Fond farewells to family and friends completed we set off from Aston Clinton at 10.30 bathed in warm sunshine. Paul and Steve share the steering and we all help with locks.
At Puttenham Lock 11 up Aylesbury arm we come across a jammed paddle and lock gate; in our efforts to free this we managed to break the boat hook pole!! Everything had been going so well too!....British Waterways appeared and we left them to sort the lock and paddle. The next lock we catch sight of an elusive and notorious mink, a quick flash of a cute black creature!
Our travels continued and we reached Marsworth, heading north on the Grand Union we cruised to Ivinghoe, just through the swing bridge near Pitstone. We moored up about 18.00, ( but we did have a long break for lunch) deciding to have a Bar-b-q as it is a beautiful evening.
Travelled 5 miles, 15 locks, 1 swing bridge.
Mon 8th Aug
We spent a lazy weekend and didn't really move.
However, today we set off determined to make some time up! Continuing north along the Grand Union we stopped at Tesco, Leighton Buzzard to pick up a few supplies. We noticed a cow had strayed onto the tow path! luckily some locals had reported this to a nearby farm. The day was going well, regardless of the many Wyvern boats we met!, so carried on and got through Soulbury and it's 3 locks. Moored up at 21.15, it had been a long day, but worth it.
Travelled 8 miles, (13miles),8 locks (23 locks) 1 swing bridge
Tues 9th Aug
Travelled 12miles (25miles) 2 locks (25 locks) 1 swing bridge
Wed 10th Aug
Left Linford at 09.00 amid sunshine and strong winds! Nearly had a head on with a chap who had moored just the other side of a bridge and decided to pop out whilst we coming through! He already had 1 broken leg....!Passed through New Bradwell and glimsed the 19th century restored windmill just before crossing the acqueduct leading into Wolverton. Collected more supplies from Tesco and had trouble casting off due to strong winds...had a couple of near misses with fellow boaters!
Continuing northwards we navigated the Great Ouse aqueduct into Cosgrove and moored up about 11.00, time for a rest and recover from the wind. Had lunch, moved through the lock with difficulty as it was still windy, filled water tank and decided to call it a day. Had local fish & chips later...delicious!
Travelled 5 miles (30 miles) 1 lock (26 locks) 1 swing bridge 2 acqueduct
Thurs 11 Aug
Left Cosgrove at 10.30 amid wind, rain and chaos at the lock! Wyverns galore.
Showers continued along the way and arrived at Stoke Bruerne at 16.15, alas no where to moor! Very busy, had lunch at water point and topped up the tank whilst deciding what to do. Went through 5 locks and moored up for the night. Went to the pub, Steve had a bad day....but that's another story!!!
Travelled 7 1/4miles (37 1/4 miles) 5 locks (31 locks) 1 swing bridge 2 acqeducts
Fri 12 Aug
We planned to start 06.30 today, seemed like a good idea at the time!! 2 locks left to do at Stoke Bruerne and then the Blissworth tunnel, before it got too busy, hopefully. This was managed without incident, Steve and Paul steered, we emerged into sunshine and stopped at Bugbrooke for breakfast. We continued through Nether Heyford and stopped just before Lower Weedon for lunch, and in fact for the day. Beautiful countryside round here. Time for a rest and to recover from the early start. The A5 & M1 are close by, also, of course, the railway.
Travelled 11 1/2 miles (48 3/4 miles) 0 locks(31 locks) 1 tunnel 1 swing bridge 2 acqueducts
Mon Aug 15
We spent a lovely quiet weekend, beautiful scenery, great walks and good weather, in fact we had bar-b-q! Met a nice guy called Malcolm whose travelling on his own and we exchanged a few tips, hope to see him again. We had a domino & card game evening and I was champion at dominoes!!
We set off early, 7am, to tackle the Buckby flight; it was busy but we got through quite quickly. Found that canal side general store was closed. At the last 2 locks we met Roy & Annie on Panther and Mike on Independence, friends from Cowroast. What a joyful, allbeit brief, reunion on the bank!
We moored up just before Braunston tunnel at 11am for breakfast! warm day again so thought we would walk over the tunnel to see what moorings were like the other side. Good footpath and you couldn't miss the ventilation shafts! After late lunch and a rest we actually went through the tunnel at 5pm, emerged the other side at 5.45, no problems, Paul steered but ended up with a stiff neck. We noticed water levels low most places.
Travelled 10 miles (58 3/4 miles) 7 locks (38 locks) 1 tunnel (2 tunnels) 1 swing bridge 2 acqueducts
Tues Aug 16th
Paul still has stiff neck so Steve on tiller. Set off 10.15 to do Braunston 7 locks, again very busy, but with traffic up and down it actually worked really well. We rang BW to confirm there was passage through Hillmorton double locks, 1 of each pair was closed to help save water, and all should be OK.
We cruised past Braunston with a quick peek in the shop for me! Passed the Midland Chandlery and Grand Union / Oxford canal turn and headed onto Oxford north canal. Again very beautiful scenery, Freddie enjoyed a swim in canal too! Moored just after bridge 88
Travelled 3 miles (61 3/4 miles) 7 locks ( 45 locks) (2 tunnel)1 swing bridge 2 acqueducts
Wed Aug 17th
Moved at 10.30 with Steve at the helm. Still heading north to Hillmorton locks along Oxford north. Calves near the canal drinking....so cute! Very windy & lots of bends with overhanging trees makes navigation a bit tricky at times. The Hillmorton locks were fine, took a bit longer because they were single, and just before the last one there was a narrow boat company giving training to a couple of would be boaters....caused chaos but entertaining! A BW man decided to open one the last lock to help move traffic on. Stopped soon after for lunch and then realised we were so close to Rugby we would continue after eating. Moored near bridge 58 by park area at 3.15 ready for Tesco in the morning!
Travelled 8 1/2 miles (70 1/4 miles) 3 locks (48 locks) (2 tunnels) 1 swing bridge 2 acqueducts
Thurs Aug 18th
Left Rugby 11am after visit to Tesco! Raining heavily and the day went from bad to worse when Steve dropped his phone in the canal.....again!! Very stressed, even more so after getting very cold and wet. We went through Newbold tunnel, which had coloured lights to give a rainbow effect...only tunnel with lights & not very long.
We went under M6 & M69, much better than being on it! Hire boat came round a corner and passed us rather quickly and then proceeded to bump into a moored boat, the owner was not very impressed! The rain eventually stopped about 5pm when we moored up at Hawkesbury Junction and turned north west onto Coventry canal ready for the morning. The men were cold, wet, tired & dispirited; the only thing that had kept them going was the aroma from the stew in the slow cooker! Yummy!
The men needed to get out and de-brief at the local pub, Greyhound, and de stress themselves!
Travelled 12 3/4 miles (83 miles) 1 lock (49 locks) 1 tunnel (3 tunnels) 1swing bridge (2 swing bridges)
2 acqueducts
Fri Aug 19th
Dawned warm and sunny, continued north-west on the Coventry, heading for Nuneaton and Athestone flight.
Beautiful scenery, met a hire boat stuck across the canal and gave them a friendly shove to get them on their way! Aired beds and did washing then sat in the sun.We filled up with diesel near Nuneaton and I checked out the shop!(Starline Boats) We were going under bridge 19 and we nearly lost the bike as Paul hit the roof! Onward to Atherstone, flight is single locks, very picturesque and I picked blackberries for dessert. Good local shop at bridge 41, moored up quickly...everyone tired! Had a rest, dinner then domino tornament continued, guess who won??!!
Travelled 13 miles (96miles) 11 locks (60 locks) (3 tunnels) (2 swing bridges) (2 acqueducts)
Sat Aug 20th
Had a lie in today, set off 11am. Beautiful open countryside & rolling hills. Passesd something that put me in mind of 'The Prisoner'......! Saw a war memorial, obelisk and a fine country mansion with a cannon out front pointed directly at us!! We went under M42 and moored up just passed Alvecote Marina for lunch and rest of the day. Searched for a nature reserve but were unlucky, although we did find coal! Near the Marina we saw Dell boy's car in the car park!
Travelled 5 miles (101 miles) (60 locks) (3 tunnels) (2 swing bridges) (2 acqueducts)
Sun Aug 21st
Set off 11am amid sunshine & green hills.Soon approached Tamworth: busy & built up! Went to Tesco Xpress at bridge 76/77 near Fazeley junction. Joined the Birmingham & Fazeley canal, very narrow with lots of overhanging trees. Moored up 2.30 and Paul went to try put the local pubs, verdict: rubbish!
Travelled 6 miles (107 miles) 2 locks (62 locks) (3 tunnels) (2 swing bridges) 1 acqueduct (3 acqueducts)
Mon Aug 22nd
Early start and set off 9.30am, we are blessed with warm & sunny weather again. The canal went from Birmingham/Fazeley back to Coventry! Passed a MOD shooting range & a disused air field. came to Fradley Junc and turned ont Trent & Mersey canal! We met Peter (coal man) & saw someone who moors at Bourne End on the Thames. Moored 2.30 in lovely quiet spot.
Travelled 11 miles (118 miles) 3 locks (65 locks) (3 tunnels)1 swing bridge (3 swing bridges) (3 acqueducts)
Tues Aug 23rd
Happy Birthday Gabbi! Early start again, continue north on Trent & Mersey through Handsacre & Armitage, which has a tunnel but no roof to it now. It was removed due to subsidence from mining nearby, although still very narrow and only 1 boat at a time can pass through it. Arrived at Rugely, convenient for Morrisons, not very pleasant area. After lunch continued pass Brindley bank acqueduct and through bridge 68, also known as Christina's bridge, which has famous 'bloody steps'. The full story will be told at a later date! Reached a beautiful spot, Cannock chase & Shugborough Hall, would love to stay here for a few days sometime, lovely walks & local history. Met a couple of older couples on boats who were having bit of trouble with hitting things.....!Had a short wait at lock 22 because BW had to come to do emergency repairs. Passed Haywood Junction and stopped just pass Hoo lock 23. Skyped Jason & Gabbi...,.lovely!
Travelled 12 miles (130 miles) 4 locks (69 locks) 1 tunnel (4 tunnels) (3 swing bridges) 1 acqueduct (4 acqueducts)
Wed Aug 24th
Set off 9.30 north west to Weston Lock 24! & Weston upon Trent & Trent valley. We have had A51 near by for several days...very busy & noisy at times. Approached Stone, a most beautiful canal village with handy shops! There is a sculpture of 'Christina' at bridge 94. History notes that she paid to travel on a working barge many years ago, reported to canal company office that she was in fear of her safety from the men, who were often drunk, then her body was found in the canal and dragged out & up the steps at, previously mentioned, bridge 68!
Travelled 9miles (139 miles) 7 locks (76 locks) (4 tunnels) (3 swing bridges) (4 acqueducts)
Thurs Aug 25th
Awoke to cloudy day & boat hooting, looked out & saw friends Chris & Gill on Eulalie! just back from the Caldon. Later we passed Stoke City FC, through Stoke on Trent with many old canal side chimney furnaces. Saw original site of Josiah Wedgewood's factory, but completely missed Caldon canal turn and statue of James Brindley! (Found them when we took a walk!) Bit built up, but of course this is the centre of original canal industry & development.
Travelled 8 miles (147 miles) 9 locks (85 locks) (4 tunnels) (3 swing bridges) (4 acqueducts)
Fri Aug 26th
Set off 10am amid sun & showers. Onward to Harecastle tunnel, someone in the pub at Stone had spun a tale to Paul about having to have BW man onboard through tunnel, take everything off roof & even remove side navigation lights....!!! Needless to say we did have a safety chat from Mr BW as it is only one way traffic, we did see a painted skeleton! it took us about 50 mins. On exit we turned onto the Macclesfield canal, over the Trent &Mersey via an acqueduct, both of which were very narrow & tight. Through 1 lock an moored at 2.30pm for the day, in fact for the weekend, as it is bank holiday.
Travelled 6miles (153 miles) 1 lock (86 locks) (4 tunnels) (3 swing bridges) (4 acqueducts)
Tues Aug 30th
Restful weekend, no travelingbut a few chores. Early start, damp, drizzly & cold! Open countryside, vast, desolate & beautiful. Looming fells known as The Cloud & it was certainly swathed in cloudy mist. The air feels fresher here, quiet & impressive. Quiet day not many boats again, went over River Dane acqueduct and finally approached the Bosley 12 locks, rising about 120ft in a mile! Took us about 2 hrs & was good fun mostly, one chap who 'had been boating a good number of years & knew what it was all about' decided to empty our lock & then complain because he had to wait whilst the boat in front of him went into the lock we had just exited! Moored up about 4.30 just past shower/laundry block.
Travelled 9 1/2 miles (165 1/2 miles) 12 locks (98 locks) (4 tunnels) (3 swing bridges) 1 acqueduct (5 acqeducts)
Wed Aug 31st
Set off 9.15 and weather warmer heading north west, hilly in disstance but becoming more industrialised. Through to swing bridges and arrived at Macclesfield, saw the old Hovis building! then went to Tesco!! at bridge 37. Continued towards Bollington passing an old silk mill & also the White Nancy which was erected in commemoration of Battle of Waterloo. Moored up at Higher Poynton, really picturesque & near services.
Travelled 11 miles (176 1/2 miles) (98 locks) 4 tunnels 2 swing bridges (5 swing bridges) (5 acqueducts)
Thurs Sept 1
Sunny start heading to Marple junction with rolling hills in distance. Arrived 11.00 have been told it takes 4hrs to complete flight of 16 locks! Junction is mixture of built up & country areas, really lovely & here we join Peak Forest canal. The locks were very old, stiff, difficult & 1 broken paddle! We met a family & obliged by giving the daughter a quick ride---made her day! Sadly we met no boats to help with the descent. After lock 13 there was under road bridge for horse and very small man!! Once flight finished we came almost immediately to Marple acqueduct, road bridge & rail bridge....truly awesome! then saw 1st boat of the day. Continued after lunch through 3 tunnels, 1 without a roof! Went under M67 to emerge into more built up, dreary & neglected looking canal, stopped just after Lift bridge 1 at about 5.45pm ready for Portland junction & Ashton canal tomorrow.
Travelled 11 1/2 miles (188 miles) 16 locks (114 locks) 3 tunnels (7 tunnels) 1 acqueduct (6 acqueducts)
Fri 2nd Sept
Set off 9am on Ashton canal. Not an enjoyable day to say the least! Dirty canal, lock paddles broken, area looks drab & run down, people much the same, sadly! However, we were amused at a couple we met canal side!! We get sight of Olympic city & Manchester United football stadium. Arrived Manchester, Piccadily Basin 5.30 pm, ready for booked assisted passage, to set off prompt 8.30am, Noisy & cosmopolitan city, bit rowdy at times! Apparently very near recent riots.
Travelled 7 miles (195miles) 18 locks (132 locks) (7 tunnels) (6 acqueducts)
Sat Sept 3rd
Morning arrives & we are ready & eager for our prompt start at 8.30am. This is were it starts to go horribly wrong!! No BW man by 9.45, so I start to make phone calls, of course being weekend I do not get much joy. I have to resort to the emergency number. To cut a long story short a man did turn up about 11am only to accuse us of not being ready or even there 1 hr ago. He reckoned he had been there at 8.30 and we were not in sight and he said we definately were not there overnight!! No matter that the security man vouched for us & car pick up man had been around since 7am! Mr BW was not going to assist us at all, just open first lock!! So bad mannered, with bad attitude; I began to compose a letter in my mind addressed to BW.........
We asked about reported low water levels, obstructions in canal, broken paddles, unsafe moorings, need I go on? and we were told everything was fine. Needless to say it was the worse day we have experienced in the last 15 years of boating, constant problems and there was no way I felt safe to leave the boat to visit shops. To top it all at the other end of said 'assisted passage' it began to chuck it down with rain, but at least this Mr BW was civil and helpful. We had to continue for about another 3/4 hr for safe moorings overnight, bridge 75a, we met another boat there and they told us they had travelled from Manchester 2 days ago and their Mr BW followed them in his boat to help with afore mentioned problems!!
We put it down to experience, but were too shattered to visit Rose of Lancashire pub so moored up, ate & collapsed into bed. Tomorrow's another day!
Travelled 6 1/2 miles (201 1/2 miles) 21 locks (153 locks) (7 tunnels)
Sun Sept 4th
Slow start due to aching & sore limbs!! Set off at 10.30 with Robert & Dave, so much easier with 2 boats in the locks and 2 lots of crew to help. Went through Slattocks and under A627M road culvert. The canal is improving and much more pleasant surroundings. We cruised until Castleford, outside The Royal eating house and treated our selves to an enjoyable meal & drink.
Travelled 4 miles (205 1/2 miles) 13 locks (166 locks) 1 tunnel (8 tunnels)
Mon Sept 5th
Plan was to get to Littleborough, plan aborted weather abysmal, stay put!!!
Tues Sept 6th
Better day, so left Castleford at 10.30, became windy with showers. Headed through Rochdale, Smithybridge and arrived at Littleborough about 4pm.It had been a hard day again with difficult locks & paddles, either broken completely or damaged due to subsidence. There were some terrible strong inlets that shoved the boat into the wall! In the end we were cold, wet & very tired so I just rang Julia to let her know we had arrived but would see her the next day. After we had dinner & recovered somewhat, I suddenly heard a tapping & there was Julia! She had come to find us, just what I needed, what a lovely surprise!
Travelled 5 1/2miles (211miles) 4 locks (170 locks) (8 tunnels)
Wed Sept 7th
Robert & David decided not to move to so we agreed because weather unsettled & we could do with a rest! I contacted Julia again she kindly took me to Tesco for supplies and then we met up with Bernadette in the evening for a meal & good chat, fantastic!
Thurs Sept 8th
We are leaving Robert & David & going for the summit moorings regardless of weather, passage booked for Fri 9am. Weather started wet & misty but eventually cleared and ws very warm, clear & we could admire the beautiful views. It was like being on top of the world!
The soil here is so full of iron it makes the water look black, but when we were going through the locks the running water looked like ribbons of gold, incredible!
The moorings at the summit are fantastic; views, walks & safe for the dog. The lock keeper is the last one , in the north, living in a lock cottage!
Travelled 1 1/2 miles (212 1/2 miles) 9 locks (179 locks) (8 tunnels)
Fri Sept 9th
Day dawned with slight drizzle & little mist, but not too bad. Fantastic views! Heavy day with difficult locks, arrived Todmorden about 4.30pm, having caused a cascade of flooding because the water levels were so high! Steve was locking & at one time the water was about 5 inches over his feet, he left his socks on the lock for posterity!!! The final lock was a guillotine lock, not a pretty site and it took us ages to get oput of it due to high water levels......long story!! Paul not feeling good.
Travelled 4 miles (216 1/2 miles) 19 locks (198 locks) (9 tunnels)
Sat Sept 10th
Paul not too good, we're locking today, started off with egg & bacon at 10.30 am amid warm sunshine. Lots of hire boats from Sowerby, the locks were ok with some lovely scenery. We arrived at Hebden bridge about 2.30pm and by now it was very hot! Paul & Steve went to investigate the area!! Julia popped down to see me. We've actually made it, nearly!
Travelled 4 miles (220 1/2 miles) 9 locks (207 locks) (9 tunnels)
Sun Sept 11th
Travelled with another boat part way towards Sowerby Bridge. Some people always have a tale to tell plus a few horrors too!! We didn't want to go too far because as we hit Sowerby, the tail end of hurricane Catrina hit us!Lots of rocking, clanging & being blown about! We discovered our canal book was incorrect when we found ourselves approaching Sowerby locks & Tual tunnel. The Tual lock holds 160,000 gallons water and if your boat is longer than ours they extend lock to hold 190,000 gallons, it is the largest & deepest lock on the waterways! You are meant to book this passage but the nice BW guy got us through once we had explained our plight! Thanks to Billy Cox, a very nice Mr BW man!!
Travelled 5 1/2 miles (226 miles) 9 locks (216 locks) 1 tunnel (10 tunnels)
Wed Sept 14th
Set off about 10.30 after filling up with water, diesel, gas etc. Sad farewell to Julia, we had a meal together last night; a thankyou for doing our washing!!
We joined Calder & Hebble canal at Halifax junction and immediately had to go through 3 Salter & Hebble locks. It was a very tight turn and we needed to use a 'Spike' for the locks, one of which was another guillotine lock!! A pretty canal with river Calder beside us. We wanted to get to Brighouse, but some how we missed the moorings and had to moor up just after Cromwell lock...very nice
Travelled 6 miles (232 miles) 8 locks (221 locks) (10 tunnels)
Thurs Sept 15th
Today was going to be an unforgetful day but we didn't know it when we set off. It was a chilly autumnal morning which developed into a lovely warm day. We continued onto Brighouse locks where there was a reed island in the lock! Paul & I were locking, Paul decided to ride bike & had to take a diversion from tow path, I got on boat.We were meant to meet at next lock, Anchor flood pit, about 1/4 mile away......we didn't see him for nearly 4 hrs! When he didn't emerge we waited about 3/4hr, then began to wonder what to do.He didn't have his phone! A moored boater came & spoke to us & said how complicated diversion was and that canal became a river navigation and there was no tow path, in fact where we were was almost impossible for Paul to get to!! Some walkers told us they had spoke to him at Coopers Bridge, which is the start of Huddersfield broad. Steve & I quickly got going, but it took about 1-1 1/2 hrs as there were a couple of locks too. We got to Coopers bridge....no Paul. I am now anxious & tearful, thinking Paul will panic, get more lost etc; I am ready to call BW or police. We carried on Huddersfield broad fot 2 locks to find decent place to moor, I have asked all walkers & cyclists but noone has seen Paul. Steve & I are at our wits end when suddenly, out of the gloom, appears Paul! I did cry but all he did was to moan about why we had taken so long!!! I was just glad to see him, moans & all!! He had cycled almost to Huddersfield!
Everybody was fraught & tired so no one spoke much, just ate dinner (slow cooker had given up the ghost to add to problems!) chilled then went to bed!! Tomorrow is another day!!
Travelled 4 1/2 miles (236 1/2 miles) 9 locks (230 locks) (10 tunnels)
Fri Sept 16th
Left behind Coopers bridge & Colne lock trying to be positive. Continued on Huddersfield broad doing really well, considering the horror stories of the Huddersfield that we had been told (navigated a couple real tight bends) Paul on the tiller, sore feet from cycling! We were approaching Falls lock 8, when I noticed paddles had been left up so pound above was very low. In fact we found a couple stuck in the mud!! BW were on their way so we just had to sit tight in the lock. ! 1/2 hrs later a very nice man appeared and let down some water and we were then soon on our way. We continued onto Aspley marina near Huddersfield University and moored up about 2.30pm. Had a rest, lunch, drink & launderette
Travelled 3 1/2 miles (240 miles) 7 locks (237 locks) (10 tunnels)
Sat Sept 17th
Decided to put in a busy day! We filled with water & supplies and set off on the Huddersfield narrow. We immediately had a very narrow tight bridge to get through then 2 short tunnels! Country side improves, quite pretty and the locks are not too bad. The canal is a bit low in places but Paul manages really well, there is in fact plenty of water...many full locks to empty. Then it begins to rain & rain & rain, Steve & I are soaked!!! We came across a gaggle of geese at a lock, they were lovely! We moored up at Slaithwaite at 4.30pm, will rest tomorrow.
Travelled 5 miles (245 miles) 21 locks (258 locks) 2 tunnels (12 tunnels)
Mon Sept 19th
After such a busy day on Sat we awarded ourselves a rest on Sun! saw Julia again & had a walk round market in Slaithwaite. Left about 10.00, dry but dull. I was ahead & opened the second lock of the day (no 24) and there was so much water it raised the levels just as Steve was going under a rather low bridge!! The next lock was another guillotine lock that I had to wind by hand, (hard work)very low bridge and guillotine not much higher....hoped it wouldn't cut Paul.s head off! Quiet day after that, beautiful scenery and we moored at Booth lock 31E about 1.30pm. Paul & Steve took Freddie for walk up to tunnel mouth & see whats what and I did, guess what, cleaning & dinner!! Caught up with e mails & composed a letter for BW regarding manchester incident. Skyped Vicky in the evening and spoke to family. Working boat & horse arrived late, will get photo tomorrow.
Travelled 2 miles (247 miles) 10 locks (268 locks) (12 tunnels)
Tues Sept 20th
Set off about 10.00, fine rain, managed to get photo of working boat & horse. Boat who passed us yesterday evening to go to tunnel emptied all the pounds! Mr BW came and rescued us and gave us a hand from lock 34E. Moored at trip boat moorings at Marsden just before tunnel at about 1pm. Afternoon for final preparations & moving up a bit to tunnel mouth. Paul gone to pub!!
Travelled 1 mile (248 miles) 11 locks (279 locks) (12 tunnels)
Wed Sept 21
Up early in anticipation for tunnel!! This is the longest, deepest and highest tunnel in UK. I got a superb photo showing our boat, train tunnel, river on viaduct and road!!Went in at 10.30am, Steve steered with BW man on back, it took 1 3/4hrs in more or less total darkness through tiny rugged rock passage !
We exited at Diggle, quick lunch, re accoustmed our eyes and set off on the flight. Wind blew up, cold but beautiful then disaster hit! Got string & metal stuck on prop and came to a sudden halt in lock 30w! 1 hour later...continued down to Uppermills lock 22w. So tired & stressed from tunnel decided to eat out!
Travelled 6 miles (254 miles) 11 locks (290 locks) 1 tunnel (13 tunnel)
Thurs Sept 22
Woke up tired! Decide to have late start, visit Huddersfield canal society at Brownhills, called into local Spar then visited saddleworth local museum....great!
After lunch, felt disinclined, but had to carry onto Roaches Lock 15 to moor up. Locks etc all good, water levels fine , feeling happy with the world, when I realise there is bit of tow path diversion!! I end up goingthrough housing estate and end up 2 locks ahead!! I let the men sweat a bit before letting them know where I am....I did have my phone...!
Travelled 2 1/2 miles (256 1/2 miles) 7 locks (297 locks) (13 tunnels)
Fri Sept 23
Sunny day, left Roaches happy and full of enthusiasm! Locks a bit stiff & dodgy but not too bad. Had a short tunnel, only 250 yds!!!!! then came to a lock....and it all went wrong!!! Couldn't open both paddles, the vandal locks had been vandalised! so lock would not fill...we were going nowhere! The men really struggled but then got out their mechanic tools and began to dismantle lock!!!not quite, just vandal lock, so we could fillit up! Sorted! We continue pass services, pylon and want to moor near Staylybridge. Paul goes ahead on bike , only to return to inform us that BW suggest we moor outside Tesco because some vandals have emptied the pound and no one will be moving for 36hrs! We had visit from local police with contact numbers in case of any problems??!! Thank you & goodnight!
Travelled 3 1/2 miles (260 miles) 7 locks (304 locks) 1 tunnel (14 tunnels)
Sat Sept 24th
Dull day decided I needed some retail therapy, so went round Stalybridge. Meant to be a rest weekend, but BW inform us that we can now move, there are 4 boats now. Being kind people, Steve & Paul help Old John through first 2 locks ( 5 in total) another guy takes over then; 2 other boats who have been impatient more or less push in, so we end up being the last boat to go at about 3.30pm. Guess who gets stuck at last lock when the water runs out!! Some fishermen help but in the end we have to call BW, 1 1/2 hrs later, wet through with rain we get on our way! We cant wait to get to Portland basin at Dunkinfield Junction so we can get on Peak forest canal, we actually are on Ashton canal for short while too. Hurray we have made it to the place where we moored on the way here just before Lift bridge 1.
Travelled 2 1/2 miles (262 1/2 miles) 6 locks (310 locks) 1 tunnel (15 tunnels)
Mon Sept 26th
We did actually rest on Sun! I found the local church, we went for a walk then visited great museum at Portland Basin, great!
We decided to get up early & crack on. Left at 9am amd immediately came across a boat over the canal; he was collecting wood for winter! Through lift bridge and a long way till we reach Marple flight locks (16)! Under M67 and 3 tunnels, one of which has no roof now! We heard through tow path telegraph that there is trouble with water levels at Marple! but no worries because when I rang BW at 11.30am they were aware and on their way. We got to Marple 1.30pm and surprisingly no BW and no water! 2 1/2 hrs later and everybody fraught BW come and eventually sort it out. We caused a lot of interest during our wait.
Never mind, finished the flight, turned under a bridge onto Macclesfield canal only to be met with chaos! One chap wanted us to stop so he could get back to his moorings, somebody had broken down and Old John was going to tow him and we wanted water! We left as quickly as we could and carried onto High Lane, and moored up for the night! Pub for Paul, he needed it, quiet for me! Steve nearly lost windlass, so had to run back & then try to catch boat! Glad today is finished! Very tired
Travelled 10 miles (272 1/2 miles) 16 locks (326 locks) 3 tunnels (18 tunnels)
Tues Sept 27
Left High Lane early 9am, amid warm sunshine! No locks today, just want to do about 15 miles to position ourselves for Harecastle tunnel early Friday. Did washing, made bread, (useful jobs!) Recogniused some familiar things: Old Adelphi Mill which used to be a Silk Mill and Old Hovis Mill near Macclesfield, glimpsed the White Nancy, a memorial to Battle Waterloo! Pass Gurnett where James Brindley started his apprentiship. Lovely 'snake' or 'swop over' bridges, moored up about 5pm near Crow Holt bridge 52, ready for Bosley 12 lock flight in the morning!
Travelled 12 1/2 miles (285 miles) (326 locks) (18 tunnels)
Wed Sept 28
Another sunny, hot day dawned! Set off 9am to do Bosley 12, all going really well until bit of congestion at a bridge!Freddie having fun running & rolling in fresh cut damp grass...ever seen a green dog?? Lunched near Congleton with stunning views over valley to viaduct.Carried onto Morris bridge 89, where we stopped on outward journey. Short day for tomorrow now!
Travelled 9 miles (294 miles) 12 locks (338 locks) (18 tunnels)
Thurs Sept 29
Very hot and sunny again! Quiet day, slow & late start! Shopping & visit to Chandelry. Set off at 4pm just to get onto the Trent & Mersey ready for Harecastle tunnel. Visited Tesco!
Travelled 2 miles (296 miles) 1 lock (339 locks) (18 tunnels)
Fri Sept 30th
Up early, Paul on a mission to be first in queue for the tunnel! Steve steered, what a breeze compared to Standedge tunnel!! Developed into very hot day again, pushed on because we wanted to get to Stone so we could rest over the weekend. Pass Stoke-on-Trent and it's flight of 4 locks, it's quite built up here but soon changes to lovely countryside. Arrived Stone about 4pm, it's a lovely town & there is a Farmers market and a Food & Drink Festival going on over the weekend....great!
Travelled 13 miles (309 miles) 10 locks (349 locks) 1 tunnel (19 tunnels)
Mon Oct 3rd
What a great weekend; looked around market & generally had an easy day Sat. We saw Amaryllis from Aylesbury basin.....mutual territory!!! To top it all Jason, Gabbi & family visited Sun! Wonderful!
Set off today 9am, bit dull but sun peeping through!Lovely scenery, just doing few locks and want to make for Great Haywood. Paul & I locking, Steve on tiller & Freddie just pleases herself! Went through Weston lock again and pass turning for Staffs & Worcs canal, continued through Haywood lock, very busy, but then moored near Shugborough Hall & Park. What a delightful place! Lovely walks & countryside, river Trent meandering by, Shugborough house in distance & the lovely grounds & bridge. We took our bits & pieces & had a b-b-q beside the river!! fantastic! I spoke to a lady about ordering window doillies & points....bit expensive....I'll think about it!
Travelled 10 miles (319 miles) 8 locks (357 locks) (19 tunnels)
Tues Oct 4th
Set off 9am, bright sunny day again! Want to try & get to Fradley junction & get onto Coventry canal. We left with chilly sunshine & the Trent meandering beside us, didn't want to stop at Rugeley this time, carried on through Armitage & open top tunnel into open country side & canal side villages. Made good time & arrived Fradley & moored on Coventry canal about 3pm. Filled water tank, visited shop & pub.
Some lovely local ducks, geese & heard an owl overnight!!
Travelled 13 miles (332 miles) 4 locks (361 locks) 1 tunnel (20 tunnels)
Wed Oct 5th
Overcast day & extremely windy, difficult to steer boat but thankfully no locks today. Continued south pass junction for disused Wyrley & Essingham canal and onto Birmingham & Fazeley canal!. Went through Hopwas and had a walk in the woods with Freddie...used to be a MOD firing range! We saw 2 'pill boxes' left over from the war, they were for the Home Guard to protect the waterways should Hitler invade! Moored up soon after at about 3pm, Paul & Steve visited The Tame Otter for a bit of local culture
Travelled 8 miles (340 miles) (361 locks) (20 tunnels)
Thurs Oct 6th
Set off about 9.30 and it's very windy again! Go under A5 7 Bonehill bridge to approach Fazeley junction and get onto Coventry canal again. We pass Hudson boat builders & saw Amaryllis, from Aylesbury, moored up! we stopped near Alvecote marina & Samuel Barlow's pub again so we can have a meal Sat.(Chef''s night off) We are here for the weekend because Paul & I have to go to Wycombe & London for appointments (again!) and need to be near train station (Tamworth) It's shallow all along here till Atherstone, in fact they closed locks at Tamworth just after we got through because of bad leaks. Had lovely walks up old 'slag' heaps & saw memorial to miners & round nature reserve. Paul & I go on Sun.
Travelled 6 miles (346 miles) 2 locks (363 locks) (20 tunnels)
Thurs Oct 13th
Paul & I got back yesterday, to find old friend, John, moored up beside us! Great reunions all round! Freddie pleased to see us. All went well at hospital appointments and we had a great weekend with kids & grand kids!! Paul has started a garden project.........!
We set off this morning early, 8.30, to tackle Atherstone flight it is bright but chilly. The locks, all 11 of them went well, although quite shallow in places, we go under M42, fill up with diesel again and I visit the shop! We moor up at Springwood Haven for the night, nice woods for Freddie to explore, we feel tired, busy weekend with trains etc!!
Travelled 10 miles (356 miles) 11 locks (374 locks) (20 tunnels)
Fri Oct 14th
Dawned chilly but sunny and soon became quite warm. No locks today and not too far to travel, so I decide to catch up with the washing & usual chores! Leave the men to do the steering. Through Nuneaton, Marston and stop at Hawkesbury; near where we did on the way up. Moored at 1pm, lunch, walk the dog then relax with book & coffee! Men gone to see if the pub has changed at all??!!
Travelled 11 miles (367 miles) (374 locks) (20 tunnels)
Sat Oct 15th
Chilly start, in fact frost on the roof of the boat! Real murky misty autumn morning but turned into warm beautiful day. Filled water tank and turned onto Oxford canal at the junction then onwards to Rugby. Pleasant day & countryside, through Newbold colouful tunnel and moored in almost the exact same place in the park....very convenient for Tesco. Watched rugby on TV
Travelled 12 miles (379 miles) 1 lock (375 locks) 1 tunnel (21 tunnels)
Sun Oct 16th
We are going to travel a little today, even though we usually rest over weekend, Paul anxious to be getting back & we are aware of stoppages!! Beautiful day, sunny with early morning light frost. Pretty countryside , we are heading for Hillmorton tandem locks, which have 1 of each pair locked. We manage them easily, meeting a few boats. Under M45 again, Braunston beckons on the horizon for tomorrow & we moor up about 11am. Take the opportunity for sewing, reading & resting!
Travelled 6 miles (385 miles) 3 locks (378 locks) (21 tunnels)
Mon Oct 17th
We set off 9am and it's definately colder, but promises to improve! Steering to Braunston to climb the flight of 6 locks, which we did in the company of a hire boat; nice family, especially Auntie Doris, 80 yrs old!!! Continued through the tunnel, passing one boat, (Steve will elaborate??!!) and onto Grand Union canal!! We are getting nearer to home! Moored up just pass tunnel for rest of the day, about 1.30p
Travelled 8 miles (393 miles) 6 locks (384 locks) 1 tunnel (22 tunnels)
Tues Oct 18th
Chilly bright day, set off 8.30am, we want to get through Buckby flight today and moor up at Weedon. It's nice moorings there and we hope to meet up with Malcolm. Locks managed without incident but canal shallow in places. Became very windy & cold, moored at about 3pm.
Travelled 8 miles (401 miles) 7 locks (391 locks) (22 tunnels)
Wed Oct 19th
Lovely to stop at Weedon overnight, great walks for Freddie but sadly didn't see Malcolm. Set off early again, bright but chilly. Went through Bugbrooke, Gayton & through Blissworth tunnel, we plan to moor after 2nd lock at Stoke Bruerne and have a rest day tomorrow! We go under Candle bridge, where, you guessed it, the boaters used to get candles for the tunnel!
Travelled 10 miles (411 miles) 2 locks (393 locks) 1 tunnel (24 tunnels)
Fri Oct 21st
We had an enjoyable & restful day yesterday, ready for another days' hard work, except Freddie! Sunny & bright we continue down Stoke Bruerne flight and met a couple who were very interested in 'water management'!
Will explain on request! We saw Amaryllis again on our way to Cosgrove, wonder who will be first back??!! We moored by early afternoon and had a walk down Buckingham Arm, quiet.
Travelled 7 miles(418 miles) 6 locks (399 locks) (24 tunnels)
Sat Oct 22nd
Cold & windy this morning, met hazel by chance & had a quick chat. Good journey, stopped at Wolverton to visit Tesco, onward to Woughton on the Green-- one of our favourite places! Moored at 1.30pm, had lunch & walked round the green & village--it never changes. On our return we met Malcolm & Annie, who were moored in front of us, they are grandparents of India, who is a friend of Daniel & Luke! They also moor at Aylesbury, so we will be seeing them at Bonfire celebrations too.
Travelled 10 miles (428 miles) (399 locks) (24 tunnels)
Sun Oct 23rd
Set off late as it is weekend and Paul was watching rugby! Onward to Fenny Stratford, through to Stoke Hammond lock and moored just before Soulbury 3 locks. I had been for a walk with Freddie and discovered lovely apple & pear tree, so did a bit of scrumping! I was sorting my flowers on the boat when I suddenly heard a shout; it was Chris & Gill from Eualilie, how lovely to see another familiar face, we will catch up at Christmas dinner with Cowroast moorers.
Travelled 5 1/2 miles(433 1/2 miles) 2 locks (401 locks) (24 tunnels)
Mon Oct 24th
Early start, dog trying to be sick at 5.45am, Paul jumped into action & found himself outside with dog with nothing on but his coat! Freddie being sick, Paul affected by the cold suddenly a wee! good job no early morning joggers!!
Through Soulbury flight nice & early, passed Eulalie & Zillion Rose again at Leighton Buzzard. Onward to Grove lock & moor up because it's nice for Freddie. Lots of geese opposite & looked impressive.No reply from BW regarding our passage down Aylesbury arm, still what's new there??!! Suddenly see a little green boat, it's Graham, Paul met up with him for a while. We had a lovely surprise when Lindsey tirned up this evening, she had conspired with Steve
Travelled 5 miles (438 1/2 miles) 5 locks (406 locks) (24 tunnels)
Tues Oct 25th
Another early start, Freddie still not quite right but no vomitting. Sunny but chilly, met a few boats at Seabrook locks and it's quite shallow in places.Onto Marsworth & hope to find somewhere to moor ready for going down Arm tomorrow. As we moored up we saw BW man who was letting someone up from the Arm so it made sense to all concerned that we went through too; we decided to just stop near lock cottage when the heavens opened and we were suddenly drenched!!
Travelled 7 miles (445 1/2 miles) 14 locks (420 locks) (24 tunnels)
Wed Oct 26th
Later start for the last day of our epic journey! Bright sunny day, lovely to see beautiful countryside of the Arm again. Met BW repairing banks & dredging further down. Freddie still a bit under the weather, but seems to know we are nearly home. Moored up at 12.15 and Ray & Pauline were home so we had a real reunion! Great to be back, pottered a bit with planys, cleaned windows then it rained. forgot Champagne for lunch so will have it with our dinner!
Can hardly believe we've actually done it and are back, it has been an amazing adventure and experience I will never forget. Thanks to everyone who has helped make it so memorable.
We will settle down for the winter, I wonder what next year will bring........???!!!
Travelled 2 1/2 miles (448 miles) 9 locks (429 locks) (24 tunnels)
What an achievement and blessing to be able to 'live' a dream.
Dedicated to Jonathan.
