 Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead. |
|
Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.
 |  |
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Peterborough Junction to Wansford Bridge arriving at 12:00 am. The time taken was 3 hours 35 minutes. 11.50 miles and 3 locks, averaging 4.05 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 3 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 11.50 miles and 3 locks, averaging 4.05 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Set off at 8.45 on abright sunny morning. There was a lot of rubbish in and beside the river before Peterborough Bridge even though the river had been lowered by a metre just a few weeks before so that the City Council could clear the river. It was clear that most of the rubbish had been there for many months. Stopped by the Haycock and had lunch on the boat.
From Wansford Bridge to Perio Lock No 30 arriving at 4:40 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 25 minutes. 8.75 miles and 4 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 7 hours total cruising time, 20.25 miles and 7 locks, averaging 3.89 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
More cloud this afternoon but only a few spots of rain and the sun came out as we moored at Fotheringhay (£3).
From Perio Lock No 30 to Wadenhoe Lock No 24 arriving at 1:40 pm. The time taken was 5 hours 15 minutes. 9.75 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 12 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 30.00 miles and 13 locks, averaging 3.51 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
As we came up to Ashton Lock two boats (Moria May and Bluebell) were setting off and we then caught up with them at all the following locks. They moored at Wadenhoe and we moored behind them in the King's Head garden. Went to the pub for lunch (Lincolnshire sausage, chips and salad £5.75 each) which was up to their usual high standard.
From Wadenhoe Lock No 24 to Islip Lock No 22 arriving at 4:00 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 25 minutes. 4.75 miles and 1 locks, averaging 4.06 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 13 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 34.75 miles and 14 locks, averaging 3.57 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
At Titchmarsh Lock the Environment Agency were installing the new electric guillotine gate operating equipment and they raised and lowered the gate for us and opened the mitre door for us to exit. mooredat The Middle Nene Sailing Club. A dull day with drizzle in the afternoon.
From Islip Lock No 22 to Irthlingborough Lock No 17 arriving at 12:40 am. The time taken was 3 hours 55 minutes. 7.75 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.51 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 17 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 42.50 miles and 20 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
The wheel for operating the guilotine gate at Denford lock was very stiff. There was also a lot of foam on the river today and yesterday. Met three boats coming the opposite way one just as we were ready to leave Woodford Lock. Irthlingborough lock was also difficult to work. Stopped at the Diamond Centre moorings and had lunch on the boat. In the afternoon filed with water and washed and polished one side of the boat. Went to Seasons for dinner.
From Irthlingborough Lock No 17 to Wellingborough Bridge arriving at 11:10 am. The time taken was 2 hours 20 minutes. 5.75 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 19 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 48.25 miles and 23 locks, averaging 3.58 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Only one paddle was working on the top gate at Higham Lock. Saw a kingfisher below Ditchford Lock. Stopped on the embankment and went to Tesco for shopping.
From Wellingborough Bridge to Cogenhoe Lock No 7 arriving at 4:35 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 35 minutes. 6.63 miles and 7 locks, averaging 3.80 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 23 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 54.88 miles and 30 locks, averaging 3.61 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
There was no paddle position marker on the lower mitre gate at Wellingborough Upper Lock and the guilotine gate at Wolaston Lock was leaky. Moored above the lock. A fine day sunny in the morning.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Cogenhoe Lock No 7 to Rothersthorpe Bottom Lock No 13 arriving at 1:30 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 50 minutes. 9.38 miles and 11 locks, averaging 4.22 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 28 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 64.25 miles and 41 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
The sign for the channel to Weston Favel Lock was turned so it could not be seen by boats coming downstream. The lock on the gates of the last few Nene locks have been removed making them easier to operate and notices now indicate that exit gates can be left open. Did not stop at Northampton but came striaght onto the Arm and moored on the aqueduct. I sunny morning clouding over in the afternoon.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Rothersthorpe Bottom Lock No 13 to Gayton Junction arriving at 11:15 am. The time taken was 2 hours 5 minutes. 1.63 miles and 13 locks, averaging 7.02 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 30 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 65.88 miles and 54 locks, averaging 3.94 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Had a good trip up the Locks, Beryl drove the boat and I used the bike to make sure all the locks were opened ready. Very few needed to be emptied and we met no other boats. Filled with water (25 minutes) at the Junction.
From Gayton Junction to Bugbrooke Bridge No 36 arriving at 12:50 am. The time taken was 1 hours 10 minutes. 3.50 miles and No locks, averaging 3.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 31 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 69.38 miles and 54 locks, averaging 3.91 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored a little way before the bridge and went to the Five Bells for Sunday Lunch (£10.95 each for two courses). A sunny morning but cloudy in the afternoon.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Bugbrooke Bridge No 36 to Whilton Bottom Lock No 13 arriving at 11:45 am. The time taken was 2 hours 30 minutes. 7.38 miles and No locks, averaging 2.95 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 34 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 76.75 miles and 54 locks, averaging 3.84 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
A wet run up to Wilton where we stopped for a brief early lunch before starting up the locks.
From Whilton Bottom Lock No 13 to Braunston Top Lock No 6 arriving at 3:00 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 35 minutes. 4.75 miles and 7 locks, averaging 4.55 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 36 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 81.50 miles and 61 locks, averaging 3.89 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
It took us an hour and thirty-five minutes to go up the locks with Beryl taking the boat and me lock-wheeling on the bike. It took about half an hour to go through the tunnel, passing just one boat (Canaltime) on the way. Moored at the top of the locks and went to the post office. Had dinner at the Admiral Nelson. A dry afternoon.
From Braunston Top Lock No 6 to Braunston Bottom Lock No 1 arriving at 10:20 am. The time taken was 1 hours 10 minutes. 0.50 miles and 6 locks, averaging 5.57 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 37 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 82.00 miles and 67 locks, averaging 3.94 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Before we set off I discovered we had an oil leak in the engine. Came down the locks, Beryl steering and me on the bike. Stopped at J G Marine to get the fairlead fixed then Sam Matts arrived from Foxton Boats to look at our oil leak. New oil seal required. Had lunch moored at Union Canal Carriers while the oil leak was sorted then bought some gas (£15.95) pumpout (£14) and 106 litres of diesel at 40p (£42.40). We also filled with water.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Braunston Bottom Lock No 1 to Braunston Junction arriving at 2:15 pm. The time taken was 45 minutes. 0.75 miles and No locks, averaging 1.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 38 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 82.75 miles and 67 locks, averaging 3.88 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at Midland Chandlers to buy a new clock for the galley. Moored a little way past bridge 89. A fine morning, rain most of the afternoon and and sunny this evening.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Braunston Junction to Brownsover Arm (disused) arriving at 11:25 am. The time taken was 3 hours 10 minutes. 9.88 miles and 3 locks, averaging 4.07 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 41 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 92.63 miles and 70 locks, averaging 3.90 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
A mostly sunny trip down to Tesco's where we stopped for shopping and had lunch on board.
From Brownsover Arm (disused) to Easenhall Lane Bridge No 34 arriving at 3:10 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 35 minutes. 4.88 miles and No locks, averaging 3.08 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 43 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 97.50 miles and 70 locks, averaging 3.87 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored at our usual place before the bridge. A day of sunshine and cloud with a heavy shower while we were in Tesco.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Easenhall Lane Bridge No 34 to Hawkesbury Junction arriving at 12:15 am. The time taken was 3 hours. 8.00 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 46 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 105.50 miles and 71 locks, averaging 3.81 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped 20 minutes for water just before the stop lock. Moored just beyond the visitor moorings past the junction. A cloudy day with some light showers.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Hawkesbury Junction to Hinckley Brickyard arriving at 11:50 am. The time taken was 2 hours 45 minutes. 8.38 miles and No locks, averaging 3.05 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 49 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 113.88 miles and 71 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came up the Ashby Canal as we need to stay near to Foxton Boats until they have our oil leak sorted out. Moored at Hinkley and after lunch went into the town to buy a new alarm clock. I mostly sunny day.
Related Waterways click to see more details of the waterway - including the table of distances.
From Hinckley Brickyard to Shenton Station arriving at 1:45 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 50 minutes. 7.38 miles and No locks, averaging 2.60 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 51 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 121.25 miles and 71 locks, averaging 3.70 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went to the local Londis shop at Hinkley before setting off. Stopped 25 minutes at Sutton Wharf for water and refuse disposal. Moored on the Bosworth Battlefield Moorings. After lunch we walked under the aqueduct and a little way up the canal. Rain at first then a cloudy morning and a sunny afternoon.
| |
Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.