 Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead. |
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Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.
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From Limehouse Lock No 13 to Three Bridges No 205 arriving at 1:10 pm. The time taken was 5 hours 20 minutes. 19.50 miles and 10 locks, averaging 5.53 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 354 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 816.25 miles and 507 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored for lunch after a trip up the tideway that started choppy and wet but improved as we went on. Shared the locks with "Random Still" and picked up a disabled cruiser near Kew Railway Bridge and took them, brested up, to Brentford. Dull and rainy all day.
From Three Bridges No 205 to Bulls Bridge Junction arriving at 5:20 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 10 minutes. 2.50 miles and 2 locks, averaging 2.08 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 356 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 818.75 miles and 509 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
| Moored outside Tesco's and did some shopping. Took on water at Norwood top lock. |  |
| Grand Union Main Line: Bulls Bridge Junction Grace moored outside Tesco's - September 1994 |
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From Bulls Bridge Junction to Meekings Bridge arriving at 12:55 am. The time taken was 4 hours. 10.38 miles and No locks, averaging 2.59 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 360 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 829.13 miles and 509 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for lunch just past the Highline Yachting boatyard on the way back from Slough. A pleasant trip but the last mile was very shallow. Saw a kingfisher on the way up and back.
From Meekings Bridge to Copper Mill Lock No 84 arriving at 6:30 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 55 minutes. 7.75 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.26 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 364 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 836.88 miles and 514 locks, averaging 3.70 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped outside the Fisheries Inn just before the lock. A very pleasant run and a sunny day.
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From Copper Mill Lock No 84 to Stockers Lock No 82 arriving at 11:00 am. The time taken was 2 hours. 1.75 miles and 2 locks, averaging 1.88 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 366 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 838.63 miles and 516 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After a 20 minute stop for water we went on to Tesco's, just after bridge 174, for shopping. President and Kildare, breasted up, followed us up the locks.
From Stockers Lock No 82 to Common Moor Lock No 79 arriving at 1:10 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 20 minutes. 2.25 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.94 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 368 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 840.88 miles and 519 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored for lunch . and stayed on for the night. A sunny morning the clouded over and an afternoon of rain
From Common Moor Lock No 79 to Kings Langley Lock No 69A arriving at 12:50 am. The time taken was 4 hours 50 minutes. 5.50 miles and 10 locks, averaging 3.21 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 372 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 846.38 miles and 529 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Shared some locks with Fred & Joyce on Misty Lady and followed them through some more. Stopped for lunch after the lock.
From Kings Langley Lock No 69A to Winkwell Top Lock No 60 arriving at 5:20 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 50 minutes. 4.38 miles and 10 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 376 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 850.75 miles and 539 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Shared locks with Hale Lady, a 70 foot narrow boat. nice scenery and lock cotttages but an awful lot of locks. A mostly fine day but it clouded over in the late afternoon and started to rain about 5 o'clock.
From Winkwell Top Lock No 60 to Berkhamsted Top Lock No 53 arriving at 12:05 am. The time taken was 3 hours. 2.50 miles and 7 locks, averaging 3.17 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 379 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 853.25 miles and 546 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored at Berkhamsted for shopping and lunch.
From Berkhamsted Top Lock No 53 to Cowroast Lock No 46 (Summit Lock) arriving at 6:40 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 55 minutes. 2.63 miles and 7 locks, averaging 5.02 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 381 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 855.88 miles and 553 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored for the night. A sunny day with increasing cloud.
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From Cowroast Lock No 46 (Summit Lock) to Puttenham Lock No 10 arriving at 1:40 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 5 minutes. 5.50 miles and 18 locks, averaging 5.76 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 385 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 861.38 miles and 571 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just before the lock, where the BW angling team were fishing, and walked into Wilstone where we had lunch at the Half Moon.
From Puttenham Lock No 10 to Aylesbury Basin and Wharves arriving at 6:45 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 15 minutes. 4.50 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.23 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 389 hours total cruising time, 865.88 miles and 577 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Turned and Moored at the end of the canal then went for Beryl's birthday dinner to the Bell. A mostly cloudy day with spots of rain.
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From Aylesbury Basin and Wharves to Marsworth Junction arriving at 6:40 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 40 minutes. 6.13 miles and 16 locks, averaging 4.74 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 393 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 872.00 miles and 593 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After shopping in Aylesbury (for Beryl's birthday clothes) we had lunch on the boat and set off back to Marsworth. Moored north of the junction between bridges 130 & 129. A sunny day with more cloud in the afternoon.
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From Marsworth Junction to Leighton Buzzard Bridge No 114 arriving at 1:40 pm. The time taken was 5 hours 40 minutes. 8.13 miles and 11 locks, averaging 3.38 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 399 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 880.13 miles and 604 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for lunch and shopping after filling up with water. Shared locks with two men (on Pinto and Pamandy) from the Strawberry Island Boat Club, near Sheffield. A mostly sunny day with some cloud and a shower.
From Leighton Buzzard Bridge No 114 to Water Eaton Bridge No 98 arriving at 11:50 am. The time taken was 2 hours 40 minutes. 6.75 miles and 5 locks, averaging 4.41 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 402 hours total cruising time, 886.88 miles and 609 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped by bridge 98 and I went into Bletchley to collect the post. After lunch we moved up to moor just before bridge 97, which is nearer the station, ready for Dave's arrival tomorrow. A sunny start with cloud, hail and rain latter.
From Water Eaton Bridge No 98 to Galleon Bridge No 68 arriving at 6:00 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 30 minutes. 11.50 miles and 1 locks, averaging 2.78 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 406 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 898.38 miles and 610 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Dave arrived at Bletchley station at 11.30 and I took him back to the boat. After lunch we went on to Fenny Stratford lock where we filled up with water. Mooored for the night just after the bridge. A cool day of wind, sunshine and a heavy shower.
From Galleon Bridge No 68 to Blisworth Tunnel South End arriving at 12:30 am. The time taken was 3 hours 50 minutes. 8.00 miles and 8 locks, averaging 4.17 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 410 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 906.38 miles and 618 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went up the Stoke Bruene flight with "Ena". stopped for lunch between the top lock and the tunnel.
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From Blisworth Tunnel South End to Wootton Lock No 14 arriving at 5:55 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 45 minutes. 5.50 miles and 14 locks, averaging 5.20 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 414 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 911.88 miles and 632 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Got through Blissworth tunnel in just over half an hour, passing two boats on the way. Got some deisel at Gayton Marina and stopped for the night after the lock. A mostly sunny day, warmer than yesterday.
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From Wootton Lock No 14 to South Bridge, Northampton arriving at 10:40 am. The time taken was 1 hours 20 minutes. 2.75 miles and 3 locks, averaging 4.31 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 415 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 914.63 miles and 635 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just after the bridge for shopping inthe town. Had lunch and left at 14.10.
From South Bridge, Northampton to Rush Mills Lock No 2 arriving at 2:45 pm. The time taken was 35 minutes. 1.75 miles and 2 locks, averaging 6.43 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 416 hours total cruising time, 916.38 miles and 637 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped in the emptylock as we found we needed a Nene key to open the lower gates. I set off on the bike to Billing Aquadrome for a key but the chain came off the bike so I returned to fix it and set off again. The chain came off after about half a mile so I pushed the bike. Got back, by taxi, with the key at 1700.
From Rush Mills Lock No 2 to Billing Lock No 6 arriving at 7:30 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 30 minutes. 3.00 miles and 4 locks, averaging 2.80 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 418 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 919.38 miles and 641 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
It started to rain as we set off, the rest of the day being mostly dry. Moored onthe lock mooring as it was getting dark and the other moorings marked marked in the guide proved to be unusable.
From Billing Lock No 6 to Doddington Lock No 11 arriving at 12:15 am. The time taken was 2 hours 50 minutes. 4.25 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.26 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 421 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 923.63 miles and 646 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
| Started off through Billing lock at 8.30 and went into the marina to fill up with water. Moored for lunch just before the lock. |  |
| River Nene: Doddington Lock No 11 Lorna-Ann moored well out from the Nene bankside - September 1994 |
From Doddington Lock No 11 to Wellingborough Bridge arriving at 3:50 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 45 minutes. 3.75 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.29 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 423 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 927.38 miles and 648 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Followed "Twinkle" and "Zellis No 3" through the locks to Wellingborough and moored behind them in the park. Went into the town centre and shopping at the nearby Tesco's.
From Wellingborough Bridge to Upper Ringstead Lock No 18 arriving at 12:15 am. The time taken was 3 hours 25 minutes. 8.25 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.88 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 426 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 935.63 miles and 653 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for lunch on the lock mooring.
From Upper Ringstead Lock No 18 to Wadenhoe Lock No 24 arriving at 5:30 pm. The time taken was 4 hours. 10.00 miles and 6 locks, averaging 4.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 430 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 945.63 miles and 659 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at the Thrapston Mill Marina for water (£2 charge) then continued to just past the lock where we moored in a field of cows. Heavy rain all day long.
From Wadenhoe Lock No 24 to Lilford Lock No 25 arriving at 9:00 am. The time taken was 20 minutes. 1.25 miles and 1 locks, averaging 6.75 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 430 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 946.88 miles and 660 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Got stuck across the fast flowing weir just above the lock. The crew of "Nancy" tried to pull us off in various ways but all failed. In the end the NRA man arrived and raised the sluice gates to stop the flow of water.
From Lilford Lock No 25 to Upper Barnwell Lock No 26 arriving at 12:00 am. The time taken was 1 hours. 2.25 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.25 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 431 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 949.13 miles and 661 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After passing through the lock we scrapped under the bridge, our headlight doing the scrapping. The continuing rain and fast running river helped us decide to stop at Oundle Marina and go home by taxi.
From Upper Barnwell Lock No 26 to Perio Lock No 30 arriving at 1:55 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 15 minutes. 6.25 miles and 4 locks, averaging 3.15 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 435 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 955.38 miles and 665 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Paid over £21 for our four days mooring at Oundle Marina. Set off in yet more rain. River levels normal but still flowing fast. Stopped at Fotheringhay for a late lunch (£1 mooring fee)
From Perio Lock No 30 to Wansford Bridge arriving at 6:30 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 10 minutes. 8.75 miles and 4 locks, averaging 4.03 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 438 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 964.13 miles and 669 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped just before Stibington Boatyard for the night. A wet day
From Wansford Bridge to Peterborough Bridge arriving at 12:30 am. The time taken was 2 hours 45 minutes. 11.00 miles and 3 locks, averaging 5.09 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 441 hours total cruising time, 975.13 miles and 672 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped on the embankment for a pump-out and shopping. Had lunch in town.
From Peterborough Bridge to Peterborough Junction arriving at 2:00 pm. The time taken was 15 minutes. 0.50 miles and No locks, averaging 2.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 441 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 975.63 miles and 672 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Arrived home to find the wateer level very low and our moorings very shallow.
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From Peterborough Junction to March arriving at 5:10 pm. The time taken was 5 hours 40 minutes. 19.38 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 446 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 995.00 miles and 674 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went through Stanground lock just before noon. Found we were grounded when the lock was emptied and had a struggle to get out of the lock. The lock keeper came on to Ashline Lock to work us through. Moored just by the town bridge.
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From March to Salter's Lode Sluice arriving at 4:30 pm. The time taken was 5 hours 20 minutes. 13.25 miles and 2 locks, averaging 2.86 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 452 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 1,008.25 miles and 676 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After shopping in March we cruised on, having lunch on the move so that we could catch the tide at Salter's Lode at 1500. The shallow water past past Marmont Priory Lock slowed us down so that we missed the high tide. We also had a flood aboard due to a leeking water pump.
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From Salter's Lode Sluice to Littleport Bridge arriving at 6:30 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 30 minutes. 10.63 miles and 1 locks, averaging 4.65 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 454 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 1,018.88 miles and 677 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Spent most of the day in Downham Market waiting for the tide. Dad bought us all a ploughmans for lunch at the Crown. Filled up with water at Salter's Lode Lock and went up river to Denver Sluice. Moored just before Littleport bridge.
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Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.