 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 St Neots to Great Barford Lock arriving at 12:55 am. The time taken was 2 hours 55 minutes. 7.75 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.34 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 30 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 92.38 miles and 15 locks, averaging 3.52 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw two kingfishers. Stopped for lunch (ham roll £2.50, cheese jacket potato £2.50) at the Anchor. Also filled up with water - very slow as there was no proper hose connector on the tap. Capricorns' Dulcitudo came by s we were leaving.
From Great Barford Lock to Duck Mill (or Town) Lock arriving at 7:05 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 25 minutes. 7.00 miles and 4 locks, averaging 2.49 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 34 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 99.38 miles and 19 locks, averaging 3.39 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went through Willington lock with Tony and Sylvia on Capricorns' Dulcitudo but the next lock was a bit too small. Got up aove the Town lock by about 18.15 but the moorings we had used previously are now silted so we came back to Priory Marina. A fine sunny day. Went to the Priory Marina Beefeater with Tony and Sylvia (2 courses and drinks £26.50 for the two of us).
From Duck Mill (or Town) Lock to St Neots arriving at 3:10 pm. The time taken was 5 hours 25 minutes. 14.75 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.83 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 40 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 114.13 miles and 25 locks, averaging 3.45 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Filled with diesel at Priory Marina before setting off. Saw the Parker's waiting to come up through Cardington Lock as we went down. Saw several kingfishers. Had lunch on the move and moored on the floating pontoons. Went shopping at Waitrose. A day of light cloud but quite mild.
From St Neots to Huntingdon arriving at 1:15 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 25 minutes. 10.13 miles and 4 locks, averaging 4.13 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 43 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 124.25 miles and 29 locks, averaging 3.50 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw some cormorants. Shared the last couple off locks with a cruiser Bon Beck II from Hartford. Stopped just by the bridge, did a bit of shopping at Iceland and had lunch.
From Huntingdon to Hemingford Lock No 14 arriving at 4:05 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 10 minutes. 4.25 miles and 2 locks, averaging 5.36 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 44 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 128.50 miles and 31 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored at Hemingford Grey. A mostly cloudy day with some strong wind but with some sunny intervals.
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From Hemingford Lock No 14 to Aldreth Bridge arriving at 1:40 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 25 minutes. 12.50 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.28 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 49 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 141.00 miles and 33 locks, averaging 3.53 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
| Came through St Ives Lock with a small cruiser. Just after Brownshill Lock we were followed by a playful seal. Stopped on the bank at Holme Fen for Lunch . A clear sunny day clouding over in the afternon |  |
| River Great Ouse: Brownshill Staunch Seal - April 1997 |
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From Aldreth Bridge to Clayhythe Bridge arriving at 12:55 am. The time taken was 3 hours 35 minutes. 16.00 miles and No locks, averaging 4.47 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 52 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 157.00 miles and 33 locks, averaging 3.59 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
On the way down the Old West River I saw some cormorants and two Oyster Catchers. Went Through Bottisham Lock with a hire cruiser. A very windy day, we had difficulty mooring above the bridge and so did the hire boat.
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From Clayhythe Bridge to Jesus Green Lock arriving at 11:05 am. The time taken was 1 hours 50 minutes. 5.88 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 54 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 162.88 miles and 34 locks, averaging 3.60 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw a kingfisher on the way to Cambridge and a short narrowboat called Merganser that they were taking to Morthhamptton but had run out of diesel. Stopped for water at the lock landing stage.
From Jesus Green Lock to Popes Corner arriving at 3:15 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 40 minutes. 13.63 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.99 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 58 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 176.50 miles and 35 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw the first baby ducks of the year as we came out of Cambridge. Had lunch on the move and moored at the Environment Agency moorings just downstream of the junction. A mostly sunny day with increasing cloud.
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From Popes Corner to Ely, A142 Road bridge arriving at 9:55 am. The time taken was 45 minutes. 3.50 miles and No locks, averaging 4.67 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 59 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 180.00 miles and 35 locks, averaging 3.63 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just past the Cutter and went shopping in townand then at Tesco's. Debbie, George, Charlie and William came after lunch and we went for a short trip down the river. Had dinner at George & Debbie's. A mild sunny day.
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From Ely, A142 Road bridge to Burwell Village arriving at 1:00 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 55 minutes. 10.25 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.86 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 62 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 190.25 miles and 36 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Got pump out at Anndale Boats (£9) and gas at the Marina (£11.50) whichtook 50 minnutes before we could set off up river to Upware and Burwell Lode. Turned at the end of the lode and moored at the landing stage for lunch.
From Burwell Village to Popes Corner arriving at 5:45 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 45 minutes. 10.60 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.09 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 65 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 200.85 miles and 37 locks, averaging 3.61 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After lunch we went back down Burwell Lode and up Reach Lode to the end, where we turned and came back down to Upware Lock. Came down the river and moored at the EA landing stage past Popes Corner again. A cooler but sunny day.
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From Popes Corner to Ely, A142 Road bridge arriving at 9:50 am. The time taken was 45 minutes. 3.50 miles and No locks, averaging 4.67 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 66 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 204.35 miles and 37 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped by the Cutter and went shopping at Tesco's. Filled with water at thee Marrina before setting off again.
From Ely, A142 Road bridge to Prickwillow Bridge arriving at 12:40 am. The time taken was 1 hours 20 minutes. 6.00 miles and No locks, averaging 4.50 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 67 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 210.35 miles and 37 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored next to Fox Cub for lunch.
From Prickwillow Bridge to Great Ouse Junction arriving at 6:15 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 50 minutes. 18.13 miles and 2 locks, averaging 4.16 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 72 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 228.48 miles and 39 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Followed some way behind Fox Cub up to Isleham Lock, where they turned to come back to Prickwillow. We went on through the lock and arrived at Judes Ferry at 15.40. We came back and moored on the EA moorings about three-quartters of a mile from the junction. A warm sunny day.
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From Great Ouse Junction to Ten Mile Bank Bridge arriving at 5:30 pm. The time taken was 8 hours 15 minutes. 35.88 miles and No locks, averaging 4.35 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 81 hours total cruising time, 264.35 miles and 39 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went up Brandon Creek to Brandon Lock, had lunch on the move. Saw a lot of birds, Oyster Catchers, Lapwings, Great Crested Grebes, etc. and a mink. Only saw one boat on the move on this river. Came back to the junction and down the Great Ouse to moor oposite the Windmill. A mild sunny day again.
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From Ten Mile Bank Bridge to Hilgay Road Bridges arriving at 1:50 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 45 minutes. 17.88 miles and No locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 85 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 282.23 miles and 39 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw a young stoat on the bank. Went up to Stoke Ferry Bridge but could not turn there so had to back down nearly to the Cut-Off channel sluices before we could turn. Had lunch on the move. Came back to Hilgay and moored for water and to visit the post office.
From Hilgay Road Bridges to Denver Sluice arriving at 3:50 pm. The time taken was 50 minutes. 3.25 miles and 1 locks, averaging 5.10 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 86 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 285.48 miles and 40 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came down the Wissey and on to the EA moorings at Denver. The day started sunny but soon clouded over and became windy.
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From Denver Sluice to Outwell Junction arriving at 2:30 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 20 minutes. 5.75 miles and 1 locks, averaging 2.89 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 88 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 291.23 miles and 41 locks, averaging 3.74 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Left our mooring at Denver at 11.30 and moored at the lock at 11.40. We had to wait 40 minutes for the tide to reach the right level then we made our way down the tidal stretch to Salter's Lode, passing Mulled Wine on the way. Out of Salter's Lode Lock by 12.40 - 20 minutes for the tidal length and two locks. Moored on the Well Creek Trust Moorings and did some shopping in Outwell. A day of sunshine and cloud with a cooling breeze.
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From Outwell Junction to March arriving at 12:50 am. The time taken was 2 hours 40 minutes. 7.88 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.33 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 91 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 299.10 miles and 42 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
| Made our way slowly through to Marmont Priory Lock then on to March where we stopped by the pub for lunch. Hewon was moored n front of us. |  |
| Middle Level - Well Creek: Between Outwell Junction and Marmont Priory Sluice Narrowboat at Upwell - April 1997 |
From March to Ramsey arriving at 5:40 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 40 minutes. 13.63 miles and No locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 95 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 312.73 miles and 42 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Passed several boats, some near Ramsey and some at March, Saw our second kingfisher of the day. Turned the boat at Ramsey, with about 2 feet to spare, and moored. A sunny starrt to the day but more cloud in the afternoon.
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From Ramsey to Benwick Bridge arriving at 12:50 am. The time taken was 1 hours 55 minutes. 6.00 miles and No locks, averaging 3.13 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 97 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 318.73 miles and 42 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Had a look round Ramsey and did some shopping at the Rainbow Supermarket before setting off. Stopped for lunch near the bridge but had to moor out from the bank as it was shallow.
From Benwick Bridge to Ashline Sluice arriving at 4:30 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 45 minutes. 8.25 miles and No locks, averaging 3.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 99 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 326.98 miles and 42 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came up through the lock and moored by the Leisure Centre. A mostly cloudy day with some light showers.
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From Ashline Sluice to Peterborough Junction arriving at 11:45 am. The time taken was 2 hours. 8.75 miles and 1 locks, averaging 4.88 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 101 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 335.73 miles and 43 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Set off from Whittlesey at 9am and arrived at Stanground Lock just before 10.30. After the lock we filled with diesel (£31 for 140.9 litres) and then went on to the embankment for a pump out. A fairly windy, cloudy and cool morning.
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Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.