Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.
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From Whitley Lock No 11 to Junction with Aire & Calder Main Line arriving at 4:05 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 10 minutes. 5.75 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.12 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 345 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 656.25 miles and 631 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stayed on the moorings at Whitley Bridge all morning and went to the Jolly Miller for lunch (Cheese & Broccoli Bake and Chicken & Ham Pie £4.65 each). Came through the two locks and moored by the junction. A cool and cloudy day.
From Junction with Aire & Calder Main Line to Stainforth and Keadby Canal Junction arriving at 2:05 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 25 minutes. 7.63 miles and 2 locks, averaging 2.82 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 349 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 663.88 miles and 633 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came down the New Junction Canal and turned at the junction towards Bramwith Lock where we filled with water (30 minutes). Stopped for a late lunch about half a mile before the M18 Motorway Bridge.
From Stainforth and Keadby Canal Junction to Thorne bridge arriving at 4:00 pm. The time taken was 1 hours. 2.88 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.88 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 350 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 666.75 miles and 634 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just before the bridge, opposite Thorne Boat Services. A mostly wet day with the rain dying out as the day progressed.
From Thorne bridge to Bramwith Junction arriving at 2:30 pm. The time taken was 2 hours. 5.00 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.50 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 352 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 671.75 miles and 636 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Spent two and a half days at Thorne during which time we arranged to have our rudder fixed, lost our rudder in the canal and had a new one made and fixed (£50), did our shopping at Kwik Save,got two new leisure batteries (£108), gas (£12.25) and got the tappets adjusted and the stern gland packed (£26.20). Stopped for water (40 minutes) at Bramwith Bridge. Did not stop at the junction.
From Bramwith Junction to Junction with Aire & Calder Main Line arriving at 4:20 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 50 minutes. 5.50 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 354 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 677.25 miles and 637 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
When we got to Sykehouse Lock the n.b. Mystery was stuck in the lock because they did not know that the swing bridge had to be open for the lock to work. Came through the lock and the last two bridges with them. Stopped on the visitor moorings at the junction. A mostly cloudy day.
From Junction with Aire & Calder Main Line to Whitley Lock No 11 arriving at 11:20 am. The time taken was 2 hours 15 minutes. 5.75 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 356 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 683.00 miles and 638 locks, averaging 3.71 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored on the Jolly Miller visitor moorings for lunch, . A cool and cloudy day
From Whitley Lock No 11 to Selby Lock No 4 arriving at 1:15 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 25 minutes. 15.75 miles and 4 locks, averaging 4.47 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 360 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 698.75 miles and 642 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Took about 50 minutes to get to Bank Dole Junction. The water on the Selby Canal section was very clear and we saw a lot of fish. Moored just after the swing bridge. Had lunch at the Londsborough Arms Hotel (Gammon Steak £4.95, Broccoli, Chestnut & Stilton Bake £4.50). Went shopping at Safeways.
From Selby Lock No 4 to Newton-on-Ouse arriving at 6:20 pm. The time taken was 6 hours 40 minutes. 28.25 miles and 1 locks, averaging 4.39 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 367 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 727.00 miles and 643 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Filled with water and had a pump out (£6) before going into Selby Lock. Saw a pair of Shellducks with their young on the tidal river and a kingfisher as we approached York. No moorings available in York so we came up to the Dawnay Arms and moored there. Had dinner in the pub (Cheese & Vegtable Pie £5.25, Salmon Steak £9.25). A cloudy day with some showers and sunny intervals in the afternoon.
From Newton-on-Ouse to Boroughbridge arriving at 1:40 pm. The time taken was 4 hours. 11.63 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.41 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 371 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 738.63 miles and 645 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
At Linton Lock we found there were new landing stages but the water was too shallow to get on to the one above the lock. Passed a lot of canoes and several cruisers on the way up. Moored opposite the facilities where there are now new bollards provided. A mostly cloudy day with some light showers.
From Boroughbridge to Ripon Basin arriving at 1:25 pm. The time taken was 3 hours. 6.88 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.29 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 374 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 745.50 miles and 648 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
| Filled with water (25 minutes) at Boroughbridge before setting off. Saw several Oystercatchers and a kingfisher on the way up to Westwick Lock. Shared the last two locks with n.b. First Attempt. Turned and stopped on the visitor moorings. Went round the town after lunch. A cloudy, wet and windy day. |  |
| Ripon Canal: Ripon Basin - July 2000 |
From Ripon Basin to Boroughbridge arriving at 4:40 pm. The time taken was 3 hours. 6.88 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.29 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 377 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 752.38 miles and 651 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
We spent 2 days in Ripon, and visited Fountains Abbey, did our shopping at Morrison's and set off after lunch. Stopped for water on the facilities (15 minutes). Met Marenghi below Bell Furrows Lock. Saw a kingfisher just below Westwick Lock. Moored on the visitor bollards opposite the facilities. A mainly sunny day.
From Boroughbridge to Lendal Bridge, York arriving at 1:45 pm. The time taken was 5 hours. 20.38 miles and 2 locks, averaging 4.48 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 382 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 772.75 miles and 653 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Had to wait at Linton Lock for a couple of cruisers to go through before us. Saw a kingfisher at the River Nidd junction. Had lunch on the move. Moored just past the railway and footbridge. Went shopping in York and in the evening had dinner at the Pizza Hut. A sunny day with some cloud.
From Lendal Bridge, York to Naburn Locks arriving at 4:10 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 30 minutes. 6.00 miles and No locks, averaging 4.00 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 383 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 778.75 miles and 653 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Spent two days in York and did some more shopping and went to see the Treasurer's House. Had lunch at Bella Pasta before setting off. Filled with diesel (£32.70 for 125.77 litres) and had a pumpout (£8) at Naburn Marina (25 minutes). Filled with water above the lock (25 minutes) then moved back to the overnight moorings. A cloudy day with some sunny intervals.
From Naburn Locks to Selby Lock No 4 arriving at 12:15 am. The time taken was 3 hours 15 minutes. 13.50 miles and 2 locks, averaging 4.77 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 387 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 792.25 miles and 655 locks, averaging 3.74 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Started off at 9am and were through Naburn Lock, which we shared with three cruisers, by 9.25. Saw the family of Shellduck on the Ouse again and were in the lock by about noon. Had lunch and did some shopping in Safeway's. A cloudy, cool morning but sunny in the afternoon.
From Selby Lock No 4 to Whitley Lock No 11 arriving at 1:35 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 5 minutes. 15.75 miles and 4 locks, averaging 4.84 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 391 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 808.00 miles and 659 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Someone opened Selby swingbridge for us and Haddlesey Flood lock was open at both ends. Went through Beal and Bank Dole Locks with a couple of cruisers. Stopped on the Jolly Miller moorings for lunch.
From Whitley Lock No 11 to Junction with Aire & Calder Main Line arriving at 4:25 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 55 minutes. 5.75 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.52 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 393 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 813.75 miles and 660 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
The lock keeper operated Whitley Lock for us as we had a problem with the console controls. He also came down and finished off working Pollington Lock for us as there was a large barge following us down. Moored at the junction. A mostly sunny day with a cool breeze and some cloud.
From Junction with Aire & Calder Main Line to Stainforth and Keadby Canal Junction arriving at 12:20 am. The time taken was 2 hours 45 minutes. 7.63 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.50 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 395 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 821.38 miles and 662 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for water (30 minutes) above Bramwith Lock. The last three bridges on the New Junction Canal and Bramwith Swing Bridge were not working, due to a power fault I think, so they were operated for us by BW men. Stopped at the New Inn for a drink.
From Stainforth and Keadby Canal Junction to Thorne bridge arriving at 1:50 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 397 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 824.25 miles and 663 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped on the visitor moorings and went shopping for fruit and veg in the town. A cloudy morning and a hot and sunny afternoon.
From Thorne bridge to Keadby Lock No 17 arriving at 3:45 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 50 minutes. 9.88 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.84 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 399 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 834.13 miles and 664 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went shopping at Kwik Save. Set off after lunch. Saw four Great Creasted Grebes on the way. Moored just before the lock in front of Brass Rivet (no name on the boat). A sunny morning and a mostly cloudy afternoon.
From Keadby Lock No 17 to Newark Road Bridge arriving at 4:30 pm. The time taken was 9 hours 10 minutes. 49.00 miles and 2 locks, averaging 5.56 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 409 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 883.13 miles and 666 locks, averaging 3.79 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
| Came through Keadby lock with two other narrowboats and came up the river at a good pace. A gravel barge passed us just before Gainsborough. Quite a few pleasure boats about too. Got to Comwell Lock at 14.15 (6 hours 55 minutes from setting off). Had to wait while boats already in the lock went through then we came through with a cruiser. Moored just before the bridge and had dinner at Pizza Express. A sunny day with some cloudy periods. |  |
| River Trent: Between Besthorpe Wharf and South Clifton Gravel Barge - July 2000 |
From Newark Road Bridge to Gunthorpe Bridge arriving at 1:05 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 45 minutes. 14.13 miles and 3 locks, averaging 4.57 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 412 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 897.25 miles and 669 locks, averaging 3.79 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw a lot of Great Created Grebes, a pair of Oystercatchers and a Kingfisher on the trip up. We were lucky to get a mooring on the pontoon, for lunch , as a narrowboat was just pulling out as we arrived. A hot day, sunny in the morning and some cloud in the afternoon
From Gunthorpe Bridge to Lenton Chain Junction arriving at 2:35 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 35 minutes. 11.63 miles and 4 locks, averaging 3.41 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 417 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 908.88 miles and 673 locks, averaging 3.79 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came through Stoke Bardolph and Holme Locks with the cruiser Lock Ahead and the n.b. Water Lily. Stopped for water above Holme lock (45 minutes - very slow tap). Went through the next two locks with Lock Ahead. Locks busy in both directions. Stopped outside Sainsbury's and went in for lunch and shopping. A cool and cloudy day.
From Lenton Chain Junction to Shardlow Lock No 2 arriving at 1:25 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 40 minutes. 10.88 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.62 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 422 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 919.75 miles and 679 locks, averaging 3.79 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw a kingfisher near the Boots factories in Beeston Cut. When we got to the Trent & Mersey Canal there was a long queue at Derwent Lock and we waited 40 minutes. Moored outside the New Inn at Shardlow and had lunch in the pub (Cheese & Broccoli Bake,and Sausage in Yorkshire Pud £4.50 each). Walked round the village and went to the Heritage Centre. A cool and cloudy day.
From Shardlow Lock No 2 to Swarkeston Lock No 5 arriving at 12:40 am. The time taken was 3 hours 5 minutes. 5.75 miles and 3 locks, averaging 2.84 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 425 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 925.50 miles and 682 locks, averaging 3.78 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came through Aston and Weston locks with two cruisers, Misty and one used by two BW men. Moored above Swarkeston Lock for water and lunch.
From Swarkeston Lock No 5 to Willington Bridge No 23 arriving at 5:10 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 45 minutes. 5.25 miles and 1 locks, averaging 2.27 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 427 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 930.75 miles and 683 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped above Stenson Lock for a pumpout (self service £8), bought Waterways World and some Elsan Blue and got rid of my old engine oil (25 minutes in all). The moorings in Willington were a bit crowded so we came on to moor just past Bridge 25. A cloudy but dry day.
From Willington Bridge No 23 to Shobnall Road Bridge arriving at 10:50 am. The time taken was 1 hours 55 minutes. 5.25 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.26 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 429 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 936.00 miles and 684 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped by Shobnall Marina and went shopping at Safeway - got a taxi back.
From Shobnall Road Bridge to Branstone Lock No 8 arriving at 3:15 pm. The time taken was 55 minutes. 1.00 miles and 1 locks, averaging 2.18 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 430 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 937.00 miles and 685 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored just before Branston Bridge. After dinner we went to the Bridge pub and saw the Mikron Theatre do Beer Street - very good. A mosty cloudy but warmer day.
From Branstone Lock No 8 to Arlewas Lock No 12 arriving at 12:45 am. The time taken was 2 hours 50 minutes. 5.88 miles and 4 locks, averaging 3.49 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 433 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 942.88 miles and 689 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for water (20 minutes) just before Barton Lock. There is a new marina in the course of construction above the lock that is in water and has mooring stages but is empty. Moored at Alrwas and had lunch at the George & Dragon (Cheese Jacket Potato and BLT Baguette). Did the 5502 hours engine service.
From Arlewas Lock No 12 to Huddlesford Junction arriving at 5:55 pm. The time taken was 3 hours. 6.38 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.79 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 436 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 949.25 miles and 694 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored a little way before Stoney Step Bridge No. 84. A mostly cloudy day witha few sunny intervals.
From Huddlesford Junction to Amington (Bridge 66) arriving at 3:20 pm. The time taken was 5 hours 55 minutes. 10.00 miles and 2 locks, averaging 2.03 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 442 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 959.25 miles and 696 locks, averaging 3.74 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at Hopwas for 5 minutes to post a letter in the post box by the Tame Otter. Found a queue of about 13 boats waiting for Glascote Locks. It took about two hours to get to the front of the queue. Moored just after the pipe bridge before Alvecote Marina. A mostly warm and sunny day bur some heavy showers in the evening.
From Amington (Bridge 66) to Atherstone Top Lock No 1 arriving at 2:00 pm. The time taken was 5 hours 10 minutes. 7.50 miles and 10 locks, averaging 3.39 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 447 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 966.75 miles and 706 locks, averaging 3.74 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came up the Atherstone Flight behind Diogenes. A lot of boats using the locks. Moored at the top for lunch then Beryl went shopping at Somerfield.
From Atherstone Top Lock No 1 to Hartshill Wharf arriving at 4:25 pm. The time taken was 55 minutes. 2.25 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 448 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 969.00 miles and 707 locks, averaging 3.74 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Filled with water (15 minutes) then moved across to the opposite bank to moor. A hot and mostly sunny morning and some heavy showers in the afternoon.
From Hartshill Wharf to Tusses Bridge No 4 arriving at 12:25 am. The time taken was 3 hours 10 minutes. 9.75 miles and No locks, averaging 3.08 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 451 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 978.75 miles and 707 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw a kingfisher near Bedworth. Moored just before Trusses Bridge for lunch.
From Tusses Bridge No 4 to Newbold Tunnel (South-east end) arriving at 5:05 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 45 minutes. 10.50 miles and No locks, averaging 2.80 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 455 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 989.25 miles and 707 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
From Hawkesbury to about a mile before Newbold the canal was covered with duckweed. Came through the tunnel and stopped on the visitor moorings just past the bridge. A day of sunshine and cloud with a prolonged shower this afternoon.
From Newbold Tunnel (South-east end) to Navigation Bridge No 85 arriving at 1:10 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 25 minutes. 9.50 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 458 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 998.75 miles and 710 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for water at Hillmorton (35 minutes) then went up the locks. Moored for lunch just before Navigation Bridge No 85.
From Navigation Bridge No 85 to Braunston Bottom Lock No 1 arriving at 3:40 pm. The time taken was 55 minutes. 2.50 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.82 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 459 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 1,001.25 miles and 711 locks, averaging 3.72 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Turned into the marina for a pumpout (£5). It took 40 minutes as there was another boat there before us. Came out and went a little way towards the lock to moor. A warm and mostly sunny day.
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Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.
