 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 Hungerford Lock No 74 to Kintbury Lock No 78 arriving at 10:45 am. The time taken was 1 hours 45 minutes. 3.00 miles and 4 locks, averaging 4.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 177 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 338.75 miles and 304 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After spending a day at Hungerford and doing our shopping at Somerfield's we filled with water before setting off. The pound had gone down quite a way in the night and we were stuck on the mud. Moored before Church Bridge for lunch . A cloudy day with sunshine and showers
From Kintbury Lock No 78 to Newbury Lock No 85 arriving at 12:40 am. The time taken was 3 hours 15 minutes. 6.00 miles and 7 locks, averaging 4.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 180 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 344.75 miles and 311 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Shared all the locks with Mary Constance (from Llangollen but now based at Devizes). Moored before the lock and swing bridge and had lunch at Caffe Uno (£24.10 for drinks, main course and desserts excluding service). After lunch Beryl had her hair cut and we did some shopping in Tesco's. A warm sunny day.
From Newbury Lock No 85 to Midgham Lock No 92 arriving at 1:15 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 30 minutes. 4.75 miles and 7 locks, averaging 3.36 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 184 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 349.50 miles and 318 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came through the West Mills swing bridge with another boat that was just going through to turn. Saw Creaking Gate and Dabchick on the moorings by the park then stopped at the Newbury boatyard for water and a pumpout (£10) which took 30 minutes. Moored for lunch above the lock.
From Midgham Lock No 92 to Woolhampton Mill Lock No 94 arriving at 3:50 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 10 minutes. 1.75 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.21 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 185 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 351.25 miles and 320 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came through the locks and swing bridges with Hotchiwichi from Milton Keynes. Moored just past the swing bridge. A warm day of cloud and sunny periods.
From Woolhampton Mill Lock No 94 to Sulhampstead Lock No 100 arriving at 12:40 am. The time taken was 2 hours 25 minutes. 5.00 miles and 5 locks, averaging 4.14 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 188 hours total cruising time, 356.25 miles and 325 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for water (20 minutes) below Tyle Mill Lock then went on to just before the lock to moor for lunch.
From Sulhampstead Lock No 100 to Burghfield Village Road Bridge arriving at 4:15 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 10 minutes. 3.50 miles and 4 locks, averaging 3.46 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 190 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 359.75 miles and 329 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw Alchera at Shenfield Lock, they are selling the boat and getting a new one from Steve Hudson. Moored at the Cunning Man and had a drink. A warm but mostly cloudy day.
From Burghfield Village Road Bridge to High Bridge, Reading arriving at 11:00 am. The time taken was 1 hours 45 minutes. 3.50 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 191 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 363.25 miles and 332 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
A good trip down to Reading where we moored by the prison. Beryl went shopping at Sainsbury's and after lunch I did an engine service. A sunny morning but cloud and showers in the afternoon.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From High Bridge, Reading to Shiplake Railway Bridge arriving at 12:15 am. The time taken was 2 hours 15 minutes. 5.50 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.78 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 194 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 368.75 miles and 335 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for water (15 minutes) above Shiplake Lock the came down the river to moor on the visitor moorings for lunch. Saw Zavala and Louisa coming up river into Shiplake Lock.
From Shiplake Railway Bridge to Marlow Lock arriving at 4:15 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 45 minutes. 11.63 miles and 5 locks, averaging 6.05 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 196 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 380.38 miles and 340 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
All the Regatta course being set up as we came down through Henley. Managed to squeeze in to the end of the moorings at Marlow (£5.50). Went to Caffe Uno for dinner (Pizza, Pasta, sweets and dinks £25.95 excluding service). A hot sunny day.
From Marlow Lock to Cookham Bridge arriving at 1:55 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 10 minutes. 3.88 miles and No locks, averaging 3.32 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 198 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 384.25 miles and 340 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
In the morning we went shopping at Waitrose. After lunch we went through the lock and down to the visitor moorings at Cookham. Had a look round the village and went into the church and the Stanley Spencer Gallery (50 p each) also noticed that they are renovating his old house (Fernley) in the High Street.
From Cookham Bridge to Boulter's Lock arriving at 4:40 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 15 minutes. 2.50 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.60 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 199 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 386.75 miles and 342 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went down through Cookham Lock - a slow process with a lot of boats to be packed in, coming up and going down. Moored above Boulter's in Cliveden Woods. Soda Valley moored just below us. A hot, humid and mostly sunny day.
From Boulter's Lock to Medmenham Abbey arriving at 1:45 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 5 minutes. 10.25 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 203 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 397.00 miles and 347 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
A good trip up locks not too busy. Stopped above Hurley Lock for water (10 minutes). Moored for lunch . on the meadow above the abbey (£3.50 mooring fee). A hot and mostly sunny day
From Medmenham Abbey to River Kennet Junction arriving at 1:35 pm. The time taken was 4 hours. 12.75 miles and 4 locks, averaging 4.19 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 207 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 409.75 miles and 351 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Bought icecreams at Shiplake lock as we passed through. Moored at Tesco's for lunch and Kisimul's Galley (a Braidbar boat which the builders were taking back to the Macclesfield) breasted up with us, then Beryl went shopping while I collected the post.
From River Kennet Junction to Whitchurch Lock arriving at 7:05 pm. The time taken was 3 hours. 7.38 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.13 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 210 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 417.13 miles and 353 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at Better Boating for diesel (148.41 litres for £28.06) and some toilet fluid. Saw a pair of Black Swans above Caversham Bridge. We had hoped to moor before Whitchurch Lock but all the moorings seemed full. Moored a little way beyond Pangborne and Kisimul's Galley moored behind us. A warm day with a lot of sun in the afternoon.
From Whitchurch Lock to Goring Lock arriving at 11:05 am. The time taken was 1 hours. 4.13 miles and 1 locks, averaging 5.13 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 211 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 421.25 miles and 354 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
| A lot of anglers about as we approached Goring. A cruiser was going as we approached the visitor moorings so we were able to get into the only space available. Had a walk round Goring and Streatley returning to Goring for Lunch at the Miller of Mansfield (Tenderloin Pork £8.95, Salmon Fishcakes £8.25). |  |
| River Thames: Goring Lock Lock and weir - July 1999 |
From Goring Lock to Wallingford Bridge arriving at 3:35 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 20 minutes. 5.88 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.38 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 213 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 427.13 miles and 356 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw Zavala and Louisa moored just below the bridge, we moored above. Had a walk round the town and bought a book - Canals A New Look. A hot sunny day.
From Wallingford Bridge to River Thame Junction arriving at 11:45 am. The time taken was 1 hours 35 minutes. 4.38 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.39 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 215 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 431.50 miles and 357 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just past the Thame Junction. Had to use the gang plank on the roof as the bank was so high. Walked into Dorchester to the George for Sunday Lunch (Roast Beef/Lamb, Strawberries and cream £9.95 each).
From River Thame Junction to Clifton Hampden Bridge arriving at 3:20 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 10 minutes. 3.25 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 216 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 434.75 miles and 358 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped on the moorings above the bridge (£3) and I had a walk round the village. A hot sunny day but a welcome breeze most of the time.
From Clifton Hampden Bridge to Abingdon Bridge arriving at 10:55 am. The time taken was 1 hours 40 minutes. 5.38 miles and 2 locks, averaging 4.43 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 218 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 440.13 miles and 360 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
A cloudy morning with a coolig breeze as we went up to Abingdon and moored above the bridge. Did some shopping at Somerfield and then had lunch at the Millhouse (Steak & Mushroom Pie £5.75, Duck & Bacon Pie £8.35).
From Abingdon Bridge to Sandford Lock arriving at 3:40 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 5 minutes. 5.13 miles and 1 locks, averaging 2.94 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 220 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 445.25 miles and 361 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
| Stopped above Abingdon Lock for water and a pumpout (£5) which took 35 minutes altogether. Saw a kingfisher as we passed Nuneham House. Went through the lock with an old wooden boat - Sara. Moored above the lock. A sunny afternoon. |  |
| River Thames: Sandford Lock Narrowboat entering lock - July 1999 |
From Sandford Lock to Folly Bridge arriving at 10:35 am. The time taken was 1 hours. 3.13 miles and 2 locks, averaging 5.13 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 221 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 448.38 miles and 363 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored on the visitor moorings just behind Gwendoline, from Whilton. Went to the Botanic Garden (£2 each) and had lunch at the Mitre Beefeater (£6.95 for two courses). Went shopping at M&S and bought a new kettle in Boswell's. A sunny morning but cloud and some showers in the afternoon.
From Folly Bridge to Osney Bridge arriving at 10:05 am. The time taken was 30 minutes. 1.13 miles and 1 locks, averaging 4.25 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 221 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 449.50 miles and 364 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored below the bridge and went to M&S to change Beryl's shirt then on to Sainsbury's. Had lunch on the boat.
From Osney Bridge to Eynsham Lock arriving at 4:20 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 25 minutes. 6.00 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.31 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 224 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 455.50 miles and 366 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped above the lock for water (the water point has been moved from below the lock) and then moved forward on to the remaining bit of visitor mooring. A mostly cloudy day.
From Eynsham Lock to Newbridge arriving at 12:25 am. The time taken was 2 hours 45 minutes. 7.50 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.82 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 226 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 463.00 miles and 369 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
We were delayed for a few minutes at Northmoor Lock as they were unloading a crane from work flats above the lock. Saw Wynburn at Bablock Hythe. Moored on the bank below the bridge for lunch . A day of sunshine and cloud with a cooling breeze
From Newbridge to Radcot Bridge arriving at 1:00 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 30 minutes. 10.13 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 230 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 473.13 miles and 372 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Filled with water above Shifford lock (15 minutes). Moored below the bridge and had lunch at the Swan (Ham, Cheese & Mushroom Omelete with chips and salad £6.25 each).
From Radcot Bridge to Grafton Lock arriving at 3:35 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 10 minutes. 2.00 miles and 1 locks, averaging 2.57 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 231 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 475.13 miles and 373 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored at Kelmscott and walked into the village to post a letter. Had a look round and went into the church. A mostly cool and cloudy day.
From Grafton Lock to Ha'penny Bridge, Lechlade arriving at 4:45 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 30 minutes. 4.25 miles and 2 locks, averaging 4.17 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 233 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 479.38 miles and 375 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Before leaving Kelmscott we had lunch at the Plough (Swordfish in lemon sauce £9.95 each) and went round Kelmscott Manor (£6 each). Moored below the bridge and Beryl went shopping while I went to visit Shelly Anne who was moored alongside Ron & Joan Walker from March. A warm sunny day.
From Ha'penny Bridge, Lechlade to Tadpole Bridge arriving at 12:45 am. The time taken was 3 hours 45 minutes. 10.25 miles and 5 locks, averaging 4.07 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 236 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 489.63 miles and 380 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for lunch in the shade some way down the bends that follow the bridge. Had to go some way down to avoid anglers.
From Tadpole Bridge to Pinkhill Lock arriving at 5:00 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 20 minutes. 12.13 miles and 3 locks, averaging 4.54 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 240 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 501.75 miles and 383 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Filled with water (10 minutes) above Shifford Lock, Imedit (from Preston) was coming up through the lock. Moored on the visitor moorings above the lock. A hot sunny day.
From Pinkhill Lock to Osney Bridge arriving at 11:40 am. The time taken was 2 hours 30 minutes. 7.50 miles and 3 locks, averaging 4.20 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 242 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 509.25 miles and 386 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw the old wooden boat - Sara - coming up through Godstow Lock. Turned above Osney Lock and moored on the visitor moorings. Went into Oxford to collect the post and had lunch at the Mitre Beefeater again (2 courses 6.95 each).
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Osney Bridge to Thrupp Bend arriving at 5:55 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 20 minutes. 6.63 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.49 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 246 hours total cruising time, 515.88 miles and 391 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came up the Thames and through Dukes Cut. The three locks on the Oxford Canal all in our favour. I worked the locks while Beryl steered. Ditto followed us up the canal. Saw Sara moored on the canal. All the Thrupp moorings full so had to go nearly to Shipton Bridge before we could moor. A day of sunshine and cloud.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Thrupp Bend to Pigeon's Lock No 39 arriving at 12:05 am. The time taken was 2 hours 15 minutes. 3.75 miles and 2 locks, averaging 2.56 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 248 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 519.63 miles and 393 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored above the lock, overlooking the Cherwell, for lunch.
From Pigeon's Lock No 39 to Aynho Bridge No 190 arriving at 6:10 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 20 minutes. 10.00 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 252 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 529.63 miles and 399 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for water at Heyford Wharf Bridge (25 minutes). Moored immediately below Aynho Bridge and had dinner at the Great Western (Chicken Chasseur £6 each). A day of cloud, sunshine, one shower and increasing wind.
From Aynho Bridge No 190 to Grimsbury Wharf arriving at 2:10 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 25 minutes. 7.63 miles and 5 locks, averaging 2.86 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 257 hours total cruising time, 537.25 miles and 404 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came up from Aynho behind Twit Willow - a couple from Whittelsey - who were proceeded by Norwind and Shropshire Lad, both single handed. Progress was slow. We caught up with, and were waiting for, Twit Willow at every lock. Had lunch on the move. Moored at Tesco's and did our shopping.
From Grimsbury Wharf to Slat Mill Lock No 26 arriving at 5:25 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 15 minutes. 2.38 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.50 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 258 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 539.63 miles and 406 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just before Caves Bridge, 157. A cloudy day with some sunny periods.
From Slat Mill Lock No 26 to Elkington's Lock No 22 arriving at 12:10 am. The time taken was 2 hours 10 minutes. 2.63 miles and 4 locks, averaging 3.06 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 260 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 542.25 miles and 410 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at Cropredy for water (45 minutes including a wait) and Elizabeth Ann, from the Ashby Canal, moored next to us. I went and posted a letter to Angela and postcards to our keyholders. Moored on a bend above the lock for lunch . A dull morning but a sunny afternoon
From Elkington's Lock No 22 to Fenny Compton Wharf arriving at 12:45 am. The time taken was 2 hours 30 minutes. 5.00 miles and 6 locks, averaging 4.40 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 262 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 547.25 miles and 416 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at the marina for a pumpout (£12) for 15 minutes then moored for lunch on the visitor moorings just before the wharf.
From Fenny Compton Wharf to Priors Hardwick Bridge No 123 arriving at 4:35 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 15 minutes. 6.25 miles and No locks, averaging 2.78 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 265 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 553.50 miles and 416 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw Rosie from PYC coming along the summit level, shortly followed by Timeless, also from the Nene. Saw two young mink in the water. Moored just before the bridge. A hot sunny day.
From Priors Hardwick Bridge No 123 to Coventry Road Bridge No 109 arriving at 12:55 am. The time taken was 2 hours 50 minutes. 4.75 miles and 9 locks, averaging 4.85 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 268 hours total cruising time, 558.25 miles and 425 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Met the people from Raj Brookes at the engine arm lock and had a chat with them. Stopped for water at the bottom lock (35 minutes). Went on to have lunch at the Napton Bridge Inn (Bacon Steaks £4.50 each).
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Coventry Road Bridge No 109 to Gibraltar Bridge No 20 arriving at 3:20 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 30 minutes. 2.63 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 269 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 560.88 miles and 428 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came down two of the locks with a boat that was moored at Napton this morning. Moored some way before the bridge. A hot sunny day.
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From Gibraltar Bridge No 20 to Cuttle Bridge No 25, Long Itchington arriving at 11:50 am. The time taken was 2 hours 40 minutes. 2.13 miles and 10 locks, averaging 4.55 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 272 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 563.00 miles and 438 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came down the locks by ourselves, behind a pair of Union Canal Cruisers. Stopped at the Two Boats for lunch (Lamb and Mint Pie £5.25 each).
From Cuttle Bridge No 25, Long Itchington to Wood Lock No 19 arriving at 3:50 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 15 minutes. 2.75 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.44 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 274 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 565.75 miles and 443 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came down the locks with Sirus, a 70 foot motor boat with a butty style stern. Moored a little way below the lock. A warm day with cloud and some misty sunshine.
From Wood Lock No 19 to Leam Bridge No 44 arriving at 11:25 am. The time taken was 2 hours 10 minutes. 4.75 miles and 5 locks, averaging 4.50 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 276 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 570.50 miles and 448 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came down through the locks by ourselves. Moored by the Tiller Pin and did a bit of shopping at Sainsbury's. Had lunch on the boat.
From Leam Bridge No 44 to Cape Top Lock No 25 arriving at 3:55 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 25 minutes. 1.88 miles and 1 locks, averaging 2.03 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 278 hours total cruising time, 572.38 miles and 449 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for gas (£11.25) and a chock ice at Kate Boats. Filled with water (25 minutes) then moored above the lock. A sunny day with a cool breeze.
From Cape Top Lock No 25 to Turners Green Bridge No 63 arriving at 1:10 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 25 minutes. 7.00 miles and 22 locks, averaging 6.57 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 282 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 579.38 miles and 471 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came up the Hatton flight with Bucaneer, a Rose hire boat. Had icecream at the top and went straight on to Turners Green. Had lunch at Tom O The Woods (Cumberland Sausage £5.95, Chicken Fillet in Bacon £7.25) very good.
From Turners Green Bridge No 63 to Catherine de Barnes Bridge No 78 arriving at 5:30 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 5 minutes. 7.38 miles and 5 locks, averaging 4.01 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 285 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 586.75 miles and 476 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came up the Knowle locks with Cowslip, an Anglo Welsh boat from Wootton Wawen. Stopped on the vistor mooring and soon joined by four other boats with more going past. A sunny day with a pleasant breeze.
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From Catherine de Barnes Bridge No 78 to Aston Junction arriving at 12:45 am. The time taken was 4 hours 55 minutes. 8.63 miles and 6 locks, averaging 2.97 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 290 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 595.38 miles and 482 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Passed two boats as we came along the last part of the Grand Union and met two Union Canal Cruisers boats at the top of Camp Hill locks. One of them was having trouble with their prop so they let us go through before them. Stopped for lunch on the visitor moorings at the top of the Aston Locks.
From Aston Junction to Farmers Bridge arriving at 3:45 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 50 minutes. 1.50 miles and 13 locks, averaging 7.91 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 292 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 596.88 miles and 495 locks, averaging 3.74 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
I worked the Farmers Bridge locks while Beryl drove the boat. Moored just before the junction. Bought some milk and peaches in M&S. Had dinner at the Copthorn Hotel (Lamb Cutlets £15, Sirlion Steak 17.20, Profiteroles £4.25 each). A cloudy morning and a sunny afternoon, still with a cooling breeze.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Farmers Bridge to Farmers Bridge Junction arriving at 11:15 am. The time taken was 25 minutes. 0.50 miles and No locks, averaging 1.20 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 292 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 597.38 miles and 495 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went shopping in the city centre then went down to Sherborne Wharf for diesel (124.3 litres for £28.59). Came back and moored on the mainline for lunch . A hot sunny day
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Farmers Bridge Junction to Dudley Tunnel (North End) arriving at 11:45 am. The time taken was 3 hours 15 minutes. 1.63 miles and No locks, averaging 0.50 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 295 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 599.00 miles and 495 locks, averaging 3.70 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Collingwood and Ash followed us up the Factory Locks and down to the Black Country Museum. Met Florian there. Had lunch, filled with water and went round the museum. I had a short (20 minute) trip into the tunnel on the trip boat. A hot sunny day.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Dudley Tunnel (North End) to Park Head Junction arriving at 1:10 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 50 minutes. 6.38 miles and 3 locks, averaging 2.45 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 299 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 605.38 miles and 498 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw Harliquin coming up Factory Locks as we went down. Came through Neterton Tunnel and round the loop to Park Head Junction where we saw Polly Otter. Came down the Blowers Green Lock and stopped at Merry Hill. Had dinner at Brewer's Wharf (Sirlion Steak and Pork Diojonaise £12.95 - special offer, we only paid for the steak). Went to M&S for some shopping. A hot sunny day.
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Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.