 Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead. |
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Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.
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Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Peterborough Junction to Warmington Lock No 31 arriving at 5:25 pm. The time taken was 7 hours 10 minutes. 17.75 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.31 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 7 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 17.75 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.31 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Left in sunshine and waved goodbye to Peter, working in his garden, dropped our rubbish at the park in Peterborough and went on through to Orton Lock. We did not stop for lunch but had it on the move between Water Newton and Wandsford Locks. Saw a fox, Great Creasted Grebes, Lapwings and rabbits on the trip. Moored at Fothringhay (£2). Saw a tug style boat from Islington called "Hornet".
From Warmington Lock No 31 to Upper Barnwell Lock No 26 arriving at 12:50 am. The time taken was 3 hours 55 minutes. 8.75 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.51 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 11 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 26.50 miles and 11 locks, averaging 3.38 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
As we left Fotheeringhay I saw a boat moored which looked like Dominic Miles' boat in WW. Saw two kingfishers and a Little Grebe. Moored for Lunch about half a mile on from the lock.
From Upper Barnwell Lock No 26 to Denford Lock No 21 arriving at 5:30 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 5 minutes. 9.75 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.61 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 15 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 36.25 miles and 16 locks, averaging 3.45 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw a pair of Whooper Swans, a pair of Maderin Ducks, rabbits a Lapwing and lots of lambs. Moored above the lock next to another narrowboat. A sunny day afte a frosty start, not so cold as yesterrday.
From Denford Lock No 21 to Wellingborough Bridge arriving at 1:30 pm. The time taken was 5 hours 15 minutes. 12.00 miles and 8 locks, averaging 3.81 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 20 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 48.25 miles and 24 locks, averaging 3.54 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Left Denford in a hore frost and think mist. Found that the boat we moored by was Water Gypsy of Oundle, a boat that was with us for the last part of our trip down the Nene in 1994. The mist soon cleared and the sun came out. Saw a sand piper. Stopped at Wellingborough and went to the "Cottage" for lunch (Half a chicken, chips and peas £3.45 each - Bank Bitter). Then we went shopping at Tesco and filled with water. A dead duck is floating feet up opposite our mooring, much to the ditress of her mate.
From Wellingborough Bridge to Cogenhoe Lock No 7 arriving at 1:15 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 50 minutes. 6.63 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.29 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 24 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 54.88 miles and 30 locks, averaging 3.50 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Changed the cabin batteries over with the Readiline ones, to see if this would solve our power problem, then tooka piece of polythene outof the prop. Set off in sunshine. Saw two Oystercatchers just before Donnington Lock. Stopped for lunch just above Cogenhoe Lock.
From Cogenhoe Lock No 7 to Billing Lock No 6 arriving at 3:20 pm. The time taken was 30 minutes. 1.38 miles and 1 locks, averaging 4.75 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 24 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 56.25 miles and 31 locks, averaging 3.53 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moved on from Cogenhoe as the moorings were ratherr shallow. Moored on the Visitor Moorings in Billing Aquadrome.
From Billing Lock No 6 to South Bridge, Northampton arriving at 1:00 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 20 minutes. 4.75 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.22 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 28 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 61.00 miles and 37 locks, averaging 3.49 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
A cloudy and cool day as we set off through the locks. Stopped for lunch between the lock and the bridge. Had my hair cut.
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From South Bridge, Northampton to Milton Road Bridge No 2, Gayton arriving at 1:00 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 5 minutes. 4.75 miles and 17 locks, averaging 5.33 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 32 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 65.75 miles and 54 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came up the Northampton Branch meeting two boats coming down. Many of the pounds were very low and we got stuck entering a lock and had to let more water down before we could get the boat in. Stopped just before the bridge and had lunch.
From Milton Road Bridge No 2, Gayton to Bugbrooke Bridge No 36 arriving at 4:50 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 45 minutes. 3.63 miles and No locks, averaging 2.07 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 33 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 69.38 miles and 54 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After lunch we stopped at the junction for water (it took 45 minutes to fill) spoke to a man whose boat "Mutley" was moored there. A lot of boats around because of Easter. Moored just after bridgee 35.
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From Bugbrooke Bridge No 36 to Stowe Hill Bridge No 26 arriving at 11:15 am. The time taken was 1 hours 5 minutes. 3.13 miles and No locks, averaging 2.88 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 35 hours total cruising time, 72.50 miles and 54 locks, averaging 3.61 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at Millar Marine at Stowe Hill Wharf for diesel and to see about getting the cabin batteries checked. They hadn't got any deep cycle batteries bt we got 145.2 litres of diesel at 21p per litre (£30.49). Could not start engine when we wanted to go, our new battery being flat. They gave us the number of a Marine Engineer (Andy Bale) and we pushed the boat over to the opposite side of the canal. Went to the Narrow boat pub for lunch where I had a very good chicken curry (£4.35) and Beryl had plaice.
From Stowe Hill Bridge No 26 to Water Lane Bridge No 9 arriving at 1:15 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 50 minutes. 6.00 miles and 7 locks, averaging 3.39 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 38 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 78.50 miles and 61 locks, averaging 3.59 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Andy Bale came just before 9 to sort out our problem (slack drive belt on alternator) and to start the boat with a spare battery. He charged £17.50. We shared the Buckby locks with Riverweed, from Concoform Marine, a nice family of first time hirers. They turned at Norton to take the boat back this evening and we moored a little way on from the junction.
From Water Lane Bridge No 9 to Braunston Junction arriving at 4:45 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 30 minutes. 4.25 miles and 6 locks, averaging 4.10 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 41 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 82.75 miles and 67 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came through the tunnel followed by Rebbeca, with a crew of three young adults. We went down the locks together. Some of the pounds were very low due tto leaky gates and we got stuck on several occasions. Moored just before the Marina entrance. A very pleasant day with sunshine and cloud and very mild.
At Braunston Junction
Spent the day at Braunston, Beryl did some shopping in the village and I went in search of a new fan belt. Tried Union Canal Cruisers but they did not know what sort fitted a Beta Marine engine so I had to phone Beta Marine for a referece number.Back to UCC for a belt. After trying to fit the belt, removing brakets and the other belts I found an obstruction that I could not remove. Back to UCC to get help. In the end the whole day was spent in sorting out the problem, at the cost of £39.05 for the labour and 3 belts. Moored next to Glas Y Doran.
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From Braunston Junction to Brownsover Arm (disused) arriving at 10:10 am. The time taken was 3 hours 50 minutes. 9.88 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.36 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 45 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 92.63 miles and 70 locks, averaging 3.60 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After a DIY pump out (£5) and filling with water we set off from Braunston, through Hillmorton Locks and on to Bridge 58, saw a lot of boats on the move and had lunch onthe way. Went shopping at Tesco's.
From Brownsover Arm (disused) to Easenhall Lane Bridge No 34 arriving at 5:30 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 30 minutes. 4.88 miles and No locks, averaging 3.25 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 46 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 97.50 miles and 70 locks, averaging 3.59 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After shopping we cruised on, stopping near the bend before the bridge. This was the best part of the day, sunny and mild, it had been rather chilly earlier on.
From Easenhall Lane Bridge No 34 to Sutton Stop Lock arriving at 11:50 am. The time taken was 2 hours 35 minutes. 8.00 miles and No locks, averaging 3.10 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 49 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 105.50 miles and 70 locks, averaging 3.56 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
A cold wet journey on a cold wet day. Saw a South Shore share boat Water Weaver. Stopped just before the lock for lunch . Beryl made an apple pie
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From Sutton Stop Lock to Hinckley Brickyard arriving at 12:50 am. The time taken was 3 hours 50 minutes. 8.38 miles and 1 locks, averaging 2.45 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 53 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 113.88 miles and 71 locks, averaging 3.48 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Set off through Sutton stop lock then stopped to dispose of the rubbish and again for water. Stopped for lunch just after bridge 17. Saw Caldon and Ashby outside the Lime Kiln pub.
From Hinckley Brickyard to Carlton Bridge No 44 arriving at 6:05 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 50 minutes. 10.13 miles and No locks, averaging 2.64 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 56 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 124.00 miles and 71 locks, averaging 3.43 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After lunch the cloud went giving us a sunny day in contrast to the light snow on the ground that greeted us this morning. A very pleasant journey, a lot of good mooring places, although the cut is quite shallow in many places. A scatty sheep dog amused us by jumping up and down on a bridge as we approached.
From Carlton Bridge No 44 to Head of navigation arriving at 11:50 am. The time taken was 2 hours 25 minutes. 6.00 miles and No locks, averaging 2.48 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 59 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 130.00 miles and 71 locks, averaging 3.39 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
An interesting trip up, saw the light railway and went through the short but undulating tunnel. Filled with water at the terminus and disposed of the rubbish. Saw the first brood of ducklings this year.
From Head of navigation to SnarestonTunnel arriving at 12:30 am. The time taken was 20 minutes. 0.75 miles and No locks, averaging 2.25 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 59 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 130.75 miles and 71 locks, averaging 3.38 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went back through the tunneland moored on the visitor morings. We were the only boat on the last 2 miles of the canal. Looked round the village and went to the Globe for Sunday lunch - fried potatoe skins with garlic dip, turkey and all the trimmings, blueberry cheesecake with cream/ice cream (£6.25 each).
From SnarestonTunnel to Stoke Golding Wharf arriving at 5:50 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 50 minutes. 12.25 miles and No locks, averaging 3.20 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 63 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 143.00 miles and 71 locks, averaging 3.37 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just after Sutton Wharf Bridge No 34. Beryl had a bath on the trip down. The weather was cool, dull and with some rain, not so good as the hazy sun we had at imes in the morning. The hinge on the washing machine door has broken.
From Stoke Golding Wharf to Hinckley Brickyard arriving at 11:40 am. The time taken was 2 hours 10 minutes. 3.13 miles and No locks, averaging 1.44 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 65 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 146.13 miles and 71 locks, averaging 3.31 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at Hinkley and walked into town for some shopping. Had lunch (Jumbo sausage baggetes, £1.50 each) at a pub. When we got back I phoned Indesit service centre and arranged for a new hinge for the washing machine to be sent to Dad.
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From Hinckley Brickyard to Marston Junction arriving at 5:35 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 15 minutes. 5.63 miles and No locks, averaging 2.50 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 67 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 151.75 miles and 71 locks, averaging 3.28 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored a little way after the junction. A warmer day today with a mixture of sunshine and cloud. Saw a lot of lambs, a Canada Goose on its nest and several Red Admiral butterflys.
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From Marston Junction to Atherstone Top Lock No 1 arriving at 12:20 am. The time taken was 2 hours 40 minutes. 8.25 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.47 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 70 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 160.00 miles and 72 locks, averaging 3.29 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at the water point before the lock and had lunch while the tank was filling. Beryl cooked the Gammon joint for this evening on the way.
From Atherstone Top Lock No 1 to Amington (Bridge 66) arriving at 4:45 pm. The time taken was 4 hours. 7.50 miles and 10 locks, averaging 4.38 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 74 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 167.50 miles and 82 locks, averaging 3.35 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just after bridge 69. Opened up the weed hatch and got out some miscellaneous junk. A mostly cloudy day with some periods of hazy sun.
From Amington (Bridge 66) to Glascote Top Lock No 12 arriving at 9:20 am. The time taken was 20 minutes. 1.50 miles and No locks, averaging 4.50 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 74 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 169.00 miles and 82 locks, averaging 3.35 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at Steve Hudson's yard to see Fred and Joyce's boat that is being fitted out there. It is a tug style washer josher and haas small portholes and a couple of houdinis. The fitting out was in full progress.
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From Glascote Top Lock No 12 to Whittington Brook arriving at 12:25 am. The time taken was 2 hours 40 minutes. 7.00 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.38 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 77 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 176.00 miles and 84 locks, averaging 3.35 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for lunch just past Whittington Bridge. The wood aneomes were in full bloom in Hopwas Hays Wood as we passed. Saw Ashby and Caldon at Fazley junction. Fished a lot more rubbish from the prop. Beryl made some jam tarts.
From Whittington Brook to Handsacre Bridge No 58 arriving at 5:40 pm. The time taken was 4 hours. 9.25 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.06 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 81 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 185.25 miles and 87 locks, averaging 3.34 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just past Bridge 56. The day started cloudy but the afternoon was increasingly sunny with one short shower that gave us a magnificent rainbow.
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From Handsacre Bridge No 58 to Rugeley Bridge No 66 arriving at 10:35 am. The time taken was 1 hours 35 minutes. 3.50 miles and No locks, averaging 2.21 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 83 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 188.75 miles and 87 locks, averaging 3.32 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored on the new visitor's moorings and took the washing to the launderette. Bought WW containing my article on the Great Ouse. Had lunch at the Pig and Bells (Jumbo sausage bagette £1.20 each) and did the weeks shopping at Safeway's.
From Rugeley Bridge No 66 to Haywood Lock No 22 arriving at 4:10 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 10 minutes. 4.88 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.17 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 85 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 193.63 miles and 89 locks, averaging 3.31 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw a kingfisher on the way to Geat Haywood. Moored just past the lock. A day of cloud, wind and rain.
From Haywood Lock No 22 to Sandon Lock No 25 arriving at 12:35 am. The time taken was 3 hours 5 minutes. 5.63 miles and 3 locks, averaging 2.80 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 88 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 199.25 miles and 92 locks, averaging 3.29 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw some lapwings on the way up and passed Caldon and Ashby at Great Haywood. Moored just after Iron Bridge No 88 for lunch . Cleaned up the brass mushrooms on the roof. A sunny start to the day with a cloudy afternoon
From Sandon Lock No 25 to Stone Bottom Lock No 27 arriving at 10:05 am. The time taken was 1 hours. 4.38 miles and 1 locks, averaging 5.38 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 89 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 203.63 miles and 93 locks, averaging 3.32 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped just before the lock for water.
From Stone Bottom Lock No 27 to Etruria Junction arriving at 3:35 pm. The time taken was 5 hours. 9.13 miles and 14 locks, averaging 4.63 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 94 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 212.75 miles and 107 locks, averaging 3.39 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Had lunch on the move today after Trentham Lock. A lot of new houses in this area and many attractive gardens. Saw two pairs of mandarin ducks. Moored just before bridge 117 to go shopping inthe city centre.
From Etruria Junction to Harecastle Tunnel (south end) arriving at 5:50 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 10 minutes. 3.75 miles and No locks, averaging 3.21 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 95 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 216.50 miles and 107 locks, averaging 3.38 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Follwed a Black Prince boat up from the marina and moored behind them at the tunnel. This last trip was puntuated by showers whereas the rest of the day has been a pleasant mix of cloud and hazy sunshine.
From Harecastle Tunnel (south end) to Thurlwood Lock No 53 arriving at 11:35 am. The time taken was 3 hours 25 minutes. 5.00 miles and 13 locks, averaging 5.27 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 99 hours total cruising time, 221.50 miles and 120 locks, averaging 3.45 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Set off through the tunnel behind the only other boat goinig through, a Black Prince hire boat. Saw som more lapwings and two grey wagtails. Moored opposite the Broughton Arms at Rode Heath, had lunch in the pub (Cod and chips £4.60, Chicken Bhuna Masala £4.95). Later Water Knight moored behind us. A cloudy and calm start to the day but sunny and breezy in the afternoon.
From Thurlwood Lock No 53 to Wheelock Bottom Lock No 66 arriving at 12:05 am. The time taken was 3 hours 30 minutes. 3.63 miles and 13 locks, averaging 4.75 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 102 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 225.13 miles and 133 locks, averaging 3.49 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Woke at Rode Heath to fin our front rope had been untied and we had drifted across the cut. Later the people on "Thistle" told us they had had all 3 of their ropes cast off in the night. Stopped for water then went to the Cheshire Cheese for lunch (Cheese Salad French Roll £1.50, Ham & Mushroom Omelette, chips and peas £3.85) very good value.
From Wheelock Bottom Lock No 66 to King's Lock No 71 arriving at 3:50 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 40 minutes. 5.88 miles and 5 locks, averaging 4.08 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 105 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 231.00 miles and 138 locks, averaging 3.51 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored at the Kings Lock Chandlery for diesel (129.6 litres at 21.4p = £27.72 - 5% = £26.33), aa bolt and a eye for the bathroom door hook.
From King's Lock No 71 to Middlewich Bridge No 172 arriving at 4:50 pm. The time taken was 50 minutes. 0.50 miles and 3 locks, averaging 4.20 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 106 hours total cruising time, 231.50 miles and 141 locks, averaging 3.51 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went through the Middlewich Narrow locks but did not get a pumpout as intended (Middlewich Narrowboats crowded with their hire boats and Anderson did not advertise any services. Walked round the town did some shopping and called for the post (not yet arrived) but no launderette there.
From Middlewich Bridge No 172 to Broken Cross Bridge No 184 arriving at 3:10 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 55 minutes. 5.63 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.46 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 107 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 237.13 miles and 142 locks, averaging 3.51 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Did some shopping in Somerfield and collected the post at Middlewich then fitted the new hinge on the washing machine door and sorted out the post, including filling in and returning my tax form.Had lunch at the Big Lock (Ploughman's £3.95 each). Stopped at Orchard Marina for water and a pump out (£10).
From Broken Cross Bridge No 184 to Anderton Lift Branch Junction arriving at 5:30 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 30 minutes. 4.25 miles and No locks, averaging 2.83 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 109 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 241.38 miles and 142 locks, averaging 3.50 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just before the lift. Beryl used the repaired machine to do the washing and drying on the trip from Middlewich.
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From Anderton Lift Branch Junction to Dunham School Bridge No 28 arriving at 4:25 pm. The time taken was 6 hours 45 minutes. 21.38 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.31 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 116 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 262.75 miles and 143 locks, averaging 3.49 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
As we approached Dutton Stop Rosemary rang. Going through the lock we met Vagabond who had come behind us from Acton Bridge. We both went straight through the tunnel as the time was a few minutes before noon. Had lunch on the move and moored just before the bridge. Quite a nice morning, sunshine and showers, but the afternoon was more cloudy and cold.
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From Dunham School Bridge No 28 to Worsley Bridge No 52 arriving at 12:30 am. The time taken was 3 hours 50 minutes. 11.38 miles and No locks, averaging 2.97 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 120 hours total cruising time, 274.13 miles and 143 locks, averaging 3.48 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
| At Barton Swing Aqueduct we ha to wait for a ship to pass and sa the aqueduct swing back before we could cross. At Worsley we filled with water and the Alvechurch hire boat Ptarmigan moored beside us so they could fill up at the same time. Had lunch while we were waiting. |  |
| Stretford and Leigh Branch (Bridgewater Canal): Barton Swing Aqueduct Closing - April 1996 |
From Worsley Bridge No 52 to Leigh Bridge No 66 arriving at 3:15 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 10 minutes. 6.00 miles and No locks, averaging 2.77 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 122 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 280.13 miles and 143 locks, averaging 3.46 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored opposite the waterside Inn. A sunny start to the day soon gave way to cloud, a chill breeze and occasional light showers.
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From Leigh Bridge No 66 to Dover Bridge No 4 arriving at 1:05 pm. The time taken was 1 hours. 3.25 miles and No locks, averaging 3.25 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 123 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 283.38 miles and 143 locks, averaging 3.46 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went shopping in Leigh, got the phone tested, bought the fruit and veg, then made another trip out to Kwik Save for the rest of the shopping. Stopped by the Dover Lock for lunch . A mostly cloudy day with some sunshine this afternoon.
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From Dover Bridge No 4 to Wigan Pier arriving at 11:40 am. The time taken was 2 hours 40 minutes. 4.50 miles and 4 locks, averaging 3.19 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 125 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 287.88 miles and 147 locks, averaging 3.46 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at the Heritage Centre and after lunch we looked round the "Way We Were" museum and Trencherfield Mill which contains a massive and impressive working steam engine with a 26.5 foot fly wheel.
From Wigan Pier to Appley Bridge No 42 arriving at 5:45 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 30 minutes. 5.00 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.20 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 128 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 292.88 miles and 150 locks, averaging 3.45 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Increasingly good scenery as we get furtherfrom Wigan. A lot of boats moored at Crooks Bridge and Dean Locks is a pleasant spot despite the M6 high above. Another day that started cloudy and became more sunny as the day went on, giving a fine evening. Went to the Water's Edge and had dinner (Plaice and chips £3.10 and Lamb Rogan Josh £3.95).
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From Appley Bridge No 42 to Latham Top Lock No 1 arriving at 11:30 am. The time taken was 2 hours 15 minutes. 5.00 miles and 1 locks, averaging 2.67 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 130 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 297.88 miles and 151 locks, averaging 3.44 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped to fill up with water just before the top lock and had lunch before going on down the flight.
From Latham Top Lock No 1 to Town End Bridge No 12 arriving at 5:30 pm. The time taken was 5 hours 10 minutes. 6.75 miles and 6 locks, averaging 2.47 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 135 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 304.63 miles and 157 locks, averaging 3.40 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
| Went to the end of the canal, just before the lock, and turned at the boatyard. Then came back to moor on some new, unfinished moorings, just before the swing bridge. Saw quite a lot of anglers today, swallows, grey wagtails, a pair of mandarin ducks, a phesant in the bluebells and many other things. The day started and ended with sunshine but we had some heavy rain this afternoon. |  |
| Leeds & Liverpool - Rufford Branch: German's Lock No 5 Lorna-Ann in - April 1996 |
From Town End Bridge No 12 to Strand Bridge No 10 arriving at 11:05 am. The time taken was 1 hours 5 minutes. 1.50 miles and No locks, averaging 1.38 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 136 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 306.13 miles and 157 locks, averaging 3.38 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went round Tarleton, a pleasant little town with a good selection of shops. Did some shopping in the local supermarket (Nevins). Stopped just before Fearn's Swing Bridge, No 9, because the wind was too strong.
From Strand Bridge No 10 to German's Lock No 5 arriving at 5:50 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 5 minutes. 4.25 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 138 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 310.38 miles and 159 locks, averaging 3.38 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
When the wind and rain abated we set off. Still quite cool and a stiff breeze but some sunny periods. As we came through Chicken Lock, No 6, we met Hythe, from Clifton Cruisers. Three people who are out for 2 months aand who came up the Leiceser Section, Trent and Leeds & Liverpool. Moored just after lock 5.
From German's Lock No 5 to Latham Top Lock No 1 arriving at 10:50 am. The time taken was 1 hours 25 minutes. 1.00 miles and 4 locks, averaging 3.53 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 140 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 311.38 miles and 163 locks, averaging 3.38 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Had to get up at 2am to push the boat out as the pound had gone down and we had started to list. Stopped for water at the top lock.
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From Latham Top Lock No 1 to Parbold Bridge No 37 arriving at 12:40 am. The time taken was 1 hours 25 minutes. 3.00 miles and No locks, averaging 2.12 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 141 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 314.38 miles and 163 locks, averaging 3.37 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for lunch and waited for a while for the rain to abate.
From Parbold Bridge No 37 to Hell Meadow Lock No 89 arriving at 4:30 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 20 minutes. 5.50 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.21 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 144 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 319.88 miles and 165 locks, averaging 3.37 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored for the night at Crooke Bridge, No 47. On the way down met with Otter from Tarleton and shared the two locks with them, they are off to Llangollen. Onthe way saw some phesants and a kingfisher. A day of cloud and rain.
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Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.