 Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead. |
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Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.
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From Dock No 9 Entrance to Ducie Street, Manchester arriving at 10:45 am. The time taken was 4 hours 15 minutes. 3.38 miles and 9 locks, averaging 2.91 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 578 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,324.00 miles and 805 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came up through the locks with Arboretum and moored at Piccadilly Village. Went into the city centre and had lunch at Pizza Hut, got the srew replaced in my reading glasses and did the shopping at Tesco's. Came back in a taxi. A dull damp morning but a dry sunny afternoon.
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From Ducie Street, Manchester to Dukinfield Bridge No 2 arriving at 12:25 am. The time taken was 5 hours 45 minutes. 7.25 miles and 18 locks, averaging 4.39 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 583 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,331.25 miles and 823 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came up the 18 Ashton locks followed by Arboretum and a cruiser. Got a thick jaket round the prop in one of the locks and had to clear the prop again when we got to the top lock, where we stopped for water (40 minutes). It took 4 hours 40 minutes to get up the locks. Moored by the park for lunch . A fine sunny day
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From Dukinfield Bridge No 2 to Marple Aqueduct arriving at 12:00 am. The time taken was 2 hours 50 minutes. 5.88 miles and No locks, averaging 2.07 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 586 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 1,337.13 miles and 823 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came up the canal, the first part by ourselves but the last few miles behind Arboretum, who had just set off from their mooring. Stopped for lunch just before the aqueduct.
From Marple Aqueduct to Ridge End Bridge No 21 arriving at 4:35 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 50 minutes. 2.38 miles and 16 locks, averaging 4.79 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 590 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 1,339.50 miles and 839 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came up the Marple flight in front of Arboretum. Some of the bottom gates very leaky. Did the whole flight in 3 hours. Could not find a mooring in, or near, Marple so came on to moor just past the winding hole between bridges 21 and 22. A mostly sunny day.
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From Ridge End Bridge No 21 to Whaley Bridge arriving at 11:25 am. The time taken was 2 hours 20 minutes. 5.38 miles and No locks, averaging 2.30 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 592 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,344.88 miles and 839 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came up to the end of the canal and turned to stop on the visitor moorings. Did some shopping in the Co-op Late Shop then had lunch at the Goyt Inn (Fish and chips £3.95, Chicken Kiev £4.50). Walked down to Buxworth Basins, took some pictures and had another drink at the Navigation Inn. A day of sunshine and cloud.
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From Whaley Bridge to Marple Junction arriving at 1:20 pm. The time taken was 3 hours. 6.50 miles and No locks, averaging 2.17 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 595 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,351.38 miles and 839 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
| It took 35 minutes to get to Furness Vale Marina, where we stopped for an hour to get diesel (143 litres for £31.45) and water. Came on to Marple and tried to moor on the Peak Forest visitor mooring just before the junction but they were so shallow that we went round the corner and moored on the Macclesfield ones. Had lunch then went round the shops. A dull day with showers. |  |
| Macclesfield Canal: Marple Junction - September 1998 |
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From Marple Junction to Whiteley Green Bridge No 25 arriving at 12:20 am. The time taken was 2 hours 40 minutes. 7.00 miles and No locks, averaging 2.63 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 598 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 1,358.38 miles and 839 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
A lot of boats moored along the banks, and at Addlington Marina, on the way down.Moored before the bridge and went to the Windmill for Beryl's birthday lunch, an excellent three course meal (Advocado with strawberry, Roast Leg of pork, Fresh strawberry merainge £11.95 each). Returned to the boat for asti spumanti, . A sunny start giving wat to increasing cloud and showers
From Whiteley Green Bridge No 25 to Buxton Road Bridge No 37 arriving at 10:40 am. The time taken was 1 hours 35 minutes. 3.88 miles and No locks, averaging 2.45 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 600 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,362.25 miles and 839 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped just after the bridge and went into town for shopping at M&S. Had lunch on the boat and filled with water.
From Buxton Road Bridge No 37 to Crow Holt Bridge No 52 arriving at 3:40 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 55 minutes. 4.63 miles and No locks, averaging 2.41 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 602 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 1,366.88 miles and 839 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored a short way after the bridge. Moorings very shallow again. A mostly sunny day but clouded over late in the afternoon.
From Crow Holt Bridge No 52 to Park Lane Bridge No 75 arriving at 12:50 am. The time taken was 3 hours 40 minutes. 6.00 miles and 12 locks, averaging 4.91 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 605 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 1,372.88 miles and 851 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came down the Bosley flight in just under 2 hours. Saw a kingfisher just past bridge 58. Stopped for lunch by the Queen's Head, just after the bridge. Had lunch on the boat.
From Park Lane Bridge No 75 to Kent Green Bridge No 87 arriving at 4:00 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 607 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,376.50 miles and 851 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at Heritage Narrowboats for a pumpout (£10) then went on to more a little way past Morris Bridge No 89. A mostly cloudy day with some sunny spells.
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From Kent Green Bridge No 87 to Harding's Wood Junction arriving at 11:25 am. The time taken was 1 hours 45 minutes. 2.50 miles and 1 locks, averaging 2.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 609 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 1,379.00 miles and 852 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for water (20 minutes) just before Hall Green Lock. Went down to Harecastle Tunnel to turn but found we couldn't turn there so had to back up to the Kidsgrove moorings. Went shopping at the Co-op Late Shop then had lunch.
From Harding's Wood Junction to Thurlwood Lock No 53 arriving at 4:45 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 40 minutes. 3.13 miles and 13 locks, averaging 6.05 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 611 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,382.13 miles and 865 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Backed up to Hardings Wood Junction to turn round. Saw Faith and then Aquilla, coming up, as we came down the Church and Lawton locks. Moored at Rode Heath. Went to the Broughton Arms for dinner but Beryl's fish and chips were not cooked. A mostly cloudy day with showers and a few sunny intervals.
From Thurlwood Lock No 53 to Wheelock Bottom Lock No 66 arriving at 12:45 am. The time taken was 3 hours 15 minutes. 3.63 miles and 13 locks, averaging 5.12 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 615 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,385.75 miles and 878 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped below the bottom lock and went to the Cheshire Cheese for lunch (Ham Salad French Roll £1.50, Cheese Baked Potato £2.95, Fresh Strawberries and cream £1.75) very good value. Came back to the boat for more drinks, crisps, . A cloudy day with showers
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From Wheelock Bottom Lock No 66 to Wardle Lock No 4 arriving at 12:50 am. The time taken was 3 hours. 6.00 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 618 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,391.75 miles and 883 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
We were going to fill up with water at Wheelock but found the tap there had disappeared. Went on to Middlewich for water (10 minutes wait for tap and 20 minutes to fill). Moored a little way up the branch but the towpath is very damp and soft. Had lunch on the boat then went shopping at Somerfield and to on get the post but it was not there. After a call to Angela we found it was at Cledford P.O. A cloudy day with some sunny spells.
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From Wardle Lock No 4 to Minshull Mill Bridge No 14 arriving at 12:15 am. The time taken was 2 hours. 5.13 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.56 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 620 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,396.88 miles and 885 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just before the bridge and went into the village and had lunch (Fish and chips £4.75, Chicken Balti £6.50) at the Badgers. Had a look round the early 18th centuary (Queen Anne) church. A cloudy, chilly and wet day with a few glimses of the sun.
From Minshull Mill Bridge No 14 to Cholmondeston Lock No 1 arriving at 12:50 am. The time taken was 2 hours 40 minutes. 3.50 miles and 1 locks, averaging 1.69 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 622 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 1,400.38 miles and 886 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Queues for both the locks, three boats in front of us at the first lock. Moored above the lock for lunch.
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From Cholmondeston Lock No 1 to Hurleston Junction arriving at 4:10 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 10 minutes. 2.75 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.21 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 624 hours total cruising time, 1,403.13 miles and 887 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for water at Barbridge Junction (20 minutes). Moored just past the junction. Walked up the locks to take some pictures. A cool, windy and mostly sunny day.
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From Hurleston Junction to Nantwich Basin arriving at 9:55 am. The time taken was 35 minutes. 1.88 miles and No locks, averaging 3.21 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 624 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 1,405.00 miles and 887 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored in the basin. Billy moving house today but will be in tomorrow. Had lunch on the boat. Did some shopping at Safeway. Cloudy with some sun and showers.
From Nantwich Basin to Audlem Lock No 24 arriving at 2:00 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 45 minutes. 6.13 miles and 5 locks, averaging 4.05 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 627 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 1,411.13 miles and 892 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After 5 days at Nantwich all the work was completed and we set off. Came up through the 2 Hack Green locks and the bottom 2 Audlem locks to moor below lock 25 for lunch . A mostly cloudy day with some sun and light showers
From Audlem Lock No 24 to Audlem Top Lock No 13 arriving at 12:00 am. The time taken was 2 hours 15 minutes. 1.25 miles and 11 locks, averaging 5.44 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 629 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 1,412.38 miles and 903 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came up the 13 locks and stopped at the top for lunch. In the afternoon I painted the cratch and did the engine service (4070 hours, changed all the filters). A warm sunny day.
From Audlem Top Lock No 13 to Market Drayton Bridge No 62 arriving at 12:45 am. The time taken was 2 hours 25 minutes. 4.88 miles and 6 locks, averaging 4.50 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 632 hours total cruising time, 1,417.25 miles and 909 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for water (30 minutes - slow tap) then moored for lunch. Had lunch at the S.... Hotel (Chicken in mushroom sauce, desserts and 2 rounds of drinks £18.30) good food and value for money. Did some shopping at Safeway.
From Market Drayton Bridge No 62 to Goldstone Bridge No 55 arriving at 5:05 pm. The time taken was 2 hours. 3.63 miles and 5 locks, averaging 4.31 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 634 hours total cruising time, 1,420.88 miles and 914 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came up the locks and along the cutting to moor here. Gave the cratch a second coat of paint. A mostly cloudy day.
From Goldstone Bridge No 55 to Gnosall Bridge No 35 arriving at 1:10 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 35 minutes. 10.00 miles and No locks, averaging 2.79 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 637 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 1,430.88 miles and 914 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Knighton Wharf now has a lot of historic boats and has lost its deserted air. Saw a kingfisher a little further on. A lot of boats on the move again today. Moored before the bridge and went to the Navigation for lunch (Duck a la orange £5.50 each) very good.
From Gnosall Bridge No 35 to Wheaton Aston Lock No 2 arriving at 5:10 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 55 minutes. 5.25 miles and No locks, averaging 2.74 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 639 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,436.13 miles and 914 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored on the visitor mooring just before the bridge. A cloudy and cool day.
From Wheaton Aston Lock No 2 to Brewood Bridge No 14 arriving at 11:45 am. The time taken was 1 hours 30 minutes. 2.75 miles and 1 locks, averaging 2.50 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 641 hours total cruising time, 1,438.88 miles and 915 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
| Set off at 9.30 to top up with diesel (77.35 litres £9.98) and with water, all of which took 45 minutes with the waiting and moving and mooring the boat. Moored just past the bridge and went to the Admiral Rodney for lunch (Liver and Onions £5.25, Pork Curry £5.95, Lemon brulee £3.10 each) very good. Went shopping in Spar. |  |
| Shropshire Union Main Line: Brewood Bridge No 14 Avenue Bridge No 10 - September 1998 |
From Brewood Bridge No 14 to Autherley Junction Stop Lock No 1 arriving at 4:10 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 50 minutes. 5.00 miles and No locks, averaging 2.73 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 642 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 1,443.88 miles and 915 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just before the junction. A mostly sunny day.
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From Autherley Junction Stop Lock No 1 to Autherley Junction arriving at 10:40 am. The time taken was 25 minutes. 0.00 miles and 1 locks, averaging 2.40 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 643 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 1,443.88 miles and 916 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came through the lock and backed up to a mooring just before the junction ready for our back cover to be fitted by Wilson's (£217.34). Had lunch on the boat.
From Autherley Junction to Gailey Lock No 32 arriving at 4:25 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 40 minutes. 7.75 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.28 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 645 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,451.63 miles and 917 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored a little way past Gravelly Way Bridge, No. 78. A cool start to the day gave way to sunshine.
From Gailey Lock No 32 to Penkridge Lock No 38 arriving at 11:50 am. The time taken was 2 hours 15 minutes. 2.75 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.89 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 648 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,454.38 miles and 923 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Filled with water above Gailey Lock. Moored before Penkridge Lock and went shopping at the Co-op before lunch.
From Penkridge Lock No 38 to Acton Bridge No 93 arriving at 4:15 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 45 minutes. 3.00 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.43 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 649 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,457.38 miles and 926 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw a kingfisher near the M6 just after Longford Lock. Moored at the Moat House and went in for a drink. In the evening had dinner there (Salmon £7.95, Roast Lamb £5.25). A day of hazy sunshine.
From Acton Bridge No 93 to Tixall Lock No 43 arriving at 12:25 am. The time taken was 2 hours 40 minutes. 5.63 miles and 2 locks, averaging 2.86 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 652 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 1,463.00 miles and 928 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at Tixall Wide for lunch . Aquilla came past after we moored.A cool cloudy day
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From Tixall Lock No 43 to River Trent Aqueduct arriving at 4:35 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 35 minutes. 5.38 miles and 2 locks, averaging 2.85 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 655 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,468.38 miles and 930 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Spent the morning at Tixall Wide and set off after lunch. Saw a fox in a field just before Haywood Junction. Had to wait for two boats in front of us to go through each of the two locks. Moored just before the aqueduct.
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From River Trent Aqueduct to Rugeley Bridge No 66 arriving at 10:05 am. The time taken was 35 minutes. 1.00 miles and No locks, averaging 1.71 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 655 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 1,469.38 miles and 930 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored on the visitor moorings and went to collect the post and do some shopping at Safeway's. Had lunch on the boat.
From Rugeley Bridge No 66 to Fradley Junction arriving at 5:15 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 15 minutes. 7.25 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.15 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 659 hours total cruising time, 1,476.63 miles and 933 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped just past Ash Tree Bridge, 62, for water (25 minutes) then came on to Fradley. No spaces on the Tren & Mersey so we came round the junction to moor. Had dinner at the Swan (Gammon Steak £6.65, Tuna Bake £5.25) very good - huge steak. A cloudy bright day.
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From Fradley Junction to Huddlesford Junction arriving at 10:35 am. The time taken was 1 hours 30 minutes. 4.00 miles and No locks, averaging 2.67 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 660 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,480.63 miles and 933 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped by the Plough and started to walk into Lichfield but Beryl did not like the road so we came back.
From Huddlesford Junction to Hopwas arriving at 12:50 am. 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 662 hours total cruising time, 1,484.88 miles and 933 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped just before School bridge and went to the Tame Otter for lunch (Mint Lamb Steak £7.75 each).
From Hopwas to Polesworth (Mill Bridge No 53) arriving at 5:25 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 20 minutes. 8.25 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.08 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 665 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 1,493.13 miles and 935 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw a new large basin being excavated at Alvecote. Moored on the visitor moorings. A sunny morning but cloud in the afternoon.
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From Polesworth (Mill Bridge No 53) to Atherstone Lock No 5 arriving at 1:50 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 40 minutes. 4.63 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.98 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 668 hours total cruising time, 1,497.75 miles and 941 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Dumped the rubbish at Bradley Green Bridge then came up the first 6 locks behind Peter and Lesley Cardy on Footy. Stopped for lunch at the Kings Head (Plaice £3.95, Pork chops £3.95) below lock 5.
From Atherstone Lock No 5 to Atherstone Top Lock No 1 arriving at 3:45 pm. The time taken was 1 hours. 0.38 miles and 4 locks, averaging 4.38 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 669 hours total cruising time, 1,498.13 miles and 945 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came up the remaining locks in the rain and moored to go shopping at Somerfield.
From Atherstone Top Lock No 1 to Hartshill Wharf arriving at 5:30 pm. The time taken was 40 minutes. 2.25 miles and 1 locks, averaging 4.88 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 669 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 1,500.38 miles and 946 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
stopped between bridges 34 and 33, about half a mile before the wharf. A wet day with heavy showers but a sunny evening.
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Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.