon with boats arriving for early locking down in the morning. The weather has been a total contrast today with warm sunshine this afternoon good enough to actually sit out with a beer!   Amazing.  Had a look at the central heating boiler, but can find nothing wrong with the electrical feed.  Looks like a service job, though I might just try hitting it first in case its a fan brush problem.

Still at Torksey

We were due to leave this morning for Keadby at 8.00am, but one look at the weather finished that idea.  The wind was gusting rocking the boat about, with heavy rain at times and cold with it.  The thought of standing on the back of the boat for 4 - 5 hours in that was not a happy one.   The lock-keeper agreed and had we wanted to go would have strongly advised us not to.  The lock-keepers cannot stop us but it is wise to listen to their experience and advice.   So we retired to the boat with the central heating on.  Things improved a little in the afternoon, but still with gusting wind shaking us about, so I decided to add some battery sensing wires to the solar panel regulator which should have been done all along.   No big deal, but later when we tried to turn the central heating on - nothing!   Oh dear!  Did I disturb a wire while messing with the batteries?   Too late to find out now.

Fossdyke Navigation:Torksey

Another day which started out fine with blue sky and then deteriorated rapidly with a biting cold wind and rain.   We stopped in Saxilby briefly for a quick shop & newspaper.   Nice moorings there, but busy with several boaters waiting out for Cromwell Lock to reopen.  It has been obstructed by sand shoals after recent flooding and is the exit point for the tidal River Trent to the south.   We are intending going the other way so it does not affect us.   On arrival at Torksey Lock we found a mooring and hunkered down.  We are almost out of solid fuel now so have been using the diesel central heating more.

Boats at Torksey waiting for Cromwell Lock

Fossdyke Navigation:Pyewipe Pub

We left our mooring with a low overcast and none too good visibility.  Cold, but the wind was less.   Bardney Lock looked a mess in comparison to the Environment Agency locks that we have been used to.   The seal on the top gates had gone on one side, possibly an underwater obstruction and the weeds gave an uncared for look.   Likewise Stamp End lock which had dirt everywhere and the guillotine gate looked dirty, rusty and unmaintained.  However, it all worked so we mustn't grumble.   Lincoln on the other hand was a delight.   We were able to moor up in the channel between the lock and the Glory Hole with BW locked access and took the opportunity to "do" the city.   The steep climb up to the Cathedral was unexpected and the little specialist shops a delight.   On the waterfront are all the shopping malls and chain stores, so plenty of access for supplies of any sort.   However we did not want to stay there overnight largely because of the need for dog friendly bankside, although I am sure it would be as safe as any town mooring.    We moved on to the first realistic mooring at Pyewipe pub/restaurant.   Very pretty maintained BW (Sorry CaRT) 48hr mooring.   The sun came out and we were fooled into getting a pint, so it went away again and was just too cold for us reptiles to sit out.   Bring on the stove fire, but we are running out of fuel!!

River Witham:Kirkstead Bridge

We left Boston moorings in the rain.  The wind was from the West and cold.  We needed gloves.  We left the view of the Boston Stump behind

The Boston Stump landmark with Boston pontoon moorings on the left.

 and settled down to monotonous cruising between the high banks on a wide river.   Notable landmarks were passed: Anton's Gowt - gives access to the navigable drains, Langrick Bridge with its moorings and chandlery, the entrance to Kyme Eau or Sleaford navigation and Tatershall Bridge with an empty pontoon mooring.  Our target today was Kirkstead Bridge and there was, to our relief space becuase we were cold and glad for some warmth.

River Witham:Boston

A day spent doing not a lot.   We did find the laundrette on Red Lion Street and the large ASDA on the other side of the bridge, so some re-provisioning took place.    Tomorrow the journey continues.  Torksey on Thursday for Friday departure.  A chat with the lockie at Torksey revealed that I had misunderstood the timing versus tides for leaving there to go downstream to Keadby and we will be on springs.   Apparently its about an Hour into the flood, but I'll leave it to him to tell us when to go.  That works out safest.

River Witham:Boston

Well, 2 o'clock it was.   Pat was out walking the dog - his last chance for over 8 hours.  She remarked on the number of people out and about at that time of the morning.   A few last minute preparations and then waiting for the pilot, Darryl.   There was patchy fog in the river he informed us although at the harbour it was quite clear.  He therefore asked us all to raft up so that we could go down as one, which incidentally made our departure a little later than ideal.   It is a long way to the sea and even longer when you can't see where you are going save for the banks either side.  A few radio calls were made announcing 3 narrowboats at various locations until finally, past Sutton Bridge, we winded and tied up on a staith to wait for the fog to clear.   As soon as the bacon and sausage sandwiches appeared it did.   Darryl did not want to miss buoys in poor visibilty and later we could see why.   Firstly it was mud banks either side where the channel markers first confirmed the twisting channel, then announced it as the water deepened making the silt banks invisible below the surface.  Visibility by this stage was very good in weak sunshine.   We couldn't have had it better.   Finally we were out in open water with a freighter on the horizon, anchored up waiting for the tide and probably its own pilot.  As we passed close by the crew must have wondered what this strange craft resembling a trimaran but with no superstructure, was.   Shortly after we split up continuing individually, ostensibly to make better speed.  The sea was calm with the slightest suggestion of a swell and the water by now very clear and the sight of the other boats slipping through the water leaving no wash to speak of is one I always enjoy.   Then the markers for the Boston approach appeared and the channel up to the river Witham followed.  We still had a couple of hours to go.   The tidal river Witham is not so long as the Nene and eventually took us on a twisting path through the centre of Boston and past the church tower, the Boston Stump before delivering us to the Grand Sluice.   Unfortunately we had missed the first tidal level, so had to wait outside.   The lock is only 45 feet long and unsuitable for narrowboats over this length as a result.

 We could only pass through when the tide made a level with the river beyond.    So when the time came, the tidal doors opened and we had a clear run through to the pontoon moorings.  Eight and a half hours, job done.  Darryl said goodbye at the lock and we thanked him for an enjoyable and informative trip.

River Nene:Wisbech

Another grey morning but the wind had changed direction.  All the wind turbines on the horizon were facing the other way.  At around 11:30, after a very quiet morning, we received the "go" message from the pilot for our crossing on Sunday.   So at around 2 pm we got the green light at the lock and massed in the large chamber.   We were given a briefing on the shoals we needed to avoid and at 2:30 set off.   Really we had no trouble at all.  The river for the most part was dead straight apart from a wiggle about 1/2 a mile downstream.  There was nothing to see because of the high banks apart from three humans, some horses and a large number of sheep.  With the power set on a constant 1500 rpm speed started off at 4.5 mph rising eventually over the last  up to 6.6 mph.   The tide was on the neapish side.   Nearing Wisbech the banks became piled and throught the width varied little.   Rounding the last bend at Freedom Bridge we found the Yacht Harbour but needed to carry on right to the end to turn safely before returning against the stream to tie up on the main pontoon.  

The Yacht Harbour looking downstream

 We have been given the gate codes so a quick visit to nearby Aldi for a few essentials then an early night.   We need to be up tomorrow at 2 am.

Tug Levick. Nuggler is right at the back on the left

River Nene:Dog in a Doublet

Today we were expecting to move down to Wisbech on the tide.  The lock-keeper had briefed us and we were expecting to be penned down at 1:15pm.   He was expecting a boat coming up on the tide and wanted us waiting with the bottom gates open for us to leave at 1:30, or receive the other boat.   At around midday Angela received a phone call to say that the wind forecast for Saturday was stronger thaan expected and we would not be going after all.   Sunday would be better.   So another 25 hours to wait!    Rather than go down today and have to spend two nights on Wisbech Yacht Harbour pontoons (expensive) and thinking of dog walking possibilities we decided to stay and have another evening in the Dog in a Doublet.   Another excellent meal - really fine dining at pub prices.   The choice of beer might be a bit limited, though.

River Nene:Dog in a Doublet

What a difference a day makes!  This morning some blue sky, the wind has dropped but still cold.  As the day wore on the sun when it shone was warm.  We had telephoned Stanground Lock yesterday requesting a 1 pm slot, and initially had been told that due to works it would have to be Friday morning.  Then the lock was available after all, so 1 pm it was.    We left March early so as to guarantee prompt arrival.   Once past the end of town which is shallow with lots of moored boats, the water deepens and we could make good speed until Angle Corner when it shallows again and progress slows.   Arriving at Ashline Lock Pat found a large tree branch crosswise in the lock potentially jamming in the chamber if we entered, so some rope and the pole was used to extract it first.  Proceeding onwards, with Pat walking to checkout Briggate Bend, this notoriously tricky 90 degree narrow bend was negotiated cleanly this time unlike before when the bows ran up the bank. The water is shallow and the boat doesn't turn as well. (That's my story!)   We arrived at Stanground about 30 minutes early and the lock-keeper was waiting for us, so a quick transit onwards to Peterborough facilities.   Our last "free" pumpout this trip I expect.   We met up with fellow cutwebber nb "Minimo" also doing the same and then proceeded to join our other companions on nb "Levick" at Dog in Doublet.   We managed eventually to squeeze the three boats onto the pontoon mooring there hearing stories of the rapid water level changes on the Nene the night before catching people out with short mooring ropes.

Middle Levels:March

We had arranged with Maureen, the lock-keeper at Marmont Priory, to be there at 9 am.   We were a little bit early so drifted onto the lock landing in the wind and waited.    Duly let down, we carried on on the wider and deeper lower level and so were able to make better speed.  This was fortunate because the wind was atrocious, needing arctic gear as this picture shows, and the sooner we were out of it the better.   This was truly winter weather.

We eventually passed the entrance to Popham's Eau, and then the Twenty Foot Drain and the houses on the outskirts of March finally came into view.   The town moorings had plenty of room this time and Pat rushed off to find a supermarket.   Just round the corner (block) is a large Sainsbury.   I went off to find some DIY stuff, but including some stove door rope and adhesive.   Our stove has become a problem.   The door won't shut and the top has burst up allowing the front panel to angle forward very slightly.   I believe this is due to rust and no doubt the failure of whatever stays are used to hold the thing together.   Clearly this is a job for an expert as I believe the whole thing will need to be dismantled, cleaned and reassembled.  It is now 12 years old and out of guarantee.   The problem is where to find someone capable on our route not to far away.   We really shouldn't be needing it in the middle of May but with this bitter weather we feel a need!   So... there is a good DIY shop further down the main road on the south side of the bridge.

Pat took the dog for a walk and found some more moorings adjacent to a park, so we moved.

The parkside moorings at March. Just a few hundred yards west of the town bridge

Middle Levels:March

We had arranged with Maureen, the lock-keeper at Marmont Priory, to be there at 9 am.   We were a little bit early so drifted onto the lock landing in the wind and waited.    Duly let down, we carried on on the wider and deeper lower level and so were able to make better speed.  This was fortunate because the wind was atrocious, needing arctic gear as this picture shows, and the sooner we were out of it the better.   This was truly winter weather.

We eventually passed the entrance to Popham's Eau, and then the Twenty Foot Drain and the houses on the outskirts of March finally came into view.   The town moorings had plenty of room this time and Pat rushed off to find a supermarket.   Just round the corner (block) is a large Sainsbury.   I went off to find some DIY stuff, but including some stove door rope and adhesive.   Our stove has become a problem.   The door won't shut and the top has burst up allowing the front panel to angle forward very slightly.   I believe this is due to rust and no doubt the failure of whatever stays are used to hold the thing together.   Clearly this is a job for an expert as I believe the whole thing will need to be dismantled, cleaned and reassembled.  It is now 12 years old and out of guarantee.   The problem is where to find someone capable on our route not to far away.   We really shouldn't be needing it in the middle of May but with this bitter weather we feel a need!   So... there is a good DIY shop further down the main road on the south side of the bridge.

Pat took the dog for a walk and found some more moorings adjacent to a park, so we moved.

The parkside moorings at March. Just a few hundred yards west of the town bridge

Middle Levels:March

We had arranged with Maureen, the lock-keeper at Marmont Priory, to be there at 9 am.   We were a little bit early so drifted onto the lock landing in the wind and waited.    Duly let down, we carried on on the wider and deeper lower level and so were able to make better speed.  This was fortunate because the wind was atrocious, needing arctic gear as this picture shows, and the sooner we were out of it the better.   This was truly winter weather.

We eventually passed the entrance to Popham's Eau, and then the Twenty Foot Drain and the houses on the outskirts of March finally came into view.   The town moorings had plenty of room this time and Pat rushed off to find a supermarket.   Just round the corner (block) is a large Sainsbury.   I went off to find some DIY stuff, but including some stove door rope and adhesive.   Our stove has become a problem.   The door won't shut and the top has burst up allowing the front panel to angle forward very slightly.   I believe this is due to rust and no doubt the failure of whatever stays are used to hold the thing together.   Clearly this is a job for an expert as I believe the whole thing will need to be dismantled, cleaned and reassembled.  It is now 12 years old and out of guarantee.   The problem is where to find someone capable on our route not to far away.   We really shouldn't be needing it in the middle of May but with this bitter weather we feel a need!   So... there is a good DIY shop further down the main road on the south side of the bridge.

Pat took the dog for a walk and found some more moorings adjacent to a park, so we moved.

The parkside moorings at March. Just a few hundred yards west of the town bridge

Middle Levels:Upwell

Our appointment with Denver Lock was for 10:45.   We didn't get away until 12:15.

Denver Sluice, Lock on the right

  Two narrowboats were already waiting when we pootled up.  It transpired that some boats were coming the other way - one at a time as Salter's Lode is actually quite a small lock.  When the first boat had passed through Denver, the two boats ahead of us were let into the lock and then dispatched at intervals as another boat was inbound.  Eventually it was out turn and we joined the ebb tide, starting the turn just before the lock entrance and then ferry gliding across and in.  The lock will just take a 60ft boat, a bit like Calder & Hebble, diagonally.  Then we continued on very slowly in the shallow water of Well Creek.  Heavy rain is forecast for tonight and we had the benefit of a light shower in the strong wind as a taster.  We are moored up on the quite decent Church Moorings at Upwell.  

A narrowboat makes its way up the tidal Ouse towards Denver Lock. The landing stage can just be seen on the right.

River Great Ouse:Denver Sluice

The return to Denver Sluice from Ely seemed to take ages.   It had also become very windy again which made the journey less than pleasant.   At Brandon Creek we turned right to seek out the diesel supply suggested by our friend Brian, whose moored boat we soon passed.   The landing stage and diesel pump was soon found and Pat went off to the farmhouse to get service.   A very friendly and efficient process (cash or debit card).   Needing to turn back we were advised to go up river to a bridge where it widens out - about 20 minutes further on.   Perhaps on a warm sunny day and with no rush to get to Denver anyway we might have gone right on to the limit of navigation at Brandon, but the weather was tiring and uncomfortable.   We continued back to the main river and then downstream stopping finally at Denver No1 EA moorings.   Our slot for the tide is 10:45 tomorrow.   Then it will be back to the Middle Levels.

River Great Ouse:Ely

Not very far to go today.   We stopped first in Ely Riverside where we had moored before so that Pat could get her Tesco shopping in.   Not expecting to have had so much chilly weather I took the opportunity to visit Bridge Boatyard for a bag of solid fuel.  They only stock Coalite.   I have not tried this before.   Really 25 Kg of carbon is what it is and should release the same heat no matter what brand.   However we know that Taybrite gives a lot of ash, so that detracts from the overall weight.  Perhaps Coalite is better.   Lets wait and see.  

Ely Waterside moorings

We then moved the boat to the Waterside moorings near the Maltings as this is nearer to the action, has a wide nearby spot of grass for Alfie to defile (we always cleanup!) and nearer to the shops. I quick visit to the motorists shop to pickup my reserved fuel filters revealed that it was market day.  We love markets, so returned after lunch to have a look round.   Pat was in seventh heaven having found wool shops, haberdashery and learning that there was even a quilting shop.   Nothing like this near us in London.  Then there is the cathedral to appreciate, standing as it does above all else in the city.   A truly stupendous and awe inspiring structure.  A tribute to the builders and the strength of their religious feelings.   All we have to show for the new age religion is wind turbines and I don't think they will last 1000 years.

River Great Ouse:Stretham

The water level dropped again last night and we were listing somewhat.  However, by the morning it was less so, but nonetheless as expected the boat was right up to the bank, driven there by the wind, and stuck.    Using the gangplank as the strongest thing suitable to use as a lever, the stern was pushed off the ledge and it was then possible to reverse off the mooring and let the wind do the turning.   Once out of the shelter of the trees the wind seemed as strong as ever.  Below St Ives Lock downstream of the guided bus bridge I caught a glimpse of a seal.   There was  a story of one being up in the tidal section below the Brownshill Staunch, but amazing to see it this side of the weir.   A pumpout and water at Earith moorings was quickly accomplished and Hermitage Lock was made ready as we approached.   Below the lock the OldWest River is shallow and the banks badly eroded in places making the speed limit of 4 miles per hour virtually unachievable in a narrowboat.   We were making 3.5 mph some of the time, less otherwise.    The GOBA moorings at Stretham put us in good position for a morning arrival at Ely, so fed up with fighting the wind and the cold in the wind-chill we have stopped here again.

River Great Ouse:Nobles Field

With winds forecast to gust at over 50mph its was felt sensible to stay put.  We are only a short walk away from the town centre and we have the safe field for Alfie to guard.   With rain not forecast until later I thought it was safe to take the opportunity to put some paint on the rear seating area where windlasses have chipped the pain.   This worked out well and the tanneau cover was used to protect the area as the paint dried.    Water levels varied during the day by as much as 3 inches and as the wind was driving the boat onto the bank some listing as the levels fell was inevitable and a worry for overnight.   I took the opportunity to check the fuel separator (no water) and ordered some spare fuel filters to pick up at Ely in preparation for the trip across the wash as is recommended.

River Great Ouse:Nobles Field

We left our rural isolated moorings and continued down river.   Shortly after, we passed the extensive piled GOBA moorings at Hemingford where really we should have spent the night in hindsight, had we remembered.  There is a large water meadow there and it is near the village which looks very pretty from the river.  Immediately downstream is a long EA mooring with bollards, but up against a wall so not attractive for a doggy boat.   Below Hemingford Lock the shoal has been properly marked with red and green channel markers, but best to keep close to the red can.   A small cruiser joined us in the lock and a narrowboat was waiting below for us to exit.   This turned out to be nb Evenlode which we had last moored up with at Picadilly Basin Manchester.   "Our mooring" at Nobles field was taken, but we worked out another.  The bank is natural with hollows and promontaries.  The trick is to get the sticky out bits to correspond with bow access and stern in deep enough water.   St Ives is a short walk away and a visit to the butchers garnered some tasty pork pies, Cambridge Blue cheese and other goodies.  We will be spending another night here.

River Great Ouse:Haughton Lock

The weather yesterday was glorious for a bank holiday and the park by the river at St Neots was teeming with people enjoying the sunshine.   I was somewhat taken back, therefore this morning, when taking Alfie for his early morning walk at 7:00 to find the park looking pristine with not a scrap of litter anywhere but all the many rubbish bins full with neatly tied plastic bags next where there was overflow.   Either the local population deserve commendation or the council are very efficient.   In early morning sunshine we moved the boat across to the pontoon to top up with water and then set off for Huntingdon.  At St Neots Lock we passed Mike on Anastasia, one of the three boats that crossed the Wash a few weeks ago from Boston.   We gave the shoal above Godmanchester Lock a wide berth and had no problem there.

Huntingdon Town Moorings

 Arriving at Huntingdon we found the Riverside town mooring to be a thin strip with bollards up against a high wall and totally unsuitable for us (with dog) and so decided forthwith to carry on to the first country mooring we could find which turned out to be on the island below Haughton Lock.

River Great Ouse:St Neots

We left Great Barford just before 8:00am and had a clear run through Great Barford and Roxton Locks, both in our favour and the last of the double mitred door locks.  At Eaton Socon we had to wait for an opposite direction narrowboat "Mad Hatter".   Then not much further to St Neots.   We wanted to have a quick look round town so moored initially on the pontoon by the Priory Centre where we found a bin just up the ramp for rubbish disposal with just enough room for our half bag.  A Waitrose is very nearby and a Cooperative food store just a little further on.

The Priory Pontoon is opposite

 We then moved opposite to the Council 24 hour parkside mooring where we were joined later by one short term cruiser.  This is a pleasant quiet spot with neat grass ideal for table and chairs and a few well scattered family groups picnicking.  The pontoon in contrast seems to attract the kids who use it as a swimming platform.

River Great Ouse:Bedford (and back)

We have been here on the Bedford EA moorings for 2 nights.   The moorings are about 7 minutes walk from the railway station and near to a rowing club.

EA Moorings at Bedford

 The area is a "No public consumption of alcohol" spot and although a few kids gather on the nearby benches from time to time we have not been disturbed and have had quiet nights.  There is only room for about 3 boats here and no other moorings in Bedford that I can see. (but see below)   That said, locals passing have shown interest and one saying he has lived here for years and never seen a boat before.   Whilst one has to take that with a pinch of salt, there are after all boat /river festivals from time to time, we have been the only boat here for all this time.   There is a Wetherspoons and shopping opportunities nearby and a water point but we have found few options for rubbish disposal.  Today we will be leaving aiming for Great Barford.

 

We discovered, before leaving, that the rowing club have a big event on, and in discussion with them it would be best if we moved early.  So we topped up on water and left before 9 am.  Below the lock we found some unmarked moorings including a short length of very neat piled bank, so we stopped there.

Moorings below Bedford Lock on the lower river. Watch out for the low bridge (2.1M) in the background.

 It put us in excellent position for the nearby retail park - Homebase and Maplins to be precise.  A lucky find.   Then on once more to find ourselves behind a very slow narrowboat travelling towards Cardington Lock.  Now the EA lock landings are generally short and as the lock was against us, resigned myself to drifting into the bank to wait.  However, the helmsman hailed us and said that he and the crew we first timers and would we like to go first to show them what to do!!!  Happy to help, but first mate said that we would see them through first and we would follow.   No problem.   They had been told that Castle Mills Lock was "all shoeled up", so wern't going much further.   We had been through there a couple of days before so wern't very worried.   We should have been.  Catsle Mills Lock is a deepone with side fill.

Castle Mills Lock chamber

 Below Castle Mills there were some cruisers on the lock landing with stories of boats marooned there for half the morning.   There was a couple of green buoys obviously intended as channel markers, so keeping the channelside green buoy to port we were lead straight onto the gravel shoal.  And I was stuck big time.   Using the pole to try and wriggle the front off in reverse did nothing and the weir stream was so strong that the stern kept being forced into the bank.  This buoy should have been a red one!   Prodding around with the pole showed that there was deeper water nearer the bank, so I threw a rope ashore and four helpful bystanders pulled the bows into the deeper water which got us off. We had intended to moor for the night at the EA site on the old lock island above Great Barford, however we tried it and it was too shallow with the bottom covered in vegetative detritus that fouled up the prop and brought us to a standstill.   So no alternative but to move on the Great Barford itself.

Great Barford

Nice moorings and a nearby pub with benches to sit out, enjoy a drink and watch the river traffic.   A good alternative!

 

Snowdonia Interlude

Back on the boat now after a quick visit to North Wales.  The day yesterday was full sunshine with very clear air giving magnificent views over the mountains.   Snowdon still has  some snow remaining in shady gulleys.   

Garratt No 87 leads the train descending towards Carnarfon

From Rhyd Ddu 600 ft amsl with Snowdon in the background. Rail lead towards Caernarfon