 Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead. |
|
Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.
 |  |  |
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Fazeley Junction to Polesworth (Mill Bridge No 53) arriving at 12:35 am. The time taken was 2 hours 50 minutes. 5.50 miles and 2 locks, averaging 2.65 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 221 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 495.13 miles and 313 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped just past Meadow Lane bridge (No 50) for lunch. Mostly cloudy wih some sun and a good breeze.
From Polesworth (Mill Bridge No 53) to Anchor Bridge No 29 arriving at 6:05 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 10 minutes. 7.75 miles and 11 locks, averaging 4.50 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 225 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 502.88 miles and 324 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
I worked Atherstone locks using the bike to lock-wheel, Beryl drove the boat. Filled with water at the top lock. Only one lock on the flight has a working side-pond. Moored some way past Wood bridge (No 27)
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Anchor Bridge No 29 to Ansty Bridge No 14 arriving at 12:40 am. The time taken was 3 hours 30 minutes. 12.00 miles and No locks, averaging 3.43 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 229 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 514.88 miles and 324 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Had a nice BLT roll each in the Rose & Castle and then walked to Shilton for some shopping in the little post offfice and stores.
From Ansty Bridge No 14 to Easenhall Lane Bridge No 34 arriving at 5:40 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 40 minutes. 4.25 miles and No locks, averaging 2.55 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 230 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 519.13 miles and 324 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at Rose Narrowboats and bought a route planning map of the waterways, some yougarts and two ices. A mostly cloudy day with a few spots of rain. Walked into Brinklow and had drinks at the Raven.
From Easenhall Lane Bridge No 34 to Brownsover Arm (disused) arriving at 10:50 am. The time taken was 1 hours 35 minutes. 4.88 miles and No locks, averaging 3.08 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 232 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 524.00 miles and 324 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped by bridge 58 to do some shopping at the nearby Tesco's. The bike got a puncture. Had lunch before moving on.
From Brownsover Arm (disused) to Braunston Junction arriving at 6:40 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 45 minutes. 9.88 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.43 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 236 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 533.88 miles and 327 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Helped by two boys through Hillmorton Locks. Beryl gave them a pound each. Moored between bridges 89 & 90 near the junction.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Braunston Junction to Napton Bottom Lock No 8 arriving at 11:50 am. The time taken was 2 hours 20 minutes. 7.25 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.54 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 238 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 541.13 miles and 328 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for lunch and a walk round the village. Locks are restricted to use between 900 and 1700 due to water shortage.
From Napton Bottom Lock No 8 to Griffins Bridge No 131 arriving at 6:20 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 20 minutes. 7.00 miles and 8 locks, averaging 3.46 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 242 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 548.13 miles and 336 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored near Old Town Bridge No 133 for the night. A day of hazy sun and light showers. The summit water level is about a foot down.
From Griffins Bridge No 131 to Fenny Compton Wharf arriving at 8:55 am. The time taken was 35 minutes. 2.25 miles and No locks, averaging 3.86 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 243 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 550.38 miles and 336 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at Fenny Compton Marina for a pump out and bought a new Nicholson's Guide to the Thaames.
From Fenny Compton Wharf to Cropredy Lock No 25 arriving at 1:15 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 25 minutes. 6.25 miles and 9 locks, averaging 4.46 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 246 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 556.63 miles and 345 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped just before the lock and went to have lunch in the Red Lion. After lunch we did some shopping, including some table mats from a well stocked craft shop, and looked round the village. The hot weather has returrned.
From Cropredy Lock No 25 to Banbury Lock No 29 arriving at 12:30 am. The time taken was 3 hours 10 minutes. 4.50 miles and 4 locks, averaging 2.68 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 249 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 561.13 miles and 349 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After filling with water at Cropredy Wharf we stopped for lunch and shopping, I bought a new pair of deck shoes. Cloudy with sunny intervals and a few spots of rain.
From Banbury Lock No 29 to Twyford Bridge No 177 arriving at 11:20 am. The time taken was 1 hours 15 minutes. 2.75 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 251 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 563.88 miles and 350 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped to go into Kings Sutton (one and a half mile walk) a very pretty village with 4 pubs but none of them served food.
From Twyford Bridge No 177 to Aynho Bridge No 190 arriving at 5:20 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 10 minutes. 4.13 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.29 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 253 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 568.00 miles and 353 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored at Aynho ready for the paint work, cratch fitting etc. Saw Jack. Had dinner in the Great Western.
At Aynho Bridge No 190
Spent over 2 days at Aynho having the paint work done, the cratch and covers fitted (but then removed for painting), the acoustic panel fitted, the heating and door lock fixed and an extra light fitted. We had an excellent walk to Ayhno village via Souldern (a very pretty village). No shops in either place.
From Aynho Bridge No 190 to Wolvercote Lock No 45 arriving at 7:35 pm. The time taken was 8 hours 35 minutes. 18.00 miles and 12 locks, averaging 3.50 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 261 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 586.00 miles and 365 locks, averaging 3.63 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After filling with water and diesel we left Aynho at 11am and cruised continuously to just after bridge 237 (railway bridge) where we moored for the night.
From Wolvercote Lock No 45 to Isis Lock No 46 arriving at 9:25 am. The time taken was 50 minutes. 2.25 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.90 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 262 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 588.25 miles and 366 locks, averaging 3.63 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just before the lock in the only space available, which was just long enough for us. We went shopping in the centre (twice) then had lunch. At 1.45pm Dad called from the station and I went to bring him and Mum back to the boat.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Isis Lock No 46 to Abingdon Lock arriving at 6:10 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 50 minutes. 9.00 miles and 4 locks, averaging 4.59 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 265 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 597.25 miles and 370 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just below the lock (£3.50 mooring charge) and had dinner. Our 15 day pass for the Thames, purchased at Osney Lock, cost £52.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Abingdon Lock to River Thame Junction arriving at 1:20 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 35 minutes. 9.13 miles and 3 locks, averaging 4.69 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 268 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 606.38 miles and 373 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After shopping in Abingdon and having elevenses we started off at 10.45. Rather a chilly start but warming up later. Stopped for lunch here.
From River Thame Junction to Goring Lock arriving at 6:10 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 10 minutes. 10.25 miles and 3 locks, averaging 4.18 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 271 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 616.63 miles and 376 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for water at Cleeve Lock and moored below Goring Lock. A dull day with hazy sun at times.
From Goring Lock to Caversham Bridge arriving at 1:30 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 35 minutes. 10.13 miles and 2 locks, averaging 4.69 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 273 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 626.75 miles and 378 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went shopping in Goring then cruised on to Reading stopping between Caversham and Reading bridges.
From Caversham Bridge to Sonning Lock arriving at 4:20 pm. The time taken was 50 minutes. 3.25 miles and 2 locks, averaging 6.30 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 274 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 630.00 miles and 380 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped to look round Sonning and had a drink at the Bull. Returned to the boat for dinner.
From Sonning Lock to Henley Bridge arriving at 12:10 am. The time taken was 2 hours 40 minutes. 6.50 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.19 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 277 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 636.50 miles and 382 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
| Stopped for water and a pump out at Shiplake Lock then went on to Henley and moored for lunch in the park above the bridge. Walked round Henley before setting off. There was a vintage boat rally at Henley today. |  |
| River Thames: Hambleden Lock Vintage launch in lock - August 1994 |
From Henley Bridge to Bourne End Railway Bridge arriving at 6:40 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 30 minutes. 11.00 miles and 4 locks, averaging 4.29 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 280 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 647.50 miles and 386 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Tried to moor at Marlow but found most of the former moorings above the bridge are now marked private. The day started cool with some long cloudy periods but after lunch it was warm and sunny.
From Bourne End Railway Bridge to Boulter's Lock arriving at 10:00 am. The time taken was 1 hours 30 minutes. 3.63 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 282 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 651.13 miles and 388 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for shopping and to have the cratch fitted, which Simon did. Had lunch before setting off again.
From Boulter's Lock to Windsor Railway Viaduct arriving at 4:20 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 5 minutes. 6.75 miles and 2 locks, averaging 4.20 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 284 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 657.88 miles and 390 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored by the park, just beyond the Railway Bridge, where there was a £4 charge. A cool start again with hazy cloud becoming more sunny as the day progressed.
From Windsor Railway Viaduct to Staines Railway Bridge arriving at 12:45 am. The time taken was 2 hours 20 minutes. 8.13 miles and 3 locks, averaging 4.77 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 286 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 666.00 miles and 393 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Walked round Windsor with Dad and did some shopping. WW out today with Beryl's picture in it! Stopped for lunch just below the bridge.
From Staines Railway Bridge to Sunbury Lock arriving at 5:05 pm. The time taken was 3 hours. 8.50 miles and 4 locks, averaging 4.17 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 289 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 674.50 miles and 397 locks, averaging 3.70 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored next to Molesey Resevoirs. A day of hazy sunshine, cloud and a couple of short sharp showers.
From Sunbury Lock to Hampton Court Bridge arriving at 9:25 am. The time taken was 50 minutes. 3.13 miles and 1 locks, averaging 4.95 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 290 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 677.63 miles and 398 locks, averaging 3.70 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored at Hampton Court, went shopping, then round the palace. Mum and Dad went back to the boat for lunch but Beryl and I had lunch at Hampton Court and looked round the Georgian Apartments.
From Hampton Court Bridge to Teddington Lock arriving at 3:40 pm. The time taken was 45 minutes. 4.63 miles and No locks, averaging 6.17 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 291 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 682.25 miles and 398 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just before the lock and went to ask the lock keeper what time we should go through to Brentford tomorrow. He said 12.30. Mostly cloudy today with some showers and sunny periods.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Teddington Lock to Western Road Bridge No 201 arriving at 6:45 pm. The time taken was 6 hours 25 minutes. 10.63 miles and 14 locks, averaging 3.84 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 297 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 692.88 miles and 412 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Took Mum and Dad to Twickenham station and did some shopping. Then down the tidal Thaames and up the Grand Union. Stopped for water at Norwood Top Lock. Moored and had dinner in the Grand Junction Arms. Sunhine wwith some cloud for most of the day. Went through the locks with "Silk Queen".
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Western Road Bridge No 201 to Piggery Bridge No 12 arriving at 11:00 am. The time taken was 2 hours. 7.38 miles and No locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 299 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 700.25 miles and 412 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at Sainsbury's, just after bridge 12, for shopping, lunch,
From Piggery Bridge No 12 to Hampstead Road Lock No 1 arriving at 6:15 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 15 minutes. 8.38 miles and 1 locks, averaging 4.17 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 302 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 708.63 miles and 413 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped just before the lock. The day started wet and finished sunny and dry, with sunny periods in between.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Hampstead Road Lock No 1 to Pickett's Lock No 15 arriving at 5:55 pm. The time taken was 8 hours. 16.00 miles and 17 locks, averaging 4.13 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 310 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 724.63 miles and 430 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Shared locks from St Pancras to te River Lee with "Rosa Canina" and "Paragon". Kept going having lunch on the move. A mostly sunnny day with a threat of rain in the morning.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Pickett's Lock No 15 to Cheshunt Lock No 9 arriving at 12:35 am. The time taken was 3 hours 15 minutes. 6.00 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 313 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 730.63 miles and 436 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just above the lock. Preparations have already started around Waltham Town Lock for the show. Tents have been errected and the WRG are in evidence.
From Cheshunt Lock No 9 to Roydon Lock No 13 arriving at 6:30 pm. The time taken was 4 hours. 6.25 miles and 7 locks, averaging 3.31 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 317 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 736.88 miles and 443 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just above Roydon Lock. A day of pleasant, and improving, countryside as we progressed upthe Lee and entered the Stort. Did not share any locks today as the only time we met with someone going in our direction was on the Stort, where the locks are only 13 foot wide. A sunny day.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Roydon Lock No 13 to Sawbridgeworth Lock No 5 arriving at 3:15 pm. The time taken was 6 hours. 6.63 miles and 8 locks, averaging 2.44 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 323 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 743.50 miles and 451 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for water at Burnt Mill Lock then for a pump out at Adventures Cruises at the Maltings Sawbridgeworth (£7). Went shopping and had a late lunch.
From Sawbridgeworth Lock No 5 to Twyford Lock No 2 arriving at 7:20 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 5 minutes. 3.00 miles and 3 locks, averaging 2.88 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 325 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 746.50 miles and 454 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Haad difficulty finding a mooring, very shallow, but eventually moored, wel lout from the bank, above the lock. A day of hazy and clear sun, warm.
From Twyford Lock No 2 to Bishop's Stortford arriving at 9:40 am. The time taken was 50 minutes. 2.00 miles and 2 locks, averaging 4.80 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 326 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 748.50 miles and 456 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
| Reached the end of the navigation, turned, moored and went shopping. "Water Troubador" moored next to us. We filled up with water after lunch. |  |
| River Stort: Bishop's Stortford Moorings at Bishops Stortford - August 1994 |
From Bishop's Stortford to Parndon Lock No 11 arriving at 6:55 pm. The time taken was 5 hours 35 minutes. 9.25 miles and 11 locks, averaging 3.63 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 331 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 757.75 miles and 467 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just below the lock. Had to change the gas cylinder which ran out while we were cooking dinner. Mostly cloudy today with some sunshine and occasional showers.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Parndon Lock No 11 to Stanstead Lock No 4 arriving at 12:30 am. The time taken was 3 hours 25 minutes. 6.38 miles and 4 locks, averaging 3.04 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 335 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 764.13 miles and 471 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for lunch,etc. just above the lock, after filling up with diesel and getting a new bottle of gas.
From Stanstead Lock No 4 to Hertford Town Mill Bridge arriving at 5:55 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 20 minutes. 4.75 miles and 4 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 337 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 768.88 miles and 475 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored for the night after turning at the head of navigation. Found a space just big enough for us just below the Old Barge pub, by the allotments. Went into the town to get some cash (at Nat West, couldn't find the Midland) and a bottle of wine. A mostly sunny day with some cloud and rain in the afternoon.
From Hertford Town Mill Bridge to Waltham Common Lock No 10 arriving at 5:45 pm. The time taken was 6 hours 45 minutes. 12.75 miles and 10 locks, averaging 3.37 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 344 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 781.63 miles and 485 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After shopping and elevenses at Hertford we went non-stop to ourr moorings at the show ground. Rain at first but dry and sunny by late afternoon. Shared some locks with the trip narrow boat "Wind in the Willows".
From Waltham Common Lock No 10 to Pickett's Lock No 15 arriving at 4:45 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 10 minutes. 5.00 miles and 5 locks, averaging 4.62 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 346 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 786.63 miles and 490 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After 3 good, fine, days at the festival we took Champers back on board and heded down stream, trying to shake off the yellow, sandy dust that blew up from the tow path and covered the exhibition boats at the show. We moored above the lock at the saame place as on our upstream journey.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Pickett's Lock No 15 to Limehouse Lock No 13 arriving at 1:05 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 50 minutes. 10.13 miles and 7 locks, averaging 6.04 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 349 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 796.75 miles and 497 locks, averaging 3.70 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored in Limehouse Basin and got a load of plastic bags off of the propeller. Rain this morning but brightened up around lunch time.
| | |
Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.