Trent & Mersey Canal

Passing beneath the M1 on the Trent

We left Sawley at 10:15 in warm and sunny weather passing through Sawley Flood Lock and back onto the River Trent.  A mile of river cruising took us under the M1 to Derwent Mouth where the Trent and the Derwent meet.

18th century warehouse in SHardlow

Here we left the rivers to join the Trent & Mersey Canal where Derwent Mouth Lock took us up from Derwent Mouth into the village of Shardlow where we stopped to fill up with water.  The village is of some historical interest.  It was once a major trans-shipment port where cargoes from all over the midlands and north west were loaded from horse drawn narrowboats onto larger ships to be taken down the river Trent and on to the North Sea.  There remain several warehouses and other old buildings dating from this period. 

Densie in Aston Lock

The Trent & Mersey Canal leaves Shardlow at Shardlow Lock the second after Derwent Mouth Lock of 6 large double width ones in this section of the Trent & Mersey.  Apart from Shardlow Lock they are all deep with stiff paddles and heavy gates. 1.5 miles  beyond Shardlow we ascended Aston  Lock and moored up at 13:30 for a late lunch.

Moored above Aston Lock

Our plans required us to travel a further 4 miles and 2 locks but we were both hot and tired from our exertions and so decided to stay for the night.

Journey Statistics

Distance: 3.73 Miles
Locks: 3
Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

To the River Trent at Sawley

 This morning we left Loughborough early at 9am as we had an rather long journey to make.  "The Rosery" with whom we travelled yesterday stayed in Loughborough  to shop. 

Normanton On Soar Church

After leaving Loughborough we passed through Normanton on Soar with its many large houses and gardens leading down to the river.  Passing boaters are stongly disouraged from exploring the village by the absence of anywhere to moor.

Beyond Normanton there is Zouch Lock wherewe were joined by "B'twixt and B'tween" who accompanied us for the rest of the time on the Soar descending 2 further locks.   This figure does not include. Kegworth Shallow Lock and Redhill Lock which are only used when the Soar is flowing strongly.  At other times both top and bottom gates are left open

Beyond Redhill Lock the Soar meets the much larger River Trent.The section ends at Sawley Locks. which  are electrically operated with by volunteer lock-keepers on duty.  Above the lock we moored for the day iSawley Cut where ther are extensive boat morrings and a large marina.

On the Trent with B'twixt and B'tween in the distance

Moored in Sawley Cut above Sawley Locks

Journey Statistics

Distance:10.58 miles
Opertionsl Locks: 6
Time: 5 hours 5 minutes

Loughborough

 The weather was cool and grey when we left our Sileby mooring and descended the lock.  The next lock at Mountsorrel was only a mile further on.  Here we were joined by another boat, "The Rosery"  who accompanied us for the rest of today's journey.

Mountsorrel Mineral Railway Bridge

Beyond the village the river passes beneath the impressive Grade 2 Listed Mineral Railway Bridge built in 1860 to transport the granite from the extensive quarries in the area.

In Barrow Deep Lock with The Rosery

A mile and a half later we entered Barrow upon Soar where we descended Barrow Deep Lock.  AT 9 foot 7 inches it is not that deep but likely to be the deepest in the area.

  

)n the Soar after Barrow

Shortly afterwards the canal again joins the Soar.  As can be seen in the photo, the Soar is now a significant river very different to the stream that joined the canal before Leicester.

By lunchtime we had reached Loughborough and moored up alongside The Rosery in the modern wharf near the town centre.

Journey  Statistics

Distance:7.07 miles
Locks: 3
Time: 2 hours 55 minutes

A glorious trip north on the Soar

 Last night we ate out at the Aroma Spice, a small indian restaurant in Birstall.  It was delicious, one of the best indian meals we have ever eaten. Highly recommended.

We are now nearly a day ahead of schedule so did not leave Birstall until 10am.  It has been a glorious trip with blue skies, beautiful river scenery and 3 locks.  Our engine had been running long enough to recharge our batteries when we reached Sileby Lock at lunchtime so we decided to moor up for the day above the lock next to a bridge over a small weir.

Cruising down the Soar

Further down the Soar

Moorfed at Sileby Lock

From our window we can see the river flowing slowly by and large numbers of dark blue damsel flies fluttering above the water. Inside the boat despite both front and back doors and a couple of windows being open the thermometer is showing 30 degC. Hopefully it will cool down a bit overnight.

Journey Statistics

Distance: 5.1 miles
Locks: 3
Time 2 hours 45 minutes

Helping the police with their enquiries

 In the morning we walked to the large Leicester Market to look for fresh provisions.  The market is  separated into different sections.  One area for meat stalls, another for fish stalls , and the third for fruit and vegetables. Back at the boat we had crab bought at the market for lunch.

We then set off north down the Soar.  At the first lock, North Lock,  a police lady  came up to tell us that the bridge below the lock was a crime scene but we would be allowed to pass through if we stayed on the boat.  She then asked for help.  The evidence sheet on which she had compiled her notes had blown into the canal in the gusty wind and she could not reach it! With a bit of manoeuvering we were able to retrieve the soggy notes from the canal and hand them back to the very relieved police lady.

Mill Lock

Former mills

Beyond North Lock there is much evidence of old industry including a large mill with a tall chimney festooned with numerous aerials. Leicester was a centre for manufacturing clothing. Beyond the mill the Soar looked increasingly like a real meandering tropical river with thick overhanging vegetation on both sides. 

On the Soar north of Leicester

And then the rain started. Heavy rain. Somewhat of a surprise since it was not forecast at all. As there was nowhere to shelter we quickly put on our wet weather clothing and opened up a large umbrella so only got fairly damp.  By the time we reached Birstall Lock, the last one for today, the rain had stopped.  We moored soon afterwards at good moorrnigs in the village of Birstall.

Birstall Lock in the sunshine

The village centre is only a short walk from the river.  There ae a few shops including a Coop where we bought some items we coud not get in central Leicester and an Indian restaurant we plan to visit this evening.

Journey Statistics

Distance: 3.78 miles
Locks: 4
Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Moored in the centre of Leicester

 Yesterday I described the attractive mooring and the owl box.  Unfortunately we could not stay. In the early evening the boat had developed a noticeable list.  Further investigation indicated that the water level in the canal was falling. So at 7:30pm we decided to move further down the canal to somewhere safer.

This required a half mile journey beyond the next lock where the canal is fed by water from the River Soar.  The remainder of our route until we meet the Trent follows the Soar with the locks being located in short canalised sections.

 Whilst Denise was filling the lock a passer-by asked whether we needed any help;  It turned out that he was a volunteer lock keeper so I inquired about the low water level.  Apparently the pound was known to be leaking but the cause has not yet been found.

Rather than changing yesterdays blog today's journey statistics include last night's move.

We set off this morning at 9:15. Although one may not believe it from the photos most of the journey was within 2 miles of the city centre. At Freeman's Lock, our last lock of the day the Soar is diverted around by a large weir.

Aylestone Mill Lock surrounded by the treets of Leicester

Weir at Freeman's Lock

Beyond here in the centre of Leicester the canal flows through the impressively wide Straight Mile beyond which we moored within walking distance of the city centre at Friars Mill.

View down the Straight Mile

Moored at Friar's Mill

Joutney Statistics

Distance: 3.61 miles
Locks:5

Time: 3.5 hours

Many hands make light work - io the edge of Leicester

 The day started cool and grey with a small amount of rain.  Once the rain had ended we set off at 9:30. At the second lock we were pleased to find that another narrowboat, Upton, had waited for us to arrive to mnimise the effort by sharing the double width locks together. 

The weather improved greatly during the day with the clouds clearing and the temperature rising. We stayed with  Upton for the whole day during which we descended 12 further locks.  The scenery was some of the best we have seen on this holiday as the tree lined canal provided wide views over grassy meadows and distant hills.

Sharing a lock with Upton

We stopped for the night at 15:45 near the Leicester suburb of Glen Parva whilst Upton carried on towards the city.centre.  Out of the window I can see the reedy banks of the canal, hedgerow trees and a grassy field with an owl nest box on the top of a high wooden pole. Hopefully we will get a view of any occupant later this evening.

Moored near Glen Parva

Journey Statistics

Distance: 8.1 miles
Locks: 14

Time: 5 hours 20 minutes

On the move again

We are now on our way cruising towards Leicester.  Now the festival is over the weather has greatly improved. No rain, some sun, and the temperature is rising.

We left our Foxton moorings at 9:45. The stretch before Foxton was isolated and rural.  I can now report that the canal going north is even more so.  In addition there is dense vegetation along the sides of the canal and frequent large patches of rushes and irises partially blocking the aterway and restricting visibility of any oncoming traffic. But nevertheless it all makes for an enjoyable journey.

AFter a mile o so we reached Debdale Wharf wehre I had arranged for an engineer to check our main fan belt.  It had been making screeching noises when the engne was started and appeared to be fairly slack. The engineer was able to  tighten the belt though perhaps it should really be replaced.  However our spare one proved to be the wrong size and the wharf did not have one in stock.

Attractive scenery soon after starting

While at Debdale we took the opportunity to empty our waste tank and fill up with water.  Neither were  urgent but as we will soon be in Leicester where facilities are limited we did not want to risk future problems.

Two miles further on we reached Saddington Tunnel,  at about 900 yards the shortest one since we started. our journey.

Entering Saddington Tunnel

A mile further on we stopped for lunch before moving on to the first of the 5 Kibworth Locks which started our downhill cruise into Leicester. Despite the canal being narrow and meandering these locks are of double width. Unfortunately there was no opportunity to share them with another boat, there being very few on the move.

In the Kilworth Locks

A short distance after the fifth look we moored up at 3pm on a short isolated stretch of piling where we could tie up the boat.  This is the only mooring spot we can see and so we should have a very peaceful stay.

Moored for the night

Journey Statistics

Distance 6.2 miles
Locks 5
Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

A weekend at the Harborough 75 Festival

 We have spent the weekend at the Inland Waterways Association Harborough 75 Festival held to celebrate 75 years since the IWA's first national campaigning rally in 1950 and to publicise today's waterways and the importance that they are maintained for the future.

The festival included a number of old restored narriowboats, waterways based traders selling cakes, cheese, doggie thing, crafts etc moored in the canal and a festival events site where food, drink. s, entertainments and further stalls could be found.

The weather forecast for Saturday was awful with heavy rain and possible thunderstorms though mostly it remained dry. Suhday ws better attractiing more visitors. For us it was good to meet up with boating friends some of whom we had not seen for several years.

We worked there setting up the IWA stand and subsequently talking to interested visitors and signing up new members. One visitor of particular interest was a lady who had attended the original festival as a young girl and had brought along the scrap book she had compiled at the time.

We will be moving on tomorrow.

Old narrowboats moored above the locks

Part of the festival events site

Densie moored at the festival

A quiet day at Foxton

 We are staying at Foxton until Monday.  Many boats have arrived for the festival and more will do so tomorrow. 

It was raining all morning but stopped by lunchtime. During the afternoon we walked around the area to see what was where.  Unfortunately we are moored about half a mile from the events and refreshments field at the far end of the allocated moorings  located beyond the top of the Foxton flight.

Depending on the weather I provide a few photos tomorrow.

No journey so no statistics.

Ahead of schedule at Foxton Locks

 

In contrast to yesterday, today was bright and sunny. So we set off early at 9:15. After 3 miles of easy cruising we passed Welford Junction where we had to abandon our cruise last year because of illness.  No such problems this time.

Congestion on the canal

Cutting leading to Husband Bosworth Tunnel

Approaching the tunnel

We carried on through the wooded cutting which finished at the 1166 yard Husbands Bosworth Tunnel. We had planned to stop about 2 miles further on but since the weather was good and rain was forecast for tomorrow we decided to carry on moving until Foxton Locks where we will spend the weekend.at the Inland Waterways Association Festival.

Waterside heron

Foxton Lockswere designated by  the founder of IWA in 1946 as one of the wonders of the Waterways. It consists of two flights of 5-staircase locks with a passing point in the middle. There were surprisingly lfew boats passing through the locks and we were able to start the descent immediately we arrived.

Looking back at Foxton upper staircase

We moored at our designated mooring below the bottom of the flight. 

Journet Statistics

Distance: 11.2 miles
Locks: 10
Time: 5 fours 20 minutes

Delayed by rain

 During most of the morning the weather varied between light and heavy rain which finally stopped around 11:30 when we set off north on the Leicester Section of the Grand Union. For the subsequent 3 hours we cruised through some very through deserted but very pleasant rural countryside only stopping for 20 minutes to fill up with water  just outside the small village of Yelvertoft, the only habitation near the canal.

We ate lunch on the go and moored up at 14:45 miles from anywhere.

Typical scenery on the Leicester Section

Moored for the night

Journey Statistics

Distance: 7.1 miles
Locks:0
Time: 3 hours 10 mins

Out for a month on the Leicester ring

 W started our next canal cruise on Sunday 1st June but  were not able to post a blog due to lack of internet connectivity.  The past 2 days are therefore described here.

We drove to our marina on Saturday morning and after unpacking the car visited the local Sainsburys for a weeks worth of groceries as there are very few shops  on the first part of our route. After spending the night in the marina we set off on Sunday morning south on the North Oxford Canal joining the Grand Union at Braunston.

Soon after leaving the village the canal ascends the Braunston flight where 6 double width locks raise boats by 35 ft.  Thr first 3 locks were easy as we shared with sother boats with minimal waiing for boats coming down,  But then we hit a queue as passage through the 5th lock was very slow due to a broken paddle and a badly leaking bottom gate.

Immediately after the final, 6th, lock we stopped for the night.  Unfortunately there was no mobile internet connection so it was impossible to produce the blog.

Moored above Braunston Top Lock

Today, Monday, we set off early at 8:45 and soon reached the 2045 yard Braunston tunnel which we passed through quickly as there were no boats coming the other way.

A couple of miles beyond the tunnel the Grand Union splits with the Main Line going south to London and the Leicester Section north to Leicester and beyond.  We chose the latter option turning left through wooded countryside to Watford Locks, near to the M1 Watford Gap Service Station.

Passing through woods on the way to Watford Locks

The Watford flight consists of 7 narrow locks with the middle 4 being a staircase where the top gate of one lock is also the bottom gate of the next lock. .   Since boats cannot pass in the staircase and the operation is more complex than with a normal lock there are lock-keepers on duty to ensure the locks are correctly used and to help boaters get through them quickly.

Densie in the Watford staircase

AT the top of th staircase

Beyond Watford Locks the woods are replaced by rolling hills and farmland though the scenery remains attractive.  2 miles further on we reach the Crick Tunnel, at 1528 yards rather shorter than the Baunston Tunnel.  However there is much dripping water and so we always where waterproof jackets here.

Above Watford Locks

About to enter Crick Tunnel

Beyond the tunnel lies the village of Crick where we have moored for the night.  

Journey Statistics

Sunday 1st June
Distance: 4.35 miles
Locks: 6
Time: 4 hours 10 mins

Monday 2nd June
Distance: 8.21 miles
Locks:7
Time: 4 Hours

Back at the marina

 Ater a short cruise from Braunston we have now reached our home base.  The weather was a mixture of sun and clouds with a cool breeze.  The forecast is looking dry, sunny and warm for the next week though sadly we wont be on the boat to enjoy it.

Having tied up at our berth we shopped for some barge-pole paint and groceries for the next couple of days. Denise primed the barge-pole and we will stay on the boat for the next 2 days to give her time to  paint the undercoat. But as our travelling is complete for the time being this will be the final blog until we go out again at the start of June (hopefully)

Journey statistics

Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Distance: 3.03 miles
Locks: 0

Total Cruise Statistics

Time: 36.75 hours over 12 days
Distance: 62.39 miles
Locks: 44

Braunston - Nearly Home

 First job in the morning was to walk up to the shop in Napton On The Hill where we bought fruit and snacks for the next 2 breakfasts and lunches. But the main objective was to get water buffalo burgers, the meat coming from the animals kept alongside the Napton locks.

Having returned to the boat we set off down the final lock to Napton Narrowboats hireboat base to pump out our waste tank. Ideally we could have waited until we returned to the marina but it was getting worryingly full.

Then along the the South Oxford Canal in 4-layer weather and joined' the Grand Union Canal to Braunston. There we stopped at Midland Chandlers to buy some bungee cord for the boat covers and an 11 foot barge pole  Our old pole was detriorating badly after being left out in the bad weather for too long.  We will have to prime and paint the new one so it doesnt suffer the same fate.

We were very lucky to find a mooring for the night just up from Midland Chandlers and a short walk from the The Boat Inn which  we will visit for our evening meal.

Journey Statistics

Time: 4 hours (including pump-out and Midland Chandlers)
Distance: 7.25 miles
Locks: 1

Back to Napton

Odd building on HS2 site

 Fortunately the expected rain never really happened.  The weather was just cold, damp, grey and miserable. 

Soonb after leaving at 9:55 we again passed through the HS2 constrauction site.  Here there is an odd looking building as shown in the photograph. It   looks like a bridge but there is nothing obvious that goes below it and it doesnt seem to align with the new railway.  There is also nothing obvious that would be above it as it is much higher than its surroundings.

At around lunch time we reached the 2 locks at Marston Doles where we had cosidered stopping to eat. However we changed our minds decidingto carry on down the Napton flight.  With a bit of luck there would be morings there so we could visit The Follies, the nearby pub, for a late lunch.

Our progress down the locks was speedy and there were moorings availlable at the bottom. Great. However when we visited the pub we found their kitchen  had just closed for the afternoon and would not reopen until the evening. We will have to make do with a ready made paella on the boat.

Journey Statistics

Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
Distance: 6.54 miles
Locks: 8

Sunny again - good progres

 

Swan nesting by the canal

Typical Oxford Canal Lift bridge

Attractive scenery on the Oxford Canal

Housework at our mooring

Since our plans to return home by the weekend may be disrupted by bad weather we decided to travel a reasonable distance today as the fotrecast was sunny and dry.

After leaving Cropredy at 9:30 we ascended the three isolated locks and cruised onto the 5 Claydon Locks. These we ascended quickly with help of volunteer lock-keepers.  At Claydon Top Lock I was pleased to see a couple of swallows in a tree.  I had seen a few flying around the lock on our outward journey but forgot to mention them in the blog. 

We stopped for a late lunch on the boat at Fenny Crompton and then moved on for about about 3 miles to an isolated mooring with wide views across the  countryside. 

Journey Statistics

Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Distance: 8.87 miles
Locks: 8

 moor for the night out in the countryside.