Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.
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From Boston Grand Sluice Lock No 3 to Tattershall Bridge arriving at 12:10 am. The time taken was 2 hours 30 minutes. 11.75 miles and 1 locks, averaging 5.10 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 391 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 922.13 miles and 502 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After filling with water we set off, waving adieu to Kelper, in sunshine up river. Soon the cloud came then some rain. Moorhens, Coot, Ducks,Great Crested Grebes, all with young, in great evidence as on our previous trips on this stretch of water. In the afternoon we had some thunder and some heavy showers.
From Tattershall Bridge to Kirkstead Bridge arriving at 12:15 am. The time taken was 1 hours. 4.13 miles and No locks, averaging 4.13 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 392 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 926.25 miles and 502 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Did some painting on the cratch then we went into Tattershall village and did some shopping at Somerfield's. Passed the attractive red brickTattershall Castle with its peacocks (NT). Stopped for lunch next to Kelper and a cruiser.
From Kirkstead Bridge to Bardney Lock No 2 arriving at 3:35 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 55 minutes. 7.38 miles and No locks, averaging 3.85 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 394 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 933.63 miles and 502 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Passed Donna Ann (SIBC) on the Bardney visitor moorings. Stopped for water above the lock.
From Bardney Lock No 2 to Washingborough arriving at 5:20 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 25 minutes. 5.88 miles and 1 locks, averaging 4.85 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 395 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 939.50 miles and 503 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored on the visitor moorings and did some more painting on the cratch and port side of the boat. A mostly cloudy day with some brief sunshine.
From Washingborough to Lincoln, West end of Brayford Mere arriving at 3:05 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 15 minutes. 2.63 miles and 1 locks, averaging 2.90 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 396 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 942.13 miles and 504 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
A very wet morning, Beryl cut my hair. After lunch went up to Lincoln. Had a chat with the man from the nb Freedom from Lyme. Collected the post and installed the new phone cradle. A sunny evening after a wet dull day.
From Lincoln, West end of Brayford Mere to Saxilby Bridge arriving at 3:45 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 45 minutes. 5.38 miles and No locks, averaging 3.07 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 398 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 947.50 miles and 504 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went shopping at Morrison's then did an oil change. Stopped for water at the BW yard then went on to moor just beyond the main road bridge. A mixture of cloud and sunshine with a stiff breeze.
From Saxilby Bridge to Torksey Junction arriving at 4:05 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 45 minutes. 5.38 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 400 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 952.88 miles and 505 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Changed the belt on the alternator this morning. After lunch set off to Torksey, had a pump-out (£6) and filled with water. After a little while we went through the lock and moored on the transit moorings. Did some painting (red) on the port side. A warm day with sunshine and cloud.
From Torksey Junction to Newark Road Bridge arriving at 4:45 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 50 minutes. 21.50 miles and 2 locks, averaging 4.86 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 405 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 974.38 miles and 507 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Set off up river at the flood with the n.b. Jeanie and the cruiser Lady Cathrine. Saw some Terns and 4 Oyster Catchers together. Took 2 hours 50 minutes to Cromwell Lock. Moored opposite the castle. A cloudy day with sunny periods.
From Newark Road Bridge to Stoke Bardolph Lock No 6 arriving at 3:15 pm. The time taken was 5 hours. 18.00 miles and 3 locks, averaging 4.20 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 410 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 992.38 miles and 510 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
The river very busy with boats of all types and lined with anglers. Tried to moor at Gunthorpe but no room so we went on to Stoke Bardolph and saw the lock keeper with the fair beard, who we had seen twice before recently, at Torksey (21 June) and yesterday at Nether Lock. Moored above the lock. A sunny start and end to the day but cloudy for the most part, with a light shower.
From Stoke Bardolph Lock No 6 to Holme Lock No 5 arriving at 9:55 am. The time taken was 1 hours 5 minutes. 3.00 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 411 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 995.38 miles and 511 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Passed by a sand barge on our moorings this morning. Saw two kingfishers in the distance on our way to Holme Lock. Stopped and filled with water, above the lock, from a very slow tap.
From Holme Lock No 5 to Castle Lock arriving at 12:25 am. The time taken was 1 hours 25 minutes. 3.63 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.97 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 412 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 999.00 miles and 513 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Met some people from a cruiser (Alchamey II) coming up through Meadow Lock behind us, they didn't have a windlass so I gave them one of ours. Moored below Castle Lock and went into town for the post and a new watch strap. Had lunch at the Navigation (Sausage Bap £1, Basket of chips £1.20).
From Castle Lock to Lenton Chain Junction arriving at 2:30 pm. The time taken was 30 minutes. 1.13 miles and 1 locks, averaging 4.25 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 413 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 1,000.13 miles and 514 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored outside Sainsbury's, Beryl did some shopping, . Saw Freedom again. A dull start to the day but some sunny periods this afternoon
From Lenton Chain Junction to Trent Lock Junction arriving at 1:35 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 5 minutes. 7.63 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.12 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 416 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 1,007.75 miles and 516 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went into Nottingham to collect the post. Stopped above Trent Lock for lunch. Saw Alchamey II at Beeston Marina and again when they moored behind us here. A mostly cloudy and dry day with some sunny intervals.
From Trent Lock Junction to Gallows Inn Lock No 67 arriving at 1:10 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 10 minutes. 6.75 miles and 7 locks, averaging 3.30 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 420 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,014.50 miles and 523 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored for lunch just before the lock.
From Gallows Inn Lock No 67 to Langley Mill Junction with Cromford Canal arriving at 7:10 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 25 minutes. 5.00 miles and 6 locks, averaging 2.49 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 424 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,019.50 miles and 529 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
| Saw quite a lot of anglers, no other boats on the move and few moored. most of the route through, villages, suburbs and semi rural countryside. Moored above the lock. No food at the Great Northern so we went to an Indian Resturaunt (£30 with bottle of wine, beer and tip). A mostly sunny day with a cooling breeze. |  |
| Grand Union Erewash Canal: Sandiacre Lock No 63 Lorna-Ann in - July 1996 |
From Langley Mill Junction with Cromford Canal to Shipley Lock No 72 arriving at 3:25 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 30 minutes. 1.63 miles and 1 locks, averaging 1.75 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 426 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 1,021.13 miles and 530 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went into Eastwood to Safeway's for the weeks shopping. Set off after lunch at 13.30 but spent about 25 minutes filling with diesel (£29 for 131.9 litres) and going down to the end of the arm to wind. Passed a boat coming up and moored just below the lock. A warm day of sunshine and cloud.
From Shipley Lock No 72 to Stanton Lock No 65 arriving at 12:30 am. The time taken was 2 hours 50 minutes. 4.63 miles and 7 locks, averaging 4.10 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 429 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 1,025.75 miles and 537 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
The lengthsman followed us down the canal and gave us a hand at some of the locks. Stopped for lunch, . just before the lock
From Stanton Lock No 65 to Sandiacre Junction arriving at 4:15 pm. The time taken was 1 hours. 2.25 miles and 2 locks, averaging 4.25 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 430 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 1,028.00 miles and 539 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped on the visitor moorings at Sandiacre. A warm but cloudy day.
From Sandiacre Junction to Kegworth Flood Lock No 57 arriving at 12:00 am. The time taken was 3 hours 15 minutes. 5.75 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.31 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 433 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,033.75 miles and 544 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came down the Erewash and up the Soar. Moored just outsiide the lock and went to the Anchor for beer and ham rolls. Went back to the boat for more beer and crisps,
From Kegworth Flood Lock No 57 to Bishops Meadow Lock No 54 arriving at 4:40 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 15 minutes. 5.63 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.83 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 435 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 1,039.38 miles and 547 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just before the lock. A vey nice trip up the river, lots of boats on the move and moored. A waarm sunny day with a cooling breeze.
From Bishops Meadow Lock No 54 to Mountsorrel Lock No 50 arriving at 12:55 am. The time taken was 3 hours 5 minutes. 6.63 miles and 4 locks, averaging 3.45 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 438 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 1,046.00 miles and 551 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Set off through Bishops Meadow Lock with Keka from Oundle (K & K Brown) then stopped for water above the lock for half an hour. Just above Pillings Flood lock I saw two moorhens fighting, they appeared to have their feet locked together in combat. Moored below the lock and went to the Waterside Inn for lunch (gammon steak and egg £4.80 each). Walked up the mount, as we did 28 years ago.
From Mountsorrel Lock No 50 to Bridge No 19, Syston arriving at 4:40 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 40 minutes. 4.00 miles and 4 locks, averaging 4.80 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 440 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,050.00 miles and 555 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just before the bridge. A lot of boats on the move today, the most we have seen this year. A hot sunny day.
From Bridge No 19, Syston to West Bridge, Leicester arriving at 11:35 am. The time taken was 3 hours 10 minutes. 6.25 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 443 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 1,056.25 miles and 560 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just past the bridge and went shopping. Got Angela's film in Tecno, had lunch (rolls 90p each) at the Dunham Ox, got two pairs of trousers for Beryl in M&S, food shopping in M&S and some other things in Superdrug.
From West Bridge, Leicester to Gee's Lock No 36 arriving at 5:10 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 20 minutes. 4.13 miles and 5 locks, averaging 2.74 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 447 hours total cruising time, 1,060.38 miles and 565 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored for the night above the lock next to Primo. Also saw Dorothea and Lavengro on the way up. Another hot and sunny day.
From Gee's Lock No 36 to Double Rail Lock No 31 arriving at 12:40 am. The time taken was 3 hours. 3.38 miles and 5 locks, averaging 2.79 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 450 hours total cruising time, 1,063.75 miles and 570 locks, averaging 3.63 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped above the locks for lunch.
From Double Rail Lock No 31 to Kilby Bridge No 87 arriving at 2:50 pm. The time taken was 30 minutes. 0.75 miles and 2 locks, averaging 5.50 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 450 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,064.50 miles and 572 locks, averaging 3.63 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for water and soon afterwards QE III came for water. A very chatty couple from Huddersfield who moor at Macclesfield.
From Kilby Bridge No 87 to Newton Church Bridge No 80 arriving at 6:20 pm. The time taken was 3 hours. 2.25 miles and 7 locks, averaging 3.08 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 453 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,066.75 miles and 579 locks, averaging 3.63 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped after High Bridge, No 80, for the night. The lock keeper padlocked the gates of Newton Top Lock after we went through. Met quite a lot of boats coming down the canal today. A lot of blanket weed causing problems and a few low pounds. A cloudy morning and a sunny afternoon with a cooling breeze.
From Newton Church Bridge No 80 to Foxton Swing Bridge No 4 arriving at 1:50 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 5 minutes. 8.13 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.21 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 457 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 1,074.88 miles and 584 locks, averaging 3.63 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Had lunch on the move. Moored just after the bridge and went for a drink at the Black Horse.
From Foxton Swing Bridge No 4 to Market Harborough Basin and Wharves arriving at 5:20 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 15 minutes. 4.88 miles and No locks, averaging 2.17 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 459 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 1,079.75 miles and 584 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored in the basin. A lot of dragonflies around today, including the large blue ones. A very hot and sunny day.
From Market Harborough Basin and Wharves to Black Horse Bridge No 3 arriving at 1:05 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 10 minutes. 5.00 miles and No locks, averaging 2.31 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 462 hours total cruising time, 1,084.75 miles and 584 locks, averaging 3.61 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went shopping at Tesco's in Market Harborough then left Key Largo, who we had moored alongside, aand set off back to Foxton. After lunch I went for a walk to the junction and locks and took some photos. A very hot and sunny day.
From Black Horse Bridge No 3 to Foxton Junction arriving at 9:20 am. The time taken was 20 minutes. 0.50 miles and No locks, averaging 1.50 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 462 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 1,085.25 miles and 584 locks, averaging 3.61 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw a kingfisher as we approached the junction. Stopped at Foxton Boat Services for a pump-out (£12) and to have the stern gland repacked (£16.95). Then we went across to fill up with water and to wait for the locks.
From Foxton Junction to Foxton Top Lock No 8 arriving at 2:00 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 45 minutes. 0.25 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 464 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 1,085.50 miles and 589 locks, averaging 3.61 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went up the first part of the flight help by a girl who parents work at the Bridge 69 pub. We then had to wait in the middle of the flight while four boats came down. A very busy day at Foxton Locks. Stopped at the top and walked down to the pub for lunch (Large cheese salad bagette £2, pork pie £1.30).
From Foxton Top Lock No 8 to Welford Basin and Wharf arriving at 7:00 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 30 minutes. 9.00 miles and 6 locks, averaging 4.29 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 467 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 1,094.50 miles and 595 locks, averaging 3.61 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
| A long, hot but pleasant trip down to here. Met one boat in Husband Bosworth tunnel and another followed us through. Turned and moored near the wharf. Another hot sunny day. |  |
| Grand Union Welford Branch: Welford Basin and Wharf - July 1996 |
From Welford Basin and Wharf to Elkington Bridge No 28 arriving at 1:00 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 35 minutes. 6.75 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 470 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,101.25 miles and 596 locks, averaging 3.61 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Set off after having a look round Welford. Stopped for lunch just after Bridge 29.
From Elkington Bridge No 28 to Watling Street Bridge No 5 arriving at 6:35 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 25 minutes. 9.13 miles and 7 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 474 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 1,110.38 miles and 603 locks, averaging 3.61 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw a stoat on the bank and four mink together in the canal. Very misty in Crick tunnel, could not see through. Arrived at Watford locks at 17.05 and had to wait for two boats comming up, got through at about 18.05. Moored just before Ball's Bridge , No 3. Another hot and sunny day.
From Watling Street Bridge No 5 to Braunston Bottom Lock No 1 arriving at 12:05 am. The time taken was 2 hours 50 minutes. 5.00 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.53 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 477 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 1,115.38 miles and 608 locks, averaging 3.61 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Set off at 8.50 and met six boats, going the other way, in Braunston Tunnel. Went down the locks with Bodger, a lot of boats coming up. Stopped at the bottom and booked to have our bottom blackened in October by Braunston Boats. Went to the Old Plough in the village for lunch (Gammon steak, egg and pineapple £5.45, Quarter Chicken £4.65). Went back to the boat for coffee,
From Braunston Bottom Lock No 1 to Calcutt Top Lock No 1 arriving at 6:20 pm. The time taken was 2 hours. 6.25 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.63 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 479 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 1,121.63 miles and 609 locks, averaging 3.61 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Filled with water and set off. Moored just before the lock, by the resevior. Another hot and sunny day.
From Calcutt Top Lock No 1 to Cuttle Bridge No 25, Long Itchington arriving at 12:25 am. The time taken was 3 hours 5 minutes. 3.75 miles and 13 locks, averaging 5.43 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 482 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,125.38 miles and 622 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went through the Stockton flight with Edward the Confessor, a Sovereign Narrowboat, manned by Peter, Caroline and their two boys. Stopped for lunch at the Two Boats Inn (Ploughman's £3 each).
From Cuttle Bridge No 25, Long Itchington to Radford Bottom Lock No 23 arriving at 4:50 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 15 minutes. 4.38 miles and 9 locks, averaging 4.12 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 485 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 1,129.75 miles and 631 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went through some locks by ourselves but through the last four with Saint Joanna manned by an old (Australian?) man on his own. Moored in a shady spot a little way after the lock. Another hot sunny day.
From Radford Bottom Lock No 23 to Clemens Street Bridge No 40 arriving at 9:35 am. The time taken was 40 minutes. 2.00 miles and 1 locks, averaging 4.50 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 486 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 1,131.75 miles and 632 locks, averaging 3.63 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
I collected the post and bought some batteries in Lemington and Beryl went to Kwik Save.
From Clemens Street Bridge No 40 to Cape Bottom Lock No 24 arriving at 12:25 am. The time taken was 1 hours 5 minutes. 2.88 miles and No locks, averaging 2.65 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 487 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,134.63 miles and 632 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for water below the locks and had lunch.
From Cape Bottom Lock No 24 to Hatton Top Lock No 46 arriving at 5:25 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 25 minutes. 2.88 miles and 22 locks, averaging 5.63 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 491 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,137.50 miles and 654 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went Through Cape Locks with Minstral but they stopped just before the Hatton flight. Waited in the lockfor about 10 minutes then St Joanna came along so we shared the first 8 or so locks with him. Then we went on alone but were caught up by a little Spinger (Lady Katryn) and went through the last 6 or 7 locks with them. Went to the Waterman for dinner (Sausage, egg and chips £4.95, Pork, garlic and sage £5.95) a bit pricey but very good. On our way back to the boat we helped Helen of Troy through the last few locks. Rain at the start and end of the day but we cruised in the dry, with sun in the afternoon.
From Hatton Top Lock No 46 to Lapworth Top Lock No 2 arriving at 2:00 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 50 minutes. 7.00 miles and 19 locks, averaging 5.38 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 496 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 1,144.50 miles and 673 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
On our whole journey from Hatton Top Lock we were followed by an Alvechurch Boat Co. hire boat manned by four Germans. The eldest blonde boy helped us with some of the locks. Moored at the top for a late lunch. A man at Lapworth made us wait while he filled the lock for some ducks, and then he left one of the paddles part up. Saw Taurus and Snipe at Lapworth.
From Lapworth Top Lock No 2 to Lift Bridge No 8 arriving at 6:15 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 45 minutes. 6.50 miles and 1 locks, averaging 2.73 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 499 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,151.00 miles and 674 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just after the aqueduct. Someone nearly let the lift bridge down on me as I was going through. A cooler day with sunshine in the afternoon.
From Lift Bridge No 8 to King's Norton Junction arriving at 11:15 am. The time taken was 2 hours 10 minutes. 4.25 miles and 1 locks, averaging 2.42 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 501 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 1,155.25 miles and 675 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Before we set off a boat from Ware came and got stuck on the automatic stop gates which we bumped yesterday. Taurus and Snipe came along behind them and we all helped to get them off. Moored on the visitor moorings and went shopping at the Spar. Filled up with water and had lunch.
From King's Norton Junction to Tardebigge Top Lock No 58 arriving at 4:15 pm. The time taken was 3 hours. 8.63 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.21 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 504 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 1,163.88 miles and 676 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored at the wharf next to Wigford. Walked down the locks and took pictures. A warm and sunny day.
From Tardebigge Top Lock No 58 to Tardebigge Bottom Lock No 29 arriving at 12:25 am. The time taken was 3 hours 45 minutes. 2.25 miles and 29 locks, averaging 8.33 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 508 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 1,166.13 miles and 705 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Set off after filling up with water. Were helped down the locks by Albert (from Wolverhampton Boat Club) and by the lock keeper (Mick the brick). Had lunch in the Queens Head (Carvery £3.95 each).
From Tardebigge Bottom Lock No 29 to Tibberton Bridge No 25 arriving at 6:55 pm. The time taken was 5 hours. 7.88 miles and 12 locks, averaging 3.98 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 513 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 1,174.00 miles and 717 locks, averaging 3.68 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for diesel at Droitwich Boat Centre at Hanbury (£23.60 for 124 litres). A lot of boats on the move (Brook Line and Black Prince boats returning to base). Moorings very full and we had to moor at a shallow place. A mostly cloudy day with some sunshine.
From Tibberton Bridge No 25 to Sidbury Lock No 3 arriving at 12:25 am. The time taken was 3 hours 45 minutes. 5.13 miles and 14 locks, averaging 5.10 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 517 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,179.13 miles and 731 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Spoke to the people from Pamandy at the lock.Moored on the visitor's moorings below the lock. Went to the Old Talbot Hotel for lunch (Ham sandwich £1.75 each) then to the bank and Sainsbury's. Took the shopping back to the boat and had drinks . A mainly sunny day
From Sidbury Lock No 3 to Stourport Barge Locks Nos 1 and 2 arriving at 1:55 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 45 minutes. 13.50 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.89 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 521 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,192.63 miles and 736 locks, averaging 3.70 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went down through Diglis barge locks with Dulwich a former Napton hire boat that had been called Worcester Navigator. Came into the basin via the narrow locks and filled up with water. Moored in the visitor's moorings between Peluche from Stibbington and Eostra from Tamworth. Had dinner at the Wheatsheaf (cod £2.75 and Gammon £3.95).
From Stourport Barge Locks Nos 1 and 2 to Wolverley Lock No 8 arriving at 4:55 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 10 minutes. 6.13 miles and 8 locks, averaging 4.46 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 525 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 1,198.75 miles and 744 locks, averaging 3.70 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Took some pictures and had a look round Stourport before lunch. This mornninng we are moored between Peluche and Twinkle. Had lunch on the boat before setting off. Passed Rose and Castle at Caldwell Lock and moored on the visitor's moorings just below Wolverley lock. A warm sunny day with some cloudy periods.
From Wolverley Lock No 8 to Whittington Lock No 10 arriving at 11:10 am. The time taken was 1 hours 45 minutes. 3.38 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.07 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 526 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 1,202.13 miles and 746 locks, averaging 3.70 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Just before Debdale Lock we saw a Green Woodpecker on the towpath it then flew across the cut. The rain started aswe aaproached Whittington Lock so we moored before the lock moorings. Had lunch, and sttayed all day. A rainy day following a cloudy but dry start
From Whittington Lock No 10 to Kinver Lock No 11 arriving at 10:00 am. The time taken was 50 minutes. 0.88 miles and 1 locks, averaging 2.25 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 527 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 1,203.00 miles and 747 locks, averaging 3.70 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped before the lock and went into Kinver for some shopping (Spar) and rang Dad about the post.
From Kinver Lock No 11 to Stewponey Lock No 13 arriving at 12:20 am. The time taken was 1 hours 15 minutes. 1.63 miles and 2 locks, averaging 2.90 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 528 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,204.63 miles and 749 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored above the lock for water and lunch.
From Stewponey Lock No 13 to Wombourn Bridge No 43 arriving at 4:20 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 35 minutes. 5.63 miles and 8 locks, averaging 3.80 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 532 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,210.25 miles and 757 locks, averaging 3.69 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just before Houndel Bridge, No 45. I walked up the Bratch to take some photos. A cloudy day with sunny intervals especially inthe afternoon.
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Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.
