 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 Braunston Bottom Lock No 1 to Napton Junction arriving at 5:10 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 50 minutes. 5.75 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 461 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 1,007.00 miles and 712 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Spent two days at Braunston getting the prop shaft and stern tube replaced (£329.03). Set off and stopped at the marina for diesel (20 minutes) but they had run out. Moored a little way after bridge 108, before the junction. A cloudy morning and a sunny afternoon.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Napton Junction to Napton Top Lock No 16 arriving at 12:20 am. The time taken was 3 hours 10 minutes. 4.00 miles and 9 locks, averaging 4.11 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 464 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 1,011.00 miles and 721 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for 15 minutes at Napton Marina for diesel (100 litres £27) and gas (£13.50). Saw Ken Froud as we went past the engine arm. Moored a little way past the top lock for lunch.
From Napton Top Lock No 16 to Claydon Top Lock No 17 arriving at 4:55 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 30 minutes. 11.00 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.43 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 468 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 1,022.00 miles and 722 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw a mink under bridge 125. A lot of boats on the move. Moored just before Claydon Top Bridge. A windy day with a couple of brief showers in the morning and sun in the afternoon.
From Claydon Top Lock No 17 to Cropredy Lock No 25 arriving at 12:35 am. The time taken was 2 hours 55 minutes. 2.75 miles and 8 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 471 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 1,024.75 miles and 730 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came down the locks behind Mr David. A lot of boats on the move. Moored just before the lock for lunch, shopping, . Went to the Red Lion for lunch (Mushroom Omlette £4.95, Cajun Chicken £5.75) of the usual high standard. A day of sunshine and occassional showers
From Cropredy Lock No 25 to Banbury Lock No 29 arriving at 12:10 am. The time taken was 2 hours 45 minutes. 4.50 miles and 4 locks, averaging 3.09 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 474 hours total cruising time, 1,029.25 miles and 734 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for water (25 minutes) at Cropredy Wharf. Moored by Tesco's (10 minutes) but decided not to brave the stinging nettles and instead came down to moor opposite the new Banbury Shopping Centre. Collected the post, had lunch in Pizza Hut and did the shopping at Somerfield. A warm and mostly cloudy day.
From Banbury Lock No 29 to Aynho Bridge No 190 arriving at 1:40 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 45 minutes. 6.88 miles and 4 locks, averaging 2.90 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 477 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 1,036.13 miles and 738 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Met Allan Barnes taking pictures at Nell Bridge Lock. Moored just past the bridge and went to the Great Western and had a drink, they were not serving food until the evening. Called in at Aynho Dock and said hello to Ian Cooper.
From Aynho Bridge No 190 to Allen's Lock No 36 arriving at 5:05 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 20 minutes. 4.75 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.32 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 480 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 1,040.88 miles and 741 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
A lot of boats on the move today but no lock queues. Moored a little way before Mill Lift Bridge. Went to the Bell in Lower Heyford for dinner (Mushroom & Asparagus Risotto £7.25, Lamb Cutlets £10.50). A cloudy start but a mainly hot and sunny day.
From Allen's Lock No 36 to Thrupp Bend arriving at 2:00 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 5 minutes. 9.00 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.43 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 484 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,049.88 miles and 746 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at Heyford Wharf for a pumpout (£11) for 10 minutes then moved across the canal and under the bridge to fill with water (20 minutes). Saw three kingfishers on the way down. Moored for a late lunch on the visitor moorings after the swing bridge. A warm and mostly cloudy day with some sunshine.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Thrupp Bend to Godstow Lock arriving at 12:30 am. The time taken was 3 hours 20 minutes. 8.50 miles and 5 locks, averaging 4.05 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 487 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,058.38 miles and 751 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came through Duke's Cut and on to the Thames. Moored at the Perch for lunch (Bean Burger £5.95, Trout £7.95) - sent the Trout back as it smelt off and had Cajun Chicken instead - overall good for beer and poor for food. Saw John Winter on Louisa as we were about to set off again.
From Godstow Lock to Osney Bridge arriving at 1:55 pm. The time taken was 25 minutes. 2.13 miles and No locks, averaging 5.10 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 487 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,060.50 miles and 751 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just past the bridge and went into Oxford for shopping. A warm day with sunshine and some light showers in the afternoon.
From Osney Bridge to Wallingford Bridge arriving at 4:00 pm. The time taken was 6 hours 45 minutes. 22.38 miles and 8 locks, averaging 4.50 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 494 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 1,082.88 miles and 759 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
We were going to stop at Abingdon for water but we were told that the tap was very slow so we went on. Saw two kingfishers and several pair of Great Crested Grebes with young, the first young grebes we have seen this year. Had lunch on the move and moored a little way before the bridge. A warm day with some sunshine and light rain this afternoon.
From Wallingford Bridge to River Kennet Junction arriving at 2:05 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 55 minutes. 17.38 miles and 5 locks, averaging 4.55 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 499 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 1,100.25 miles and 764 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw a kingfisher near Wallingford Bypass Bridge. Stopped above Cleeve Lock for water (15 minutes) then went on to moor outside Tesco's for shopping where we were invited to breast up with Alexandra Jayne.
From River Kennet Junction to Sonning Lock arriving at 3:55 pm. The time taken was 35 minutes. 1.88 miles and 1 locks, averaging 4.93 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 500 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,102.13 miles and 765 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came down and moored above the lock. A cloudy morning with some sun this afternoon.
From Sonning Lock to Bourne End Railway Bridge arriving at 2:40 pm. The time taken was 5 hours 25 minutes. 17.50 miles and 6 locks, averaging 4.34 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 505 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 1,119.63 miles and 771 locks, averaging 3.74 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped 25 minutes for a pumpout above Shiplake Lock (£5). No moorings available at Marlow as usual, either above or below the lock. The lock keeper there tried to empty the lock with the top paddles fully open. Came on and moored at Bourne End Wharf for lunch . A warm day of cloud and sunshine
From Bourne End Railway Bridge to Boveney Lock arriving at 12:50 am. The time taken was 2 hours 45 minutes. 8.88 miles and 4 locks, averaging 4.68 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 508 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 1,128.50 miles and 775 locks, averaging 3.74 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for water above Cookham Lock (15 minutes). Moored for lunch on the visitor moorings opposite the Race Course Yacht Basin.
From Boveney Lock to Bell Weir Lock arriving at 4:40 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 30 minutes. 8.25 miles and 3 locks, averaging 4.50 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 510 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 1,136.75 miles and 778 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw Pamandy as we came through Windsor and Beatty above Old Windsor Lock. Moored on the visitor moorings a little way before the lock. A warm day of sunshine and cloud.
From Bell Weir Lock to Shepperton Lock arriving at 12:25 am. The time taken was 2 hours 20 minutes. 6.88 miles and 3 locks, averaging 4.23 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 513 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,143.63 miles and 781 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped above the lock outside Shepperton Thames Court Hotel were we had lunch (Stuffed Roast Peppers £6.95, Hunter's Chicken £7.75) very good.
From Shepperton Lock to Teddington Lock arriving at 5:40 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 55 minutes. 10.75 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.51 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 517 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 1,154.38 miles and 784 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Tried to moor at Hampton Court but could not find a mooring space so we came on to Teddington and moored above the lock. A hot sunny day.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Teddington Lock to Osterley Lock No 98 arriving at 5:00 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 35 minutes. 7.25 miles and 4 locks, averaging 4.35 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 519 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 1,161.63 miles and 788 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Spent the morning moored at Teddington and had lunch before setting off for Brentford. Came through the locks with Aphelion, a narrowboat owned by the Eatwell family from Sussex. Moored a little way above the lock but couldn't get into the bank this time, the silt having built up over the last few years. A warm and mostly cloudy day with a shower this evening.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Osterley Lock No 98 to Bulls Bridge Junction arriving at 1:05 pm. The time taken was 3 hours. 3.88 miles and 9 locks, averaging 4.29 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 522 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 1,165.50 miles and 797 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came up the locks and stopped on the water point while Beryl went shopping in Tesco's. A slow tap - it took 45 minutes to fill.
From Bulls Bridge Junction to Cumberland Basin arriving at 6:25 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 20 minutes. 14.63 miles and No locks, averaging 3.38 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 527 hours total cruising time, 1,180.13 miles and 797 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Had lunch on the move as we came down the Paddington Branch. Stopped just before Little Venice to buy some diesel from Stokie (138.85 litres £38.18). Could not stop there as there were no mooring spaces free. Moored on the Camden Visitor moorings just past Cumberland Basin. Walked down the towpath to Camden High Street and had dinner at Sauce - Organic Diner (Veggie Burger £6.50, Sausages £8.50 - the whole with a bottle of wine, sweets and tip £36.45) very good. A warm but mostly cloudy day.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Cumberland Basin to Waltham Town Lock No 11 arriving at 5:15 pm. The time taken was 7 hours 55 minutes. 20.63 miles and 22 locks, averaging 5.38 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 534 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,200.75 miles and 819 locks, averaging 3.78 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came nearly the whole way today with Handsell, who waited for us in the second lock (Hawley) at Camden. Came through the Hertford Union and on to the Lee. Had lunch on the move before Tottenham Lock. Moored just before the BW facilities below the lock. A mostly sunny day, clouding over in the late afternoon.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Waltham Town Lock No 11 to Waltham Common Lock No 10 arriving at 10:55 am. The time taken was 1 hours. 1.00 miles and 1 locks, averaging 2.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 535 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,201.75 miles and 820 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for 30 minutes for water and Pumpout (£6) below Waltham Town Lock then went through the two Waltham Locks and stopped by the road to Cheshunt Station. Went into Cheshunt to do the shopping at Tesco's and came back by taxi.
From Waltham Common Lock No 10 to Stanstead Abbots Bridge arriving at 5:30 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 5 minutes. 7.63 miles and 6 locks, averaging 4.42 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 539 hours total cruising time, 1,209.38 miles and 826 locks, averaging 3.78 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
| Met two wide trip boats coming down through Carthagena Lock as we went up. Moored just before the bridge. A day of cloud and some sunshine. |  |
| River Lee: Carthagena Lock No 7 - August 2000 |
From Stanstead Abbots Bridge to Hertford Town Mill Bridge arriving at 12:10 am. The time taken was 2 hours 30 minutes. 5.13 miles and 4 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 541 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,214.50 miles and 830 locks, averaging 3.78 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Met Florian coming out of Ware Lock as we went in, and Laura and Olive Myrtle came in to the lock as we went out. Moored on the visitor moorings and went into the town to collect the post and to have lunch at Cafe Uno (Quattro Stagioni Pizza £6.95, Funghi del Casa & chips £5.60). A lot of boats here, Muffin 3 moored alongside us. A warm day of sunshine and cloud.
From Hertford Town Mill Bridge to Hardmead Lock No 3 arriving at 12:20 am. The time taken was 2 hours. 3.75 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.38 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 543 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,218.25 miles and 833 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Took a quarter of a hour to get out of our moorings, up to the end of the navigation and turn. Stopped for water (20 minutes) before Hertford Lock. Moored for lunch . between Hardmead and Stanstead locks. A mostly cloudy day with some showers
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Hardmead Lock No 3 to Roydon Lock No 13 arriving at 5:05 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 45 minutes. 5.00 miles and 3 locks, averaging 2.91 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 546 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 1,223.25 miles and 836 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came down the Lee to the junction and up the Stort. Followed two cruisers through the first two Stort Locks and a narrowboat - Water Otter - through Royden Lock. Moored by Hunsdon Mead. A day of sunshine and cloud.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Roydon Lock No 13 to Burnt Mill Lock No 10 arriving at 11:25 am. The time taken was 1 hours 35 minutes. 2.88 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 547 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 1,226.13 miles and 839 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for water above Burnt Mill Lock (20 minutes) and then moved down to the end of the moorings. Went to Sainsbury's then came back to the boat for lunch.
From Burnt Mill Lock No 10 to Sawbridgeworth Lock No 5 arriving at 4:40 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 55 minutes. 3.75 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 550 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 1,229.88 miles and 844 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Followed a narrowboat up the locks and were followed by another. Saw Iberia and Jethro Tull moored at Sawbridgeworth. We went on and moored above the lock. A warm day with sunshine and cloud.
From Sawbridgeworth Lock No 5 to Bishop's Stortford arriving at 11:35 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 553 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,234.88 miles and 849 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw a kingfisher near Spellbrook Lock. Turned and moored at Bishop's Stortford. Did some shopping in M&S and had lunch at Pizza Express (£15.45 for two including drinks).
From Bishop's Stortford to Burnt Mill Lock No 10 arriving at 6:15 pm. The time taken was 5 hours. 8.75 miles and 10 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 558 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,243.63 miles and 859 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Started to look for moorings after Sawbridgeworth but could find none. Finally we moored just before the lock, outside the Moorhen Pub, where we had dinner. A mostly sunny day with some cloud.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Burnt Mill Lock No 10 to Stanstead Abbots Bridge arriving at 1:10 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 15 minutes. 6.50 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.54 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 561 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 1,250.13 miles and 864 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Before setting off we went back a hundred yards or so to fill with water and get a pumpout. Got the water but no cards were available for the pumpout machine. Apparently these are only available at Enfield Lock. Came down the Stort behind Polly Otter No 2 and in front of Muffin No 3. Turned up the Lee to get a pumpout at Stanstead Abbots (£9), which took 15 minutes, after which we crossed over to the visitor moorings and had lunch. A warm sunny day.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Stanstead Abbots Bridge to Cheshunt Lock No 9 arriving at 11:55 am. The time taken was 2 hours 50 minutes. 6.63 miles and 5 locks, averaging 4.10 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 564 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 1,256.75 miles and 869 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came through the first three locks with Scythia - Rodney Evans new boat, built by Steve Hudson. Moored just past the Cheshunt visitor moorings and went to the Maltsters for lunch (Egg Mayonnaise sandwich and a Bacon Baguette) did our shopping at Tesco's and came back by taxi.
From Cheshunt Lock No 9 to Waltham Town Lock No 11 arriving at 2:50 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 5 minutes. 2.00 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 565 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 1,258.75 miles and 871 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
| Came down to our mooring, a little way before the water point, and moored next to the inside boat. Our hose just reached to the water point from our mooring so we filled with water. Booked in and got our Festival Plaque. A warm sunny day. |  |
| River Lee: Waltham Town Lock No 11 - August 2000 |
From Waltham Town Lock No 11 to Limehouse Basin arriving at 2:55 pm. The time taken was 5 hours 35 minutes. 13.88 miles and 10 locks, averaging 4.28 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 570 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,272.63 miles and 881 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After nearly six days at Waltham Abbey (4 full days at The IWA National Festival) we set off down the Lee. Shared most of the Locks with Misty Blue and Cushie Butterfield. Moored in the basin. Had dinner at Booty's Riverside Bar, overlooking the Thames (Burito and chicken in Honey & mustard £5.50 each). A mostly sunny day.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Limehouse Basin to Teddington Lock arriving at 4:15 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 45 minutes. 21.38 miles and 2 locks, averaging 6.23 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 574 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 1,294.00 miles and 883 locks, averaging 3.79 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Filled up with water in the morning and went into Limehouse Lock at 12.30. Came up the Thames with Snapdragon, La Dolce Vita and Reality. A lot of traffic on the river, including several trains of lighters carrying containers. Had lunch on the move. When we got to Richmond the weir was still down so we had to wait a few minutes. A mostly sunny day.
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Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.