Jouneys end - moored at Dunchurch Pools Marina

Our final day for our cruise from the Fens to our new marina at Dunchurch.

Densie (second from right) moored at Dunchurch Pools

We left Braunston at 8:35.  As there are no more locks Denise spent the time packing whilst I steered Densie.  After an uneventful journey we arrived at Dunchirch near Rugby at 10:o0.  We moored up at the service point, registered the boat with the office and then took her across the marina to our designated mooring.  Like all marinas I have visited there was a strong wind  but fortunately our moorings are positioned so that we reach them directly into the prevailing wind which avoids any accidents with the boat being blown wildly off course.

By 12:00 we had loaded the car with all the food and clothes we were taking back and set off for home.

3.49 miles 0 locks 1 hours 25 mins cruising.

Total for whole journey: 94.02 miles, 69 locks, 58 .08 hours cruising over 16 days

Braunston

Between locks on the Buckby Flight

Sharing a rising lock on the Buckby flight

On the move early at 8:20.  Our  first job was the 7 locks of the Buckby flight, which are seriously hard work being deep with heavy paddles and gates.  Fortunately 6 of the 7 locks were set in our favour significantly reducing the effort.  We shared the final 2 locks with an inexperienced group of holiday makers out on their first cruise and reached the top after 2 hours 45 minutes

Approachng Braunston Tunnel

At the top of the locks they turned right to take the canal towards Leicester whereas we continued on the main line towards Braunston Tunnel, at over 2000 yards, one of the longest tunnels on the system.  It is barely wide enough for two narrowboats and is infamous for its kink in the middle where one always seems to meet a boat coming the other way.  We met two on-coming boats, both of which we managed to avoid hitting though we did rub the tunnel walls on one occasion.

Out of the tunnel and down the 6 Braunston Locks which are much easier than the Buckby flight and only took 1 hour 25 minutes.  Reaching the old canal village of Braunston we moored up near the marina.  After lunch we had a visit from Pete and Sue a couple of friends with who we found a convenient table and chairs where we spent a pleasant socially distanced afternoon of chat, wine, and snack food.

5.63 miles 13 locks 5 hours 25 mins cruising

North on the Grand Union Canal

Our main priority today was getting Densie's engine serviced.  It is due every 250 running hours but has done about 270 hours since the last service.  Stowe Hill Workshop had agreed to do the work so it was simply a matter of getting there.

On the GU

On the GU

We left our mooring at 8:20 and had a straightforward lock-free run through to Stowe Hill arriving at 10:55.  They did a very good job for a reasonable charge and also gave some very helpful advice on the engine - recommended.  We left Stowe Hill at 12:15, had lunch on the move and arrived at the bottom of Buckby Locks, Whilton at 14:05.  Although it was early we decided to stop there for the night since Buckby Locks are hard work which can be left until tomorrow.  For much of the journey we were within a 1/4 mile of both the M1 and the West Coast \main line and can hear both from our mooring., however the disturbance is slight thanks to our double glazing. 

10.45 miles, 0 Locks, 4 hours 25 minutes cruising

On the canals again!

Ater one of our longest journeys for many years we are at last off the rivers and on the canals.

Northampton Lock

On the Northampton Arm

On the Northampton Arm

On the Northampton Arm

We left Northanpton Marina at 10:15, completed the final 1/2 mile of the River Nene and ascended Northampton Lock which marks the start of the Northampton Branch of the Grand Union Canal. The first 5 locks are well separated and travel along the canal was very slow because of the narrow and shallow waterway, the amount of waterweed,  and the flow of water.  By 13:00 after 3.5 miles we had reached Rotherthorpe Lock scenically situated in a tunnel under the M1.

From then on travel was much faster as the remaining 12 locks were all a short walk apart.  This eabled one of us to walk ahead and set the next lock ready for the boat to enter directly after leaving the current one.  This worked well for the first 6 of the locks but then we hit problems.

The top gate of one of the locks refused to close properly and was leaking a significant amount of water.  After spending about an hour partially solving the problem by removing waterweed debris from around the base of the gate with our barge pole a boat came down the flight and the extra pressure of water closed the gate.

But progress was delayed further as the canal beyond was short of water and the boat gounded.  It was necessary to walk on to the next lock and flush some more water through. We had to repeat this for the remaining locks reaching the top lock at 16:30.

We were just in time to stop at the nearbyGayton  arMina to buy some filters fr our engine as it is in great need of a service, which we hope to get done tomorrow.  Then at last after 7 hours of cruising we moored up on the Grand Union Canal soon after the junction with the Norhampton Arm.

5.23 miles, 17 locks 7 hours cruising

Northampton

Today's journey took us to our final mooring point on the Nene, Northampton.

On the Northampton Washlands

After casting off from Weston Favell at 9:50 our immediate problem was to reverse out of the mooring side-channel and make the sharp right turn onto the main river against the flow of the water and a strong breeze. Keeping control in a strong wind is one of the more difficult tasks when narrowboating so I was concerned we would be blown against the river bank. However all went well as I reversed at a high throttle into the centre of the river, set the tiller at right angles to the boat, put the engine into a high-rev forward gear and Densie turned nicely into the wind keeping her bow clear of the bank.  A deep breath of relief and off we went.

Abington Barrage Gate

We left the Washlands and the river through the Abington Barrage Gate where in times of flood a barrier is raised from the channel floor to prevent upstream flooding.  This took us onto a narrow wooded waterway through two locks and then back onto the main river.  Then it was a fast and easy cruise into Northampton, up our final lock and into the town marina where we will spend the night.

2.64 miles, 3 locks, 2 hours cruising

Weston Favell

On the Nene near Earls Barton

Further up the Nene

 A beautiful day for boating, hot and sunny with a mild breeze. We set off early at 8:45 as we wanted to maximise the chances of there being room on the Weston Favell mooring - if we could not moor there it would be a further 2 hour journey to the next opportunity to stop.  We have now left the agricultural scenary with the tree lined river passing through attractive pasture and flood plains.

Moored at Weston Favell

After 6 miles and 7 locks we arrived at Weston Favell at 2pm to find it occupied by 2 narrowboats only leaving room for half our boat.  But it was enough to tie in.  Later, one of the other boats moved off and so we were able to shift further down the moorings.

The Weston Favell moorings are located on the Nene Washlands, a vast area used to hold flood water during the winter.  They provide a haven for boats trapped on the river when the downstream flood gates are closed.  During the rest of the year the moorings are available for general use.

Wellingborough and beyond

Our groceries are running low and we have been reduced to using our emergency stock of tins.  After leaving at 8:55  we arrived at Wellingbrough 45 minutes later where the nearby Tesco provides our first opportunity for a comprehensive shop since left Peterborough.

Railway viaduct near Ditchford

A distant large solar farm

Swan family on the river bank

Moored near Doddington

Because of Covid concerns Denise went to the supermarket on her own whilst I filled the water tank, again for the first time since Peterborough.  She returned fully laden 80 minutes later but we stayed moored at Wellingborough until after lunch.

Then on through the unremarkable agricultural countryside,  travelling fairly slowly because of the flow in the river, until we arrived near Doddington where the long stretch of FOTRN moorings provided a good place to stop for the night.

4.68 miles, 4 locks, 3 hours cruisng

Ditchford

After a day's rest it is time to move on.  The weather again delayed us as the rain started whilst we were having breakfast.  Fortunately it had stopped by 11am although the sky was heavily overcast as it continued to be all day.  We left Stanwick Lakes and cruised through Irthlingbrough, Higham and Ditchford Locks to stop at the Ditchford  FOTRN moorings for the night near an impressive Victorian railway viaduct crossing the river valley.

Lining up to pass below the 14th Century Irthlingborough Bridge

Higham Lock, mitred gate are unusual on the Nene

This section of river is very twisty with sharp bends and the boa's speed was limited by the flow on the narrow waterway which was frequently half blocked by over-hanging trees. During the whole 3 hour journey we did not see another boat on the move.

4.7 miles, 3 locks, 3hours 5 minutes.

A quiet day at Stanwick Lakes

We are staying the day here.  After 2 long days travelling we need a rest.  In the morning we walked around the park.

One interesting sight - a 2.5in (70mm) caterpillar was crossing one of the woodland paths, the black thing is the end of a mobile phone:

A search on the net showed it to be an eyed hawk moth which are not uncommon in the area.

Footpath at Stanwick Lakes

Our mooring

Stanwick Lakes Nature Reserve

After one really good day the weather is cloudier, breezier and cooler than yesterday with occasional showers.  However nothing to spoil another enjoyable day cruisng.

The A14 crosses the River Nene at Thrapston

We set off from Pear Tree at 9:10 and continued upstream through 6 locks on our own, 3 of which were manual. We could have moored at Woodford at around 1pm but decided to carry on as we had no wish for a stationary afternoon.  At 14:50 we arrived at Stanwick Lake Nature Reserve, another FOTRN mooring where we will spend the night.

Pear Tree mooring

A perfect day for cruising, very sunny without being over-hot, light breeze rather than strong winds, and a calm river with no troublesome flow.

Tansor Church just visible from the River Nene

Red Kites were frequently seen overhead

We set off from Fotheringhay at 9:15 and  cruised pass the stunning church - photograph available in our September 2019 blogs.  Another narrowboat followed us and we travelled together through the attractive scenary ascending 4 locks - Perio  manually operated), Cotterstock, Ashton (another manual lock) and Lower Barnwell.

A fine bridge provides access to the 17th century Lilford Hall

They left us at Oundle Marina and we carried on alone through Upper Barnwell, Lilford and Wadenhoe Locks to arrive at the FOTRN (Friends of the River Nene)  Pear Tree Farm mooring at 15:30.  We had passed a number of other boats, mainly cruisers,  on our journey and were worried that the moorings would be full as there are no alternatives within easy distance.  Fortunately there was enough space for us as another narrowbat had left about 30 minutes earlier.

11.62 miles, 7 locks, 6hrs 15 mins.

Fotheringay

The rain has gone now and boating is a real pleasure, especially as the scenery is very attractive. We set off from Wansford Station at 9:45 a few minutes in front of Indigo Dreams, a 60 ft narrowboat, who shared our mooring last night. At first we were making a good speed of 3.2mph but after a mile or two this had slowed to around 2.2mph.  There is a noticable flow on the river which increases as the river shallows as one appoaches a lock upstream.

We arrived at Wansford Lock and had to stop on the lock moorings as a very large broadbeam narrow boat - perhaps 12ft wide and 70 foot long was descending in the lock.  Soon after, Indigo Dreams turned up shortly followed by another narrow boat. Fortunately there were no problems when the broadbeam left the lock despite the congestion and we and Indigo Dreams were able to enter.  They left the lock first as they have a larger engine and we did not want to slow them down. Fortunately another boat was waiting to come down so we did not need to stay to reset the lock - on the Nene one is required to empty locks after ascending.

Then onto Yarwell Lock, where again the flow of the river slowed us down to 2.2 mph.  Indigo Dreams were in the lock waiting for us with some ice creams which we gratefully accepted.  At the top we agreed that they could go ahead whilst we stayed behind to empty the lock.
Then onto the final 2 lock at Elton and Warmington both of which we did on our own.  Denise had operated all the locks upto Warmington so I volunteered to work this one.  Very generous I thought as this is our first manual lock of the trip and is very hard work.  Luckily after I lowered the gate and opened the top paddle  a small boat arrived carrying about 9 young men who offered to close up the lock for us.

Moored at Fotheringhay Castle

1.5 miles later we arrived at our planned moorings next to the earthworks of Fotheringay Castle.  Indigo Dreams had also chosen the same spot but there was plenty of room for us both.

9.18 miles 4 locks  4 hours 35 mins.

Rain over - on the move again

We got up early (for us) this morning as we wanted to make some progress on our journey.  It had 2overnight but stopped around breakfast time.  The first job was to fill up with water and empty the waste tank.  This completed by 9:25 we set off up the Nene in partial sunshine and a breeze.

Leaving Water Newton Lock

After after rising through 3 locks and lunch on the move we moored at our intended destination of the Environment Agency moorings at Wansford Station, the terminus of the Nene Valley Railway,  at 13:40.  The moorings are rather short with only room for about 1.5 boats of our length, but fortunately they were empty.

As we were now moored on the port side Denise was able to wash the other half of the boat as we were moored on the starboard side in Peterborough.

We stay in Peterborough

Showers were forecast throughout the day so we have not moved. Straight after breakfast Denise went to the nearby Asda for some more fruit and crumpets for this weekend's breakfast.  We should now have all the food we need for another 5 days or so.  Despite the forecast the afternoon has been dry which enabled us to wash the boat for the first time in 10 months.

Peterborough

First thing in the morning I had a set of jobs to do on the boat. Both times I started the engine since we began our journey yesterday there was a screeching noise for a minute or so.  I guessed a fanbelt was slipping and so it proved. To tighten it was a simple job of loosening the already slightly loose single bolt attaching the primary alternator to the engine, adjusting the alternator and retightening the bolt.  Problem solved.

Next I thought it prudent to open the weed hatch to check the propellor.  Despite the waterway being somewhat weedy the propellor was clean.  Then a final check of the engine - there was plenty of oil and cooling water and finally a small amount of silicon grease was put in on the rubber bearing holding the propellor shaft.  Amazingly the engine is running very smoothly despite having only being run for about 90 minutes in the past 10 months.

The weather forecast was OK for the morning so we left our mooring just before 9am heading towards Peterborough.  Sadly the forecast was wrong and we spent most of the journey in our waterproof jackets and trousers.  Much as yesterday, the scenary was uninteresting and flat.  We arrived at Stanground Lock on the outskirts of Peterborough just before our booked passage at 11am.  The lock-keeper was ready for us and let us straight in.  I have been concerned that the waterways would be busy following the end of lock-down.  However this does not seem to be the case, the lock keeper said only 2 or 3 boats were passing through each day.

Densie moored at Peterborough

Stanground lock took us up from the Middle Levels which are below sea level to the River Nene and 30 minutes later we were mooring up in Peterborough where we will spend the night.

5.3 miles, 2 hours 25mins cruising

Escape from lockdown

After 10 months off the boat we are on the move again.  We have left our mooring of the past 12 months at Floods Ferry near March in the fens and are relocating to Dunchurch Pools Marina near Rugby, a journey of 2 weeks or so.

All the clothes and electronic gear was packed yesterday so first thing this morning aafter transfering the contents of the fridge to coolbags we loaded up the car and drove to Floods Ferry.  An hour later we were ready to leave having loaded the bags and food onto the boat and filled up with water.

Typical fenland waterway

As soon as we left the marina it started raining and continued on and off for the rest of the journey. Fortunately the rain was not  too heavy and we kept dry in our waterproofs. The scenery is rather uninteresting, especially in the rain, with long straight sections of somewhat shallow drainage channels through the very flat farmland.  3 hours and 6 miles later we ascended Ashline lock at Whittlesey we we have moored for the night.

6.6 miles, 3.25 hours travelling