 Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead. |
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Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.
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From Pig Tail Lock No 32 E to Standedge Tunnel (North-east End) arriving at 4:15 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 45 minutes. 2.00 miles and 11 locks, averaging 2.74 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 295 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 551.25 miles and 519 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
BW came to start getting boats through the locks at about 11am although we had been told in would be a 1pm start. We set off as the last boat at 11.30 and were delayed immediately by low pounds which halted the boats ahead. Moored by the tunnel. Had a very nicre dinner at the Railway and visited the Riverhead Brewery Tap. A warm and mostly sunny afternoon.
From Standedge Tunnel (North-east End) to Standedge Tunnel (South-west End) arriving at 12:00 am. The time taken was 2 hours 30 minutes. 3.13 miles and No locks, averaging 1.25 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 297 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 554.38 miles and 519 locks, averaging 3.60 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After spending some time (about 90 minutes) preparing the boats and assembling the train of passenger pod, tug and 4 narrowboats we set off through the tunnel. A very enjoyable trip. The other boats were Rosemary (Snagill Boats), Glad All Over and Suenami.
From Standedge Tunnel (South-west End) to Dungebooth Lock No 22 W arriving at 5:35 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 5 minutes. 1.63 miles and 11 locks, averaging 4.09 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 300 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 556.00 miles and 530 locks, averaging 3.61 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came down the Diggle locks first but had to wait at lock 24 for 25 minutes until a key arrived. Stopped for water below the lock for 1 hour 5 minutes - a very slow tap - we left before the tank was full. Moored at Saddleworth Foot. A misty morning and a sunny afternoon.
From Dungebooth Lock No 22 W to Hartshill and Stalybridge arriving at 3:15 pm. The time taken was 5 hours 50 minutes. 4.00 miles and 13 locks, averaging 2.91 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 306 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 560.00 miles and 543 locks, averaging 3.60 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
One very low pound which caused us some difficulties. Moored outside Tesco for lunch in their Cafe and shopping afterwards. Afterwards moved across to the moorings opposite. A mostly cloudy day with some showers and sunny periods.
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From Hartshill and Stalybridge to Dukinfield Junction arriving at 11:25 am. The time taken was 2 hours 15 minutes. 3.38 miles and 8 locks, averaging 5.06 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 308 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 563.38 miles and 551 locks, averaging 3.61 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Set off behind Glad All Over and passed two boats coming up the locks. The water point at the junction was completely blocked in by boats so we did not stop.
From Dukinfield Junction to Apethorne Bridge No 8 arriving at 12:55 am. The time taken was 1 hours 30 minutes. 3.25 miles and No locks, averaging 2.17 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 310 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 566.63 miles and 551 locks, averaging 3.60 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped just after bridge 10 before the winding hole. Touched up some of the paintwork after lunch, including the scrapes from Standedge Tunnel. A few light showers in the morning and some sun in the afternoon.
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From Apethorne Bridge No 8 to Marple Top Lock No 16 arriving at 12:55 am. The time taken was 4 hours 20 minutes. 4.88 miles and 16 locks, averaging 4.82 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 314 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 571.50 miles and 567 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came through the tunnels and up the locks. Went to the Navigation for lunch (Fish & Chips and Lasagne about £4.50 each). Collected the post and Beryl went shopping.
From Marple Top Lock No 16 to Marple Junction arriving at 5:40 pm. The time taken was 15 minutes. 0.00 miles and No locks, averaging 0.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 315 hours total cruising time, 571.50 miles and 567 locks, averaging 3.61 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came onto the Macclesfield Canal to fill up with water and met Iberia coming the other way. After 40 minutes filling with water we moved a little way on to moor. A warm and mostly sunny day with increasing cloud and rain this evening.
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From Marple Junction to Buxton Road Bridge No 37 arriving at 12:55 am. The time taken was 3 hours 45 minutes. 10.88 miles and No locks, averaging 2.90 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 318 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 582.38 miles and 567 locks, averaging 3.61 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at the Trading Post for an hour and 5 minutes while we waited for the Day Boat to be dispatched, turned the boat had a pumpout (£12.50) filled with diesel (148 litres at 34p = £50.32) and turned the boat again. Moored just past the bridge and went into Macclesfield for lunch and a few items of shopping.
From Buxton Road Bridge No 37 to Crow Holt Bridge No 52 arriving at 4:20 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 40 minutes. 4.63 miles and No locks, averaging 2.78 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 320 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 587.00 miles and 567 locks, averaging 3.60 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just after Mottersheds Bridge No 50. A hot and mostly sunny day.
From Crow Holt Bridge No 52 to Kent Green Bridge No 87 arriving at 3:05 pm. The time taken was 5 hours 25 minutes. 9.63 miles and 12 locks, averaging 3.99 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 325 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 596.63 miles and 579 locks, averaging 3.61 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Before we set off I discovered our Seapower (240 volt) alternator had a broken braket so had to disconnect it. Stopped 20 minutes for water before we came down the locks - lots of boats coming up and had lunch on the move. Moored at Heritage Narrowboats to see if anyone there could weld our alternator bracket. They did and in the process we found we needed a new isolation switch fitted. We finally mooered opposite the marina at !8.10 and went to the Rising Sun for dinner. A hot sunny day.
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From Kent Green Bridge No 87 to Pierpoint Lock No 56 arriving at 1:15 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 45 minutes. 7.00 miles and 17 locks, averaging 5.05 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 330 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 603.63 miles and 596 locks, averaging 3.63 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw Chesterton moored near the Pool aqueduct. Made good progress down the locks with boats coming up as we went down. Moored before Hassall Green top lock for lunch. A hot day, sunny in the morning more overcast later with a light shower in the late afternoon.
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From Pierpoint Lock No 56 to Wheelock Bottom Lock No 66 arriving at 10:45 am. The time taken was 1 hours 55 minutes. 2.25 miles and 10 locks, averaging 6.39 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 332 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 605.88 miles and 606 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
A cloudy and showery trip down the locks but we made good time. Had lunch at the Cheshire Cheese (Lasagne £4.95 each). A drier afternoon.
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From Wheelock Bottom Lock No 66 to Wardle Lock No 4 arriving at 11:55 am. The time taken was 3 hours 30 minutes. 6.00 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.43 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 336 hours total cruising time, 611.88 miles and 612 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped 20 minutes for water at Wheelock. Heavy rain for the whole journey to Middlewich where we moored just past Wardle Lock. Went to the White Horse for lunch (Gammon steak and egg £5.95 each) then on to Somerfield's for shopping. The rain stopped in the afternoon and we had some sunshine.
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From Wardle Lock No 4 to Brickyard Bridge No 6 arriving at 12:25 am. The time taken was 4 hours. 7.13 miles and 2 locks, averaging 2.28 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 340 hours total cruising time, 619.00 miles and 614 locks, averaging 3.63 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Found ourselves seventh in the queue for Minshull Lock and had to wait an hour. Moored a little way after the lock for lunch.
From Brickyard Bridge No 6 to Barbridge Junction arriving at 2:40 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 10 minutes. 2.88 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.32 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 341 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 621.88 miles and 615 locks, averaging 3.63 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at Venetian Marina for 15 minutes then went on to the junction. Beryl got off to dump the rubbish but we did not stop.
From Barbridge Junction to Beeston Stone Lock No 33 arriving at 4:45 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 5 minutes. 4.25 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.48 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 343 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 626.13 miles and 618 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came through Bunbury staircase with an old 71 foot boat and through Tilstone with a smaller boat. Moored before the lock and went to the Beeston Castle Hotel for dinner. A mostly sunny day.
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From Beeston Stone Lock No 33 to Bate's Mill Bridge No 109 arriving at 11:25 am. The time taken was 1 hours 40 minutes. 1.50 miles and 3 locks, averaging 2.70 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 344 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 627.63 miles and 621 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Met boats coming through all three locks as we came down. Stopped 15 minutes at Charles Harden Boats for a pumpout (£12). Moored just after Dales Bridge No 110. A day of morning sunshine with showers in the afternoon.
From Bate's Mill Bridge No 109 to Hoole Lane Lock No 40 arriving at 12:55 am. The time taken was 3 hours 45 minutes. 9.13 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 348 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 636.75 miles and 626 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw a kingfisher after bridge 111. Stopped 30 minues for water at Christleton Bridge. Moored before Cow Lane Bridge and went to Bella Italia for lunch. Did some shopping in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy, some light rain and sunny intervals.
From Hoole Lane Lock No 40 to Nantwich Basin arriving at 5:50 pm. The time taken was 8 hours 15 minutes. 18.13 miles and 11 locks, averaging 3.53 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 356 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 654.88 miles and 637 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for 50 minutes at Christleton to fill with water, including 20 minutes wait. Stopped 10 minutes at Charles Harden Boats for a pumpout (£12). Saw two kingfishers one near bridge 111 and one before Barbridge. Moored before the aqueduct and went to Peppers restaurant for dinner. A mostly sunny day with a couple of light showers.
From Nantwich Basin to Audlem Lock No 24 arriving at 12:20 am. The time taken was 3 hours 30 minutes. 6.13 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.18 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 360 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 661.00 miles and 642 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Had some rain as wecame up the first of the Audlem Locks. Stopped opposite the Shroppie Fly and went there for lunch.
From Audlem Lock No 24 to Market Drayton Bridge No 62 arriving at 5:50 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 15 minutes. 6.13 miles and 17 locks, averaging 5.44 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 364 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 667.13 miles and 659 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored past the bridge. After tea Beryl and I went shopping at Safeway and Rose and Ben went to the pub. A mostly dry afternoon despite the thunder.
From Market Drayton Bridge No 62 to Brewood Bridge No 14 arriving at 6:25 pm. The time taken was 8 hours 50 minutes. 21.63 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.13 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 373 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 688.75 miles and 665 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped 40 minutes for water at the top of Tyrley Locks (a very slow tap). Had lunch on the move and stopped 10 minutes for water at Wheaton Aston (86.6 litres @ 27.3p = £23.10). Moored just before the bridge and went to the Admiral Rodney for dinner. Cloudy this morning with a few spots of rain but a mainly sunny afternoon.
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From Brewood Bridge No 14 to Coven Heath Bridge No 69 arriving at 12:25 am. The time taken was 2 hours 40 minutes. 6.88 miles and No locks, averaging 2.58 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 376 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 695.63 miles and 665 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped 25 minutes for water before Autherley Junction. Moored for lunch just after Bridge 69.
From Coven Heath Bridge No 69 to Filance Lock No 37 arriving at 5:25 pm. The time taken was 4 hours. 8.38 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.59 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 380 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 704.00 miles and 671 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just after Filance Lock and went to into Penkridge for dinner. A dry morning and a wet afternoon.
From Filance Lock No 37 to Acton Bridge No 93 arriving at 4:25 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 55 minutes. 3.25 miles and 4 locks, averaging 3.78 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 382 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 707.25 miles and 675 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw Rosemary and Ben off at the station then went to the Star for lunch. Did some shopping at the Co-op before setting off. Moored opposite the hotel. A mostly sunny day.
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From Acton Bridge No 93 to Great Haywood Junction arriving at 1:25 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 25 minutes. 7.00 miles and 2 locks, averaging 2.63 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 385 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 714.25 miles and 677 locks, averaging 3.61 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped 35 minutes at Milford for water. Had to wait a while to get through Tixall Lock. Moored before Haywood Lock. Went to the Clifford Arms for lunch (Chilli con carne £6.25 each) very good. A mostly wet day.
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From Great Haywood Junction to Rugeley Bridge No 66 arriving at 11:45 am. The time taken was 3 hours. 5.00 miles and 2 locks, averaging 2.33 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 388 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 719.25 miles and 679 locks, averaging 3.60 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Had a long wait at Colwich Lock. Tony Greenwood came along behind us on Iberia. Moored to go shopping at Safeway in Rugeley.
From Rugeley Bridge No 66 to Keepers Lock No 16 arriving at 5:30 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 25 minutes. 7.50 miles and 4 locks, averaging 2.60 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 392 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 726.75 miles and 683 locks, averaging 3.59 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
It started raining hard as soon as we set off from Rugeley. Had lunch on the move. Another long queue at Woodend lock and shorter ones following. Moored below the Junction Lock and had dinner in the Swan. A showery day with some sunny periods.
From Keepers Lock No 16 to Tatenhill Lock No 9 arriving at 3:35 pm. The time taken was 5 hours. 7.00 miles and 7 locks, averaging 2.80 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 397 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 733.75 miles and 690 locks, averaging 3.58 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Set off at 9.30 and had to queue for locks all day. The river was running fast at Arlewas but was still open. Stopped at Barton Turn Marina at 12.30 and had to wait for them to reopen at 13.30 before we could payfor the pumpout (£14). Filled with water there and left at !3.35. Moored at Branston Bridge and went into the village to have dinner at the Blacksmith's Arms (Pork Chops £6.25 each) very good. A showery day.
From Tatenhill Lock No 9 to Shobnall Road Bridge arriving at 12:45 am. The time taken was 1 hours 50 minutes. 2.00 miles and 2 locks, averaging 2.18 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 399 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 735.75 miles and 692 locks, averaging 3.57 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
| A very long wait for the lock. Moored at our place at the Festival, a little way before the road bridge. Had lunch at the Albion and went into town for some shopping. A dry day with some sunshine. |  |
| Trent and Mersey Canal: Shobnall Road Bridge - August 2004 |
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From Shobnall Road Bridge to Kegworth Flood Lock No 57 arriving at 5:30 pm. The time taken was 9 hours 5 minutes. 17.50 miles and 7 locks, averaging 2.70 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 408 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 753.25 miles and 699 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After four days at the festival we set off towards the Leicester Section. Stopped 25 minutes for water before Swarkeston Lock. Had lunch on the move. Moored just before the lock and went into Kegworth for dinner at the Jee Ja Jee's indian restaurant - very good. A mostly sunny day.
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Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.