Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Updates - January 2012
Chesterfield Canal - A Richlow Guide
Page 12. White Swan pub. Walkers can use the pub's car park.
Page 30, and Map 11. The canal is now in water from Mill Green Bridge to the new Staveley Town Basin. The towpath along this stretch was resurfaced in January, thereby removing the mud created by the recent canal restoration work.
Page 40. The Angel pub at Killamarsh has closed once again.
Page 41. The police non-emergency number changed to the new national 101.
Guides available from our website http://www.richlow.co.uk/ Post free.
Inland Waterways Information http://boaters-web.com/
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Images of - River Trent (tidal)
Narrowboat on the Trent - available from http://www.richlow.co.uk/
The tidal River Trent between Cromwell Lock and Keadby Lock
These images are of the tidal section of the River Trent, for those who do not have a clear idea of the nature of these waters, nor what it would be like to navigate them.
We cannot cover here all that is needed to be known. But subjects such as equipment, ropes, anchors, tide calculations, charts, moorings, etc have been collected together in our book Narrowboat on the Trent, based on Richlow's 30 years of cruising the tidal Trent, and regularly updated.
,
The book covers the whole of the navigable Trent, but in this blog we have only covered the tidal section because those are the waters about which boaters need the most information.
Many narrowboats navigate the tidal Trent. They do so because it gives access to canals and rivers not otherwise reachable, or as an alternative to climbing across the Pennines to reach the waterways east of those hills.
And often because they want a change, a challenge.
Approaching Cromwell Lock, from upstream.
The Trent flows over the adjacent weir, the structure which prevents the tide from progressing further upstream.
All locks on the tidal Trent are operated by lock-keepers.
The exit from Cromwell Lock, onto tidal waters.
At first the tidal Trent is narrower than expected, with charts necessary to avoid shallows, but it opens out into wider channels.
When used to seeing and handling narrowboats on the confined waters of canals it takes a while to get used to the scope of a major river.
Yes, large commercial vessels also use the Trent. But good planning, common sense and preparation will make the experience something to savour.
A scene often seen on the tidal Trent.
The first "port of call" is Torksey, the entrance to the Lincolnshire waterways - the Fossdyke, the River Witham and their links to other canals and rivers. An "Images of Lincolnshire Waterways" section is available on this website.
This scene is from Torksey Lock, along the approach cut, with the Trent in the background.
Further downstream is Gainsborough. This scene is from the town's bridge, one of the few road crossings this far downstream.
Two narrowboats cruising downstream on the ebbing tide. Save diesel, let the river help you along whenever possible.
Before railways, when the waterways were the main transport routes, Gainsborough was a major inland port. It was the point where cargoes were transhipped between large coastal vessels and smaller boats which could navigate further upstream.
On any flowing water - always turn into the current before manoeuvring. As here, approaching a mooring.
Remembering this important fact makes life so much easier on any river. And if it's tidal? Know which way the river is going!
The next junction is West Stockwith Lock, the entrance to the pretty and secluded Chesterfield Canal - the only narrow canal in the area.
The narrowboat is going downstream on the ebb tide, the cruisers have turned into the flow, waiting to enter the lock as the one in the foreground is doing.
West Stockwith Lock entrance. Although it's a narrow canal the lock opens into a basin for larger craft.
An "Images of the Chesterfield Canal" section is available on this website.
Just downstream from the Chesterfield Canal is the River Idle, into which is cruising Richlow's Madeley Wood. There is a right of navigation on the Idle but there are sluices at the entrance - for passage of which a high fee is levied.
Richlow is campaigning for the resolution of the Idle navigation problems.
The distinctive Keadby Bridge.
Beyond Keadby Bridge, the Trent becomes wider.
There are wharves on both banks...
...regularly used by shipping.
Near the bows of the coaster is Keadby Lock, the entrance to the Stainforth & Keadby Canal.
This is the furthest point downstream regularly navigated by narrowboats. It is possible to cruise down to the Trent's confluence with the River Ouse - and then up that river, or down the Humber estuary to Hull and other waterways. It needs very specialist local knowledge to safely do so in a narrowboat and Richlow guides do not cover those waters - our guides are "Written by People Who Go There" - and we've never been there - yet. And when we do, it will be in convoy.
So respect the River Trent - don't fear it.
Narrowboat on the Trent is available, post free, from our website. Study it, do your homework, make your boat ready for these waters - and enjoy yourself.
The tidal River Trent between Cromwell Lock and Keadby Lock
These images are of the tidal section of the River Trent, for those who do not have a clear idea of the nature of these waters, nor what it would be like to navigate them.
We cannot cover here all that is needed to be known. But subjects such as equipment, ropes, anchors, tide calculations, charts, moorings, etc have been collected together in our book Narrowboat on the Trent, based on Richlow's 30 years of cruising the tidal Trent, and regularly updated.
,
The book covers the whole of the navigable Trent, but in this blog we have only covered the tidal section because those are the waters about which boaters need the most information.
Many narrowboats navigate the tidal Trent. They do so because it gives access to canals and rivers not otherwise reachable, or as an alternative to climbing across the Pennines to reach the waterways east of those hills.
And often because they want a change, a challenge.
Approaching Cromwell Lock, from upstream.
The Trent flows over the adjacent weir, the structure which prevents the tide from progressing further upstream.
All locks on the tidal Trent are operated by lock-keepers.
The exit from Cromwell Lock, onto tidal waters.
At first the tidal Trent is narrower than expected, with charts necessary to avoid shallows, but it opens out into wider channels.
When used to seeing and handling narrowboats on the confined waters of canals it takes a while to get used to the scope of a major river.
Yes, large commercial vessels also use the Trent. But good planning, common sense and preparation will make the experience something to savour.
A scene often seen on the tidal Trent.
The first "port of call" is Torksey, the entrance to the Lincolnshire waterways - the Fossdyke, the River Witham and their links to other canals and rivers. An "Images of Lincolnshire Waterways" section is available on this website.
This scene is from Torksey Lock, along the approach cut, with the Trent in the background.
Further downstream is Gainsborough. This scene is from the town's bridge, one of the few road crossings this far downstream.
Two narrowboats cruising downstream on the ebbing tide. Save diesel, let the river help you along whenever possible.
Before railways, when the waterways were the main transport routes, Gainsborough was a major inland port. It was the point where cargoes were transhipped between large coastal vessels and smaller boats which could navigate further upstream.
On any flowing water - always turn into the current before manoeuvring. As here, approaching a mooring.
Remembering this important fact makes life so much easier on any river. And if it's tidal? Know which way the river is going!
The next junction is West Stockwith Lock, the entrance to the pretty and secluded Chesterfield Canal - the only narrow canal in the area.
The narrowboat is going downstream on the ebb tide, the cruisers have turned into the flow, waiting to enter the lock as the one in the foreground is doing.
West Stockwith Lock entrance. Although it's a narrow canal the lock opens into a basin for larger craft.
An "Images of the Chesterfield Canal" section is available on this website.
Richlow is campaigning for the resolution of the Idle navigation problems.
The distinctive Keadby Bridge.
Beyond Keadby Bridge, the Trent becomes wider.
There are wharves on both banks...
...regularly used by shipping.
Near the bows of the coaster is Keadby Lock, the entrance to the Stainforth & Keadby Canal.
This is the furthest point downstream regularly navigated by narrowboats. It is possible to cruise down to the Trent's confluence with the River Ouse - and then up that river, or down the Humber estuary to Hull and other waterways. It needs very specialist local knowledge to safely do so in a narrowboat and Richlow guides do not cover those waters - our guides are "Written by People Who Go There" - and we've never been there - yet. And when we do, it will be in convoy.
So respect the River Trent - don't fear it.
Narrowboat on the Trent is available, post free, from our website. Study it, do your homework, make your boat ready for these waters - and enjoy yourself.
Friday, 30 December 2011
Images of - North Yorkshire Waterways
North Yorkshire Waterways guide - http://www.richlow.co.uk/
The rivers Ouse, Ure, Foss and Derwent, and the Ripon and Pocklington canals.
There is a wide variety of navigable waterways in North Yorkshire, and the same can be said of the locations reached thereby. They are well worth cruising and visiting for their wealth of wildlife, countryside and history.
These waters are little cruised by visiting boats, but the attractions of York and Ripon should not be missed. Public transport is easily available for visits further afield.
Further downstream on the River Ouse are the River Derwent and the Pocklington Canal - both are waterways needing more visiting boats.
The following pictures were taken in 2011, on a group cruise, led by Richlow's narrowboat Madeley Wood. Richlow guides - Written by People Who Go There!
Selby Lock, with boats waiting to descend to the tidal River Ouse. The lock-keeper decides when locking takes place, depending on the time of the tides, and the destinations required - upstream on the Ouse to York, and the Ripon Canal - downstream to the River Derwent and the Pocklington Canal.
Exiting Selby Lock, and turning downstream towards the River Derwent.
Approaching the Barrage lock, for access to the River Derwent.
On the River Derwent, the Barmby Barrage pontoon moorings.
If you hear that the River Derwent has an over-hanging trees problem, then rest assured. The trees were cut back in 2011.
River Derwent - Sutton Lock.
River Derwent. Head of navigation at Stamford Bridge.
Pocklington Canal. An example of its distinctive paddle-gear.
The Pocklington is a quiet rural canal, in sharp contrast to the rivers of the region.
The Pocklington provides surroundings more familiar to those used to the main canal network.
Pocklington Canal - head of navigation.
Back to the River Ouse. Upstream from Selby Lock is Naburn.
On the left is the weir which prevents the tide from progressing further upstream. Naburn Lock is on the right.
The home of the Archbishop of York, alongside the River Ouse.
York is the highlight of cruising the River Ouse. This historic city needs a number of days exploration.
Ripon Canal. After the rivers, the canal is a quiet haven.
Approaching the basin at the head of the canal. The small city of Ripon is a lovely place to explore.
These pictures are only a brief depiction of North Yorkshire's waterways, but they do give an indication of the types and sizes of the rivers and canals in this north-eastern corner of the network. Yes, boating here need planning, but with the help of Richlow's North Yorkshire Waterways guide you will find there is much to see and the challenge is worthwhile.
Richlow guides - Written by People Who Go There!
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
Updates - December 2011
The South Pennine Ring - Part 2 of 2
Map 16, and text on pages 28 and 30. Sellers Tunnel.
While the canal was derelict most of its route between Longroyd Bridge 25 and Queen Street was filled in. The site was used industrially and several buildings were built on the line of the canal. As a result the restored canal was built at a lower level in a tunnel, and locks 3E and 2E were moved. Now the surface site is being redeveloped, the tunnel roof is being removed, the locks resited, and the water level raised.
This will make the route more attractive to boaters, and re-open the towpath as a through route. These major works on still on-going. When they are complete we will, of course, update the guide-book, but in the meantime we took the following photographs on 27 December - but it is a site closed to the public so we couldn't get as near as we would have liked. And being a Bank Holiday there was no one to discuss things with, which the civil-engineering half of Richlow likes to do.
The roof of Sellers Tunnel removed, just beyond the excavators.
From above what was the "new" lock 3E looking east. The gates have been removed from the lock, but the tail bridge is still in place. Beyond, the roof of the tunnel has been removed, and a new waling can be seen on the pile tops which previously formed the tunnel walls.
An emergency access point in Sellers Tunnel - which is actually at the site of the original lock 3E, just upstream (west) of Chapel Hill Bridge.
Map 16, and text on pages 28 and 30. Sellers Tunnel.
While the canal was derelict most of its route between Longroyd Bridge 25 and Queen Street was filled in. The site was used industrially and several buildings were built on the line of the canal. As a result the restored canal was built at a lower level in a tunnel, and locks 3E and 2E were moved. Now the surface site is being redeveloped, the tunnel roof is being removed, the locks resited, and the water level raised.
This will make the route more attractive to boaters, and re-open the towpath as a through route. These major works on still on-going. When they are complete we will, of course, update the guide-book, but in the meantime we took the following photographs on 27 December - but it is a site closed to the public so we couldn't get as near as we would have liked. And being a Bank Holiday there was no one to discuss things with, which the civil-engineering half of Richlow likes to do.
The roof of Sellers Tunnel removed, just beyond the excavators.
From above what was the "new" lock 3E looking east. The gates have been removed from the lock, but the tail bridge is still in place. Beyond, the roof of the tunnel has been removed, and a new waling can be seen on the pile tops which previously formed the tunnel walls.
An emergency access point in Sellers Tunnel - which is actually at the site of the original lock 3E, just upstream (west) of Chapel Hill Bridge.
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Updates - December 2011
Chesterfield Canal
Map 11. Staveley. The canal now has water in it from Chesterfield to the new Staveley Basin. It will take until approximately the middle of January 2012 to fill the basin. Meanwhile the towpath remains officially closed in the area - however, walkers and cyclists have continued to use it. Those doing so should note that in the vicinity of Hall Lane Bridge (12) the path is very muddy across its entire width, and for a considerable distance. This is a result of the heavy machinery working in the area.
If you wish to see the new basin, there is a good view from Hall Lane, Staveley (down the hill from the Library).
The whole project is another success for the Chesterfield Canal Partnership - and the gap between the two restored sections is reduced yet again.
The new basin at Staveley beginning to fill. The water is still shallow, but it shows what the Chesterfield Canal's latest feature will look like.
Monday, 19 December 2011
River Witham and Linking Waterways
Lincolnshire Waterways
Guide books "Written by People Who Go There" http://www.richlow.co.uk/
These images were taken on a 2011 cruise, led by Richlow's flagship Madeley Wood._________________________________________
The waterways of Lincolnshire are some of the quietest in the country - but we must be honest in saying they are an acquired taste. For those who favour exploing new waters, and those who enjoy walking or cycling, they are without parallel. And anyone with an interest in railways and/or the RAF will also find much of interest.
The Fossdyke and the River Witham form a route giving access to the Black Sluice Navigation, the Slea, and the enigmatic Witham Navigable Drains, a network where another moving boat may not be seen. And the Black Sluice Navigation now gives an opportunity for inland craft to cruise down The Haven at Boston - a highlight of any holiday on the Witham. The county is generally flat so there are only a few locks, all of which are of wide dimensions.
These waterways have wide open skies, and to be enjoyed they need wide open minds - hear the bird song, notice the fruits of the bushes, query the crops in the fields, appreciate the quietness, and feel the thrill of a Lancaster bomber overhead with escorting Spitfires as the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight climbs from its nearby RAF base.
A new path, the Water Rail Way, links Lincoln and Boston. It has 20 miles off-road and 13 miles on country lanes, using the banks of the Witham, and is clearly marked on the maps in our guide Lincolnshire Waterways.
Approaching Torksey Lock, the entrance to the Fossdyke, from the River Trent.
In Torksey Lock.
A section of the Visitor Moorings at Saxilby.
Brayford Pool in Lincoln, with the cathedral beyond.
The High Bridge (or Glory Hole) at Lincoln.
The oldest bridge in this country, with buildings still upon it.
Stamp End Lock at Lincoln.
Bardney Lock.
The River Witham is wide - no need to look for a winding hole here. We once saw a narrowboat circling - just because they could!
Not all of these waters are of the same width. Some of the by-waters, such as Billinghay Skirth and Timberland Delph have "pointing doors" at the entrance - as shown in the following picture.
"Pointing doors".
Pontoon moorings such as these are the normal standard for Visitor Moorings on the River Witham.
Anton's Gowt on the River Witham - the entrance to the Witham Navigable Drains. Pictures of Richlow boating on those waterways are on this blog, via the Images - Navigable Drains label on the Home Page
.The new Visitor Moorings at Boston. In the distance is the tower of St.Botolph's, a feature which can be seen for many miles around the town.
At Boston the Grand Sluice (in the background) keeps the tidal waters of the River Witham at bay.
This boat is on the tidal sectionof the river, approaching the Grand Sluice on its return from the Black Sluice Navigation.
The tidal Witham passes through Boston.
Boats in The Haven at Boston, waiting for the entrance lock to the Black Sluice Navigation.
On the right are Boston's busy docks.
Entering Black Sluice Lock, with Boston docks in the background.
On the Black Sluice Navigation. This newly navigable waterway will eventually be a link through to the River Glen.
The Slea Navigation. Richlow's flagship Madeley Wood at the refurbished Bottom Lock, with pontoon moorings.
On the Slea conditions vary.....
.....but mostly it's another peaceful waterway where contemplation of boatie things comes easily.
Throughout the area, memories of the RAF are numerous. Every village, town, city has a reminder of the many airfields from which flew many World War 2 operations - including the Dam Busters.
This is why the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is still based in Lincolnshire - near the River Witham.
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