View Cart | Checkout



Crick Boat Show
Next weekend is the Crick Boat Show, open for the three days of the Bank Holiday weekend. We will be there on Friday setting up our stand, looking similar to last year' stand in the photo.

We hope to see lots of you there. Please come and say hello, and forgive me if I don't recognise you instantly, there's a lot of names for my small brain to remember.

All our maps have been updated during May, to include the latest Ordnance Survey background maps plus all known changes to the waterway information so check out our Map Updates and Upgrades page to see how to get the latest maps.

It's cost price - that's free for a download link or £1 plus postage for a CD/DVD if the map is less than 12 months old, with a discount after that. If you would like to update or upgrade your maps at the show it would be helpful to bring a note of your order number or CD number with you, to save time searching our order database to check your entitlement.

If you email paul@waterwayroutes in advance we can reserve a copy of anything for you (and do any update / upgrade checks in advance to save you time).


Posted on Monday, 20 May 2013 at 10:18        Comments (0) 
Category(s): Festivals and Shows


New Cruising Maps

We've just released the latest Cruising Maps which include

> River Wey and Basingstoke Canal
> Monmouth & Brecon Canal

> Monmouth & Brecon (Restoration Section) (FREE)

As with all the other in the series these are available in two formats. The Acrobat (pdf)format is designed for printing in A4 sheets, or A5 if your eyesight is good enough. The Memory-Map (qct) format provides seamless mapping on Computers, Laptops, Android and iPhone/iPad devices and provides real-time tracking like a sat-nav on GPS enabled devices.

These are available for download or, for just £1 extra plus postage, they are available on CD in a box as well as by download, which gives you a tangible product which can be gift wrapped for a present.


River Wey and Basingstoke Canal Example Map
Like all our other maps these come with a year of cost price updates - that's free if you ask for a new download link or £1 plus postage for a CD in a box.

Our England & Wales Cruising Maps now include these three new releases. If you have purchased an England & Wales Cruising Map in the last 12 months then you are entitled to a cost price update (£1 plus postage) to include these maps.

For any updates just email updates@waterwayroutes.co.uk for a new download link or no-obligation quote. Please include enough information so we can identify your original purchase, such as order number, CD/DVD number, name and address.


Posted on Thursday, 2 May 2013 at 18:22        Comments (0) 
Category(s): Basingstoke , Monmouth & Brecon , River Wey

Boston
I arrived at Boston on Saturday to joing Sue and Vic who had kindly allowed me to join them on No Problem for their journey across the Wash.

No Problem is moored on the River Witham with Anastasia and Balmaha, who are crossing with us, and just visible in the distance.


Boston Grand Sluice
Boston Grand Sluice Lock, pictured in the sunshine the afternoon before departure, is where we will pass onto the tidal River Witham to start the passage.


Boston Grand Sluice in the morning
Anastasia, No Problem and Balmaha lining up in Boston Grand Sluice in the pale morning light.

The top gates are open and we are waiting for the falling tide to come level when the lock keeper can briefly open all the gates together as we are too long to fit in the lock and use the gates in the conventional manner.

There are two sets of bottom gates. The lock keeper will open the outward pointing set of gates which are keeping the high tide out of the river, then close the inward pointing set of gates behind us to keep the river level above the falling tide.


Opening the bottom gates at Boston Grand Sluice Lock
Here we go, with Anastasia, carrying the pilot, ready to lead the way as soon as the bottom gates are open.


Balmaha clearing the lock
Balmaha is following close behind , with all the gates open briefly on the level tide.


Boston Stump
The morning sunshine is just starting to highlight Boston Stump behind us.


Anastasia
We follow Anastasia past the seagoing vessels moored along the banks of the tidal section of the River Witham as the falling tide carries us along.


Balmaha
Just to the left of Balmaha is the new Black Sluice Lock at the entrance to the South Forty Foot Drain which is the first part of the proposed Fens Waterways Link.


Mouth of the River Witham
The mouth of the River Witham, with The Wash beyond. The River Welland joins us immediately from the right as it also flows into The Wash.


Buoys to navigate by
Buoys marks the channel as we follow Anastasia, with the pilot on board, through the water which is gradually getting rougher as we expected it would.


Roughest water
Balmaha punches through the increasingly rought water behind us as we wondered how much rougher it was going to get. We were soon to discover that this was the roughest it was going to get.


Ship
There are no buoys once we are out into the deep water and the ship in the distance, which is anchored to await the incoming tide, seemed to make a good landmak to aim for.


Anastasia with the ship
If you keep aiming for the ship then you get there, so we might as well go oround to the sunny side for a photo opportunity when the difference in scale becomes apparent.


Wide Angle Lens is needed
I wonder if you can get the whole ship in your photo when you are that close.

And just look at how calm the water is becoming.


Balmaha and the ship
The water becomes even flatter as we start to head towards the River Nene.


Seals on the sandbank
We need to wait for low tide to pass and the water to reach safe levels so we moor to a buoy designed to allow small boats to wait there.

While we are waiting the seals come off the sandbank to investigate.


Watching Seal
A seal wondering what we are doing in its waters.


Another buoy
More buoys mark the channel as we approach the River Nene.


Following the pilot on Anastasia
Following Anastasia with the pilot who knows which buoys to aim for and how far to the side to aim so you still pass the correct side as the current takes you sideways.


River Nene
Despite being wide enough for sea going vessels the River Nene looks remarkably narrow after where we have been.


Cranes
Balmaha is still bringing up the rear as we pass a wharf along the river.


Sutton Bridge
The Swing Bridge at Sutton Bridge isn't swung for us to pass through.

There are more photos taken from the bank on Andrew Healey’s Blog


Wisbech
Wisbech is our destination for an overnight stay. It's too far to reach Dog-in-a-Doublet lock to join the non-tidal River Nene in one day. The tide would have turned before we got there.


Celebrations
Celebrations on Balmaha when Mike and Jo from Sarah-Kate arrive with the bubbly.


Wisbech channel
Viewed from the road bridge on the following morning, this is the channel through Wisbech the boats will follow on the next rising tide to reach the lock at Dog-in-a-Doublet and the non-tidal River Nene to Peterborough.


View from the bus
I caught the bus from Wisbech to Peterborough for the train home and spotted what looks like a mooring pontoon at Fen Road Bridge as we crossed over the River.


Posted on Monday, 8 April 2013 at 23:23        Comments (5) 
Category(s): No Problem , River Nene , River Witham , Wash

Advance Warning - Cruising Maps on CD
If you order Cruising Maps on CD between 15-02-13 and 10-03-13 they will not be posted until 11-03-13 as we are going to New Zealand.

Download Links for Cruising Maps will still be provided promptly.

Full England & Wales Cruising Maps on DVD, and our video DVDs are unaffected and will still be posted promptly as our daughter, Susan, will still be at home sending these out for us.

So, Derek, if Dot comes home and says she's just seen Paul and Christine in the high street she may be right !

Posted on Saturday, 9 February 2013 at 15:09        Comments (4) 
Category(s): Maps


I record the daily scores on the wonderful UK Waterways Ranking Site

Two years ago today I said that Sarah, in her Chertsey: New top dog blog, had reported a "Momentous shift of the blogosphere on its axis".

That was when No Problem overtook Granny Buttons.

Well it's happened again.

This morning I noticed No Problem had overtaken Jim Shead in the ranking tables.

By the time I had recorded the data for today then Waterway Routes had also overtaken Jim Shead and overtaken No Problem too. I've no idea why the Waterway Routes score is so high so I'll just wait a few days and the score will drop back behind No Problem as usual.

Further investigation revealed that Jim Shead has a problem with the hosting of his web site and it is not working at all, resulting in the low score and ranking. I hope Jim is able to sort it quickly and return to his normal place in the rankings.

Further down there was another unexpected boost in the rankings which put Living On A Narrowboat into 9th place and rising rapidly after a mention on the Canal & River Trust Boaters’ Update.

Look down at the blogs below to see what's happened to the leading sites on the UKWRS ranking table. And don't forget a big thank you to Tony Blews for running it.

Rank Website Score
01CWDF24020
02Pennine Waters10384
03CanalPlanAC  8899
04Waterway Routes  4357
05No Problem  4317
06Jim Shead  3371
07UK Canals Network  3357
08Water Explorer  3156
09Living on a Narrowboat  2466
10Epiphany  2650
11Granny Buttons  2241
12Waioru  1784

UKWRS Graph for Canal World Discussion Forum (CWDF)
Canal World Discussion Forum (CWDF).

No obvious seasonal variations, with a drop, possibly caused by amendments to comply with the UKWRS Rules.

UKWRS Graph for Pennine Waterways
Pennine Waterways

The leading site to be run by just one individual,

Seasonal variations show in the scores.

UKWRS Graph for CanalPlanAC
CanalPlanAC

I believe the hard work of masterminding the site comes from one individual, with some help in maintaining the date from others.

Once again there are clear seasonal variations.

UKWRS Graph for Waterway Routes
Waterway Routes

Clear seasonal variations with a health year on year increase.

UKWRS Graph for No Problem
No Problem

The leading blog site, run by one individual.

The gap in the scores is when the site left the UKWRS ranking system for a while.

UKWRS Graph for Jim Shead
Jim Shead

Once the leading site but gradually drifting downwards with few less recent postings than before.

UKWRS Graph for UK Canals Network
UK Canals Network

Clear seasonal variations with a large year on year increase last year.

UKWRS Graph for Water Explorer
Water Explorer

Clear seasonal variations.

UKWRS Graph for Living on a Narrowboat
Living on a Narrowboat

An enormous jump in ratings after a mention in the monthly Canal & River Trust Boaters' update.

UKWRS Graph for Epiphany
Epiphany

A gradual increase which does not follow the pattern of other sites.

UKWRS Graph for Granny Buttons
Granny Buttons

A gradual decline from being one of the highest ranked sites with few recent postings.

UKWRS Graph for Waiorou
Waiorou

A newcommer to the list with a gradual climb.

I have scores recorded daily for all UKWRS sites - just let me know if you would like the data for your site.


Posted on Thursday, 31 January 2013 at 23:30        Comments (0) 
Category(s): UKWRS


New Cruising Maps

We've just released the latest Cruising Maps which include the Pennines (and more)

> Aire & Calder and Calder & Hebble Navigations
> Huddersfield Canals
> Lancaster Canal
> Lancaster Canal (Northern Reaches) (FREE)
> Leeds & Liverpool Canal
> Rochdale Canal
> South Pennine Ring
> Cotswold Canals (FREE)

As with all the other in the series these are available in two formats. The Acrobat (pdf)format is designed for printing in A4 sheets, or A5 if your eyesight is good enough. The Memory-Map (qct) format provides seamless mapping on Computers, Laptops, Android and iPhone/iPad devices and provides real-time tracking like a sat-nav on GPS enabled devices.

These are available for download or, for just £1 extra plus postage, they are available on CD in a box as well as by download, which gives you a tangible product which can be gift wrapped for a present.


Huddersfield Canals Example Map
Like all our other maps these come with a year of cost price updates - that's free if you ask for a new download link or £1 plus postage for a CD in a box.

Our England & Wales Cruising Maps now include these three new releases. If you have purchased an England & Wales Cruising Map in the last 12 months then you are entitled to a cost price update (£1 plus postage) to include these maps.

For any updates just email updates@waterwayroutes.co.uk for a new download link or no-obligation quote. Please include enough information so we can identify your original purchase, such as order number, CD/DVD number, name and address.


Posted on Sunday, 27 January 2013 at 09:27        Comments (0) 
Category(s): Uncategorized

Three New Cruising Maps

New Cruising Maps

We've just released the latest three Cruising Maps which cover
> River Nene
> Middle Level Navigations
> River Great Ouse and Tributaries

As with all the other in the series these are available in two formats. The Acrobat (pdf)format is designed for printing in A4 sheets, or A5 if your eyesight is good enough. The Memory-Map (qct) format provides seamless mapping on Computers, Laptops, Android and iPhone/iPad devices and provides real-time tracking like a sat-nav on GPS enabled devices.

You will automatically receive a 10% at the checkout stage if you order all three in the same format at the same time.

These are available for download or, for just £1 extra plus postage, they are available on CD in a box as well as by download, which gives you a tangible product which can be gift wrapped for a Christmas present.

Like all our other maps these come with a year of cost price updates - that's free if you ask for a new download link and £1 plus postage for a CD in a box.

Our England and Wales Cruising Maps now include these three new releases. If you have purchased an England & Wales Cruising Map in the last 12 months then you are entitled to a cost price update (£1 plus postage) to include these maps.

For any updates just email updates@waterwayroutes.co.uk for a new download link or no-obligation quote. Please include enough information so we can identify your original purchase, such as order number, CD/DVD number, name and address.

Posted on Monday, 19 November 2012 at 11:25        Comments (0) 
Category(s): Great Ouse , Maps , Middle Levels , Nene

Christmas Present Ideas
November is here and many are turning their thoughts towards Christmas.

The selection of Christmas presents can be difficult but we've made it a little easier than last year. Our Cruising Maps are now available on CD in a presentation box as well as by download so you can now wrap them and give them as a tangible gift, which is much nicer than a download at times like this. You still benefit from the same up-to-date maps as the CDs are copied when you place your order and posted first class so you receive them promptly.

Christmas Present Ideas - Cruising Maps of Canals, Rivers and Cruising Rings
All our maps come with 12 months of cost price updates. That's free if you ask for a link to download the latest version, or just £1 plus postage if you ask for a copy on CD. You won't get that level of service with our rivals' printed guides. And - we'll give you discounted updates for five years. Just email updates@waterwayroutes.co.uk and identify your past purchase(s) for a download link or no obligation upgrade quotation.

The maps are available in Acrobat (pdf) Format if you prefer to print them on paper in the traditional way, or in Memory-Map (qct) Format for use on your computer, Android or iPhone/iPad for real time tracking like sat-nav.

Christmas Present Ideas - DVDs of Canals, Rivers and Cruising Rings
You can also select from our range of DVDs for Christmas, covering the wonderful canals, rivers, and cruising rings. In many cases you can buy a DVD and Cruising Map to cover the same route.

So now is the time to select presents for your friends and loved ones or, perhaps, start dropping hints about those you would like. Just remember to order by the Christmas Posting Dates - unless you are going for the download only option for the cruising maps when you can order at the last minute.


Posted on Thursday, 1 November 2012 at 09:35        Comments (0) 
Category(s): News

River Thames Map Extract
We've just released an updated version of our River Thames Cruising Maps. All our maps are kept up to date with revisions during the year but this time we've not only included changes identified during our recent cruise but we've added enlargements for each lock.

It's often helpful to know which way the channel goes when approaching the lock, or which side the landing stages are to have your ropes ready. The position of the facilities such as water points are marked so you know whether these are above or below the lock, and on which side.

The master maps on our website are updated so anyone ordering a new map will get the latest version straight away. If you have purchased a River Thames, or England & Wales map during the last 12 months then you can have an updated map at cost price - that's free for a download or £1 plus postage for a CD version. Just email updates@waterwayroutes.co.uk with enough information for me to identify your order and I'll organise the update.

If you ordered online for download then let me have your name and address (and order number would be helpful, but not essential). If you bought the map on CD then please quote the serial number on the CD and the approximate date and place of purchase, plus your name and address.

You can either have a new link to download the updated map free of charge, or I'll send you a link to pay £1 for the CD plus postage and I'll post an updated CD to you.

If you purchased a River Thames Cruising Map more than 12 months ago (and less than 24 months ago) we'll still give you an 80% discount on the new version of the map - that is you just pay 20% for the updated map.

The same update offer applies to all our maps. For the first 12 months you can have updates at cost price (free to download or £1 plus postage on CD) then at 80% discount for updates during the second year, 60% during the third year etc. Please email me the information requested above so I can process the update.


Posted on Monday, 1 October 2012 at 20:14        Comments (0) 
Category(s): Maps , River Thames

Latest Posting Dates for Christmas
It's just 3 months to Christmas.

Our Cruising Maps (now available on CD as well as by download) and our Canal DVDs make great ideas for Christmas Presents, but please remember to order in time.

The Post Office publish latest recommended posting dates for Christmas and you need to order from us by these dates:

UK -- Wednesday 19th December
Western Europe -- Tuesday 11th December
Eastern Europe -- Sunday 9th December
USA/Canada -- Sunday 9th December
Rest of World -- Tuesday 4th December

If you order from us after these dates we will still post the order promptly, but is unlikely to arrive in time for Christmas. The earlier you order, the more certain you can be of arrival in time for Christmas.

Posted on Tuesday, 25 September 2012 at 21:31        Comments (0) 
Category(s): News

New Bedford River
We've made it to Peterborough and the River Nene after visiting all the parts of the Middle Levels and the River Great Ouse and tributaries that we can reach with a narrowboat. Now we're heading upstream to re-join the main canal network next week.

The last part of the River Great Ouse to cover was the New Bedford River. We left from Salters Lode, after exploring some of the Middle Levels while waiting for a good tide. Paul, the lock keeper at Salters Lode, kindly let us out early in the morning and we turned right to head upstream.

This was a large tide and ideal for a quick journey to Earith. We set the throttle to 1600 rpm which we know gives us about 4.1 - 4.2 mph on deep still water and left it there for the whole journey. The speed soon crept up to over 6 mph and, once we had passed Welmore Lake Sluices to 7.3mph. We were heading for a fast journey - or so we thought.

Welmore Lake Sluices
Then the speed started to reduce and within a few miles, by the Suspension Bridge, it had dropped to little more than 4mph. We had already met the large quantities of flood water coming down the New Bedford River on its way to the sea. The flood water and the tide cancelled each other out giving still water for the last three quarters of the journey to Earith.

Low Railway Bridge
The straight was so long you could almost see all the way to Christmas. The only excitement left was wondering if we would fit under the low railway bridge half way along. With the flood water keeping levels up it was concerning, but turned out to be no problem at all.

Earith Junction
Eventually, after 4 hours and 53 minutes of almost straight cruising without touching the throttle we reached the junction at Earith. Rather underwhelming, and well short of the fast cruise we had expected on the high tide.

There's a set of pictures of the New Bedford River - click on the arrows on the right to cruise along.

Speed Trace
Here's the speed trace from our GPS.

Posted on Friday, 10 August 2012 at 18:49        Comments (3) 
Category(s): New Bedford River

Stephen, Matthew and Stephanie
A leisurely day doing odd jobs around the boat today.

Stephen, Matthew and Stephanie joined this evening for a leisurely cruise to Ely and back. Who has the larger smile?

Posted on Wednesday, 25 July 2012 at 22:34        Comments (0) 
Category(s): River Great Ouse

The Cambridge Tree
As we left Cambridge this morning we spotted the tree surgeons had closed the towpath and were preparing to remove the tree which Lucky Duck had started previously.

White Cygnets
At Waterbeach we spotted a family of five cygnets, with the two adults just out of picture. Rather unusually two of the cygnets had already turned rather white.

Bottisham Lode
Bottisham Lode looks rather inviting, but...

Bottisham Lode Gates
the gates are fixed shut and there is a no entry sign on the bridge across the entrance

Swaffham Lode
Swaffham lode also has a no entry sign so that's another one we won't be logging.

Matilda Rose and Yarwood
Matilda Rose and Yarwood must have had a tiring day moving a few hundred yards from where we last saw them.

Upware Lock
Upware Lock grants access to the lodes.

Reach Lode
Reach Lode is rather narrow and almost straight.

End of Reach Lode
There's a GOBA mooring at the end of Reach Lode.

Meeting the Wicken Fen trip boat
Wicken Lode is even narrower and we met the Wicken Fen trip boat where the captain took to the bank and held the bow rope while a passenger threw the stern rope fro him to pull the boat into the bank.

Passing the Wicken Fen trip boat
Then all we need is for everybnody to breathe in as we squeeze past.

End of Wicken Lode
The end of Wicken Lode where we winded and waited for the trip boat to return to save the captain doing it all again.

Tomorrow we have Burwell Lode to tackle. The stories of seven hours for a single journey through the weed by other boats in the last few days can't be true - can they?


Posted on Monday, 23 July 2012 at 20:40        Comments (0) 
Category(s): River Cam

Matilda Rose and Yarwood
A longish day today took us from Hermitage Lock to the visitor moorings in Cambridge.

Just time to shout a few words to the crew of Matilda Rose and Yarwood as we passed them moored together.

Kathleen Margaret
Then a few words to the crew of Kathleen Margaret as they cruised by.

Marcus and Oliver
An arranged meeting with Marcus and Oliver and a short cruise for them towards Cambridge.

Betty and John
Finally another expected meeting with Betty and her brother John.

We looked out for Lucky Duck but didn't see them and wonder if they have cruised off somewhere.

Tomorrow it's a gentle day exploring the lodes.


Posted on Sunday, 22 July 2012 at 22:21        Comments (0) 
Category(s): River Cam

Paines Mill - Front View
In a Recent Blog Post about a building at St Neots I asked if anyone knew about it. Comments from Kevin and Keith shed a little light on what it was.

Having left Bedford today, after the Strong Stream Advice was withdrawn, we reached St Neots so a walk was essential to see if the building could be identified directly.

I found the building quickly, the impressive tower being visible in the distance. The first side I came to was impossible to photograph with the trees growing in the way. Presumably it will become progressively harder to photograph as the trees grow.

Paines Mill - Boiler House
To the left, and possibly a later addition, the extension has the appearance of being a boiler house with the round stub of a former chimney on top.

Paines Mill - Back View
The rear of the building starts to shed some light on its name.

Paines Mill - Foyer Entrance
Next to the doorway is a name plate, referring to its current use but suggesting its former history.

Paines Mill - Signs
On the side is another name plate which confirms the identity (and spelling) as Paines Mill, and not Paynes Mill.

Paines Mill - Side View
The side view of the tower reveals the doors through which goods would have entered and left the building with carts positioned directly below with a hoist bracketed out from above.

We're heading for Cambridge and should arrive there on Sunday afternoon or Monday afternoon depending on progress. Hopefully we'll meet Betty, Marcus and Lucky Duck.


Posted on Friday, 20 July 2012 at 21:20        Comments (0) 
Category(s): River Great Ouse

Photographing the photographers
I heard a group of people on the towpath near our boat and wondered what was happening. A quick look out, then a quick grab for the camera enabled me to take this shot before I was spotted.

Chatting to the photographers
The we had a chat and they asked lots of questions about boats and took lots more photos.

I'm hoping they might email me any good ones. It's not often I appear in a photo as I'm usually behind the camera.

We're still stuck in Bedford with the Strong Stream Advice still in force when I checked at 16:00 today.


Posted on Thursday, 19 July 2012 at 22:55        Comments (0) 
Category(s): River Great Ouse

Bedford Travel Arrangements
The Strong Stream Advice is still in force on the River Great Ouse so we are still moored at the visitor moorings at Bedford. Local entertainment is laid on to keep us happy.

Looking out of the window yesterday we can see the local transport arrangements.

Headless Canada Geese
And today there was a flock of headless Canada Geese outside the window.

The Bedford River Festival is planned for the weekend. We had planned to be in and out of Bedford before the festival, but if the situation continues we will be the only visiting boat. Can you have a parade of narrowboats with just one?


Posted on Wednesday, 18 July 2012 at 22:31        Comments (0) 
Category(s): River Great Ouse

Low rope across the River Great Ouse at Bedford
We reached Bedford on the River Great Ouse on Friday 13th and moored on the visitor moorings. We were greeted by Mike & Debbie Gunn (nb Aquaholics) whose timing was perfect when they arrived on the bank straight ahead as we exited Bedford Lock. They walked along the bank to the mooring and joined us for a cuppa and gossip.

On Saturday we planned to reach the head of navigation at Kempston around 4 km (2.5 miles) above Bedford. The first task was to reverse from the far end of the visitor moorings shown in the photo to the near end where the photo was taken to fill up the water tank from the tap there.

In doing so I was nearly beheaded by the rope across the river at neck height which the canoeists had placed there to hold their slalom poles. It was invisible against the bright morning sky. Had I not been going so slowly the outcome could have been a lot worse. A quick phone call to the Environment Agency River Inspector produced a promise to visit and deal with the problem that morning.

Low Railway Bridge at Bedford
We were worried about the height of some of the bridges as the water level was a little higher than normal but were assured by Mike & Debbie, who live in Bedford, that the first Railway Bridge was the lowest so I walked up the towpath with a tape measure and established we had 10cm (4") to spare. We subsequently discovered that the second railway bridge was actually lower - but more of that later.

Having checked there was no Strong Stream Advice in force with the automated phone line and by asking the inspector when I phoned about the rope we headed upstream. There was rather more current than I expected and with lots of trees hanging down it was not a pleasant journey and, had I realised in advance what it would be like I wouldn't have attempted it.

Very Low Bridge at Kempston
With considerable help from my brother Keith, who also lives in Bedford, I thought we would make it to the head of navigation at Kempston Mill. Unfortunately we were thwarted about 400m from the limit by an impossibly low bridge. I know the water was above normal levels but I don't think that accounts for all the lack of headroom. No doubt the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust has this on the list of problems to be overcome. It's a shame that a modern looking bridge doesn't already have the required clearance.

We winded with difficulty in the strong current and with rather more excursions into the foliage of overhanging trees than I would have liked we reached the railway bridges in the centre of Bedford again. Knowing we had 10cm (4") of clearance when we headed upstream I wasn't too worried as we headed downstream but still approached the bridges cautiously and very slowly in reverse gear.

The highest part of our boat is the front of the main cabin so once that passed under the upstream railway bridge I was relieved, especially as there was now only millimetres of clearance. Just as I ducked to pass under the bridge myself there was a bang - bang - bang from behind my head and a gentle shaking of the boat.

I now know the top of the tiller pin is a few millimetres higher than the cabin roof and it touched the bottom of the rivets as we passed under the railway bridge. We passed under the downstream railway bridge with millimetres to spare also, but without the tiller pin touching so it must be a little higher.

On arriving back on the moorings in Bedford after our cruise to Kempston we found Mervyn, the River Inspector I had called about the low rope, standing on the bank, with his colleague Toby, talking to the canoeists who had also arrived. They quickly cut the rope down and the canoeists were left with words of advice about the placement of ropes.

Mervyn and Toby were full of helpful advice about the River. They explained that a Strong Stream Advice was imminent and advised us to stay put until it was lifted. There would be no problem with us staying on the 48 hour moorings for as long as that took.

Next weekend is the Bedford River Festival weekend and they were expecting several visiting boats but, with the Strong Stream Advice likely to last all week, we may be the only vising boat in Bedford.


Posted on Sunday, 15 July 2012 at 21:27        Comments (0) 
Category(s): River Great Ouse

St Neots

We reached St Neots today as we continue upstream towards Bedford. I'm hoping somebody can tell me what this interesting building is I spotted this afternoon.

We should reach Bedford tomorrow, weather and Strong Stream Advice permitting.


Posted on Thursday, 12 July 2012 at 22:06        Comments (5) 
Category(s): River Great Ouse

Hermitage Lock
Continuing upstream this morning our first obstacle was Hermitage Lock where a road bridge across the lock restricts headroom. A phone call to the very helpful lock keeper earlier had confirmed the headroom was 1.9m which was enough for us - but not enough for some others who are still waiting for the water levels to subside before they can pass through.

Low Bridge over Hermitage Lock
"Just sound your horn if you get worried" said the helpful lock keeper but we didn't need to and the headroom was small but comfortable for us.

And just look at those reflections along the side of the polished boat.

Waterlogged Channel
The high water levels above Hermitage Lock mean we have to look carefully to see where the channel goes.

Mixed weather on the way
Somebody is going to get a lot of weather soon.

Brownshill Lock
On the approach to Brownshill Lock I thought somebody had left a couple of boats moored in the way on the lock landing, until I realised they were the lock landing, floating up and down with the river levels and the tide.

Sunshine
One moment it was sunshine ...

Showers
and the next it was pouring with rain.

St Ives Lock
St Ives lock has been recently modified to create or refurbish a lock landing below the lock but this now sticks out so far that it restricts the passage of boats as shown when Avalon got stuck

We reached moorings in St Ives today.

Tomorrow, if there is no strong stream advice, we will continue towards Bedford.


Posted on Wednesday, 11 July 2012 at 22:03        Comments (0) 
Category(s): River Great Ouse

Little Ouse Moorings
First, back to our trip across the tidal River Great Ouse from Salters Lode to Denver Sluice on Sunday - Brian has just posted his excellent photos and commentary on Harnser’s Blog.


Returning from the River Wissey this morning we turned left to head upstream on the River Great Ouse before making another left turn to reach the Little Ouse Moorings. We were heading there for diesel and, as we approached, Christine said the gas has just run out, so we got a new Calor Gas cylinder too.

We were served by a very friendly and knowledgeable young lady who admitted to having already read our Blog. I was so impressed I forgot to ask her name - please leave a comment so I know who you are.

I almost forgot to take a photo too - so here's an empty landing stage at Little Ouse Moorings where we received that excellent service a few moments earlier.

Yarwood moored in Ely
Then it was a slow plod upstream against the current, stopping briefly in Ely for Christine to get a quick fix at Tesco's.

Ely was full of Bloggers. First we met Matilda Rose and Yarwood, stopping for a quick natter while we could.

Matilda Rose moored in Ely

Avalon moored in Ely
Then we spotted Avalon where we had an invite from Kevin which we'll have to take up on the way back downstream later.

Skyy moored in Ely
Finally we crept up on Skyy where I tried to exchange a few words but the torrential rain was making so much noise as it hit the umbrella I was hiding under I'm not sure I heard what was said - I hope my responses were appropriate.

We're just upstream of Pope's Corner, aiming to reach Bedford by Friday afternoon.


Posted on Tuesday, 10 July 2012 at 22:24        Comments (0) 
Category(s): River Great Ouse , River Little Ouse

River Great Ouse Relief Channel Limit of Navigation
We continued along the River Great Ouse Relief Channel to the limit of navigation just before Wiggenhall Bridge.

River Great Ouse Relief Channel Limit of Navigation Sign
It's marked by signs. I certainly followed the top one but I'm not sure how I should have winded in both directions at once as the second sign requires. In the end I just turned left and went round in just half the channel width without slowing from 4 mph. The fastest wind I've ever done.

Wissey Sluice
Back onto the main River Great Ouse and a short cruise upstream brought us to the River Wissey and the first of the tributaries to explore. On the way we passed Wissey Sluice which, on first appearance seemed to be closed but on closer examination was marked with a red buoy which we passed to the right of heading upstream.

Wissey Sluice from upstream
Looking back at Wissey Sluice we can see the sluice from the main river behind us and the second sluice to the right which allows flood waters to be diverted directly into the relief channel.

Sunshine
It was almost summer today, with blue skies from time to time. We made it to the limit of navigation on the River Wissey too. Tomorrow we'll be heading upstream towards Bedford, leaving the remaining tributaries to explore on the way back downstream.

Posted on Monday, 9 July 2012 at 22:51        Comments (2) 
Category(s): River Great Ouse , River Wissey

Sandbank at Denver Sluice
We've missed a few blogging opportunities over the last few days with poor internet connections and we've now passed through the Middle Levels onto the River Great Ouse.

We moored at Salters Lode last night and walked down the bank to admire the sandbank which has grown in the middle of the channel outside the lock at Denver as shown in the first photo. This is only visible at low tide and will be invisible when we cruise there, but shallow enough for us to run aground.

We'll be heading upstream from the left of the photo and will have to keep well to our right before turning sharp left across the face of the sluice and sharp right into the lock.

Leaving Salters Lode
Thanks to Brian and Diana from Harnserwe have the next two pictures. They stopped off on their way back home from their boat to watch our manoeuvres and take the photos.

It's not often you catch me at right angles across a river twice in one day like this. This time they were both on purpose.

Crossing in front of Denver Sluice
The first of the pair is leaving Salters Lode Lock from the Middle Levels and about to turn sharp right to head upstream against the tide. The next is running across the face of Denver Sluice before turning right into the lock.

Muddy Boat
Several other bloggers have written about the crossing from Salters Lode to Denver but none have mentioned the muddy drips from the gate at Denver.

I'd have been rather annoyed if I had washed the boat the night before.

Stowbridge mooring
Now we've made it to Stowbridge on the Relief Channel heading northwards from Denver Sluice towards King's Lynn. The scale of everything is rather larger than we are used to on the canals. We'll reach the limit of navigation tomorrow and return to Denver.

Next we'll head upstream on the River Great Ouse, taking in the River Wissey, the Little Ouse River to Brandon, and the River Lark before reaching Ely later in the week as we make our way upstream.

Posted on Sunday, 8 July 2012 at 22:15        Comments (2) 
Category(s): Middle Levels , River Great Ouse

Waterway Routes meets No Problem
Our journey continues down the River Nene from Thrapston.

On Wednesday evening we reached Fotheringay where, by careful planning, we came face to face with No Problem. We met Sue, Vic and Meg once again, and new pup Penny for the first time.

A great evening was had by all, and I spent a lot of time picking Sue's brains for information about the maps we are collecting data for.

Sue, Vic, Meg and Penny at Fotheringay

Meg and Penny at Fotheringay

No Problem leaving Waterway Routes behind
We're moored on the Peterborough Embankment tonight.

Tomorrow we're booked into Stanground Lock to take us onto the Middle Levels at 10:00 tomorrow, hopefully before the torrential rains and Strong Stream Advice kicks in.

We'll be cruising across the Middle Levels through March to arrive at Salters Lode on Saturday afternoon.

Around 11:00 on Sunday, depending on rain, floods, tides, wind etc. we hope to cross the short tidal section from Salters Lode to Denver and the River Great Ouse.

Then we will be cruising on through Ely to Bedford, and will be vising Cambridge on the way there or back, depending on progress.

Posted on Thursday, 5 July 2012 at 20:25        Comments (0) 
Category(s): Nene

Weston Favell Boat Washing Service
We almost stayed dry today as we continued downstream on the River Nene.

Starting from Midsummer Common mooring in Northampton we reached the visitor moorings at Wellingborough. We'd been warned there was a fair on the grass next to the moorings but it had finished by the time we got there with just some quiet packing up going on in the distance.

We got an unusually warm welcome at Weston Favell Lock.

First there was the boat washing service, with one of the horses licking all along the side of the boat.

Weston Favell Boat Mooring Service
Then there was the boat mooring service with the other horse holding our rope for us.

Weston Favell Boaters Greeting
Finally, on leaving the lock we were greeted with a shout of "Hello, Paul". Blog readers had seen our blog last night and were looking out for us to pass this morning. There was just time to exchange a few words.

A lovely welcome to the River Nene - perhaps you can leave a comment so we know your names.

Posted on Sunday, 1 July 2012 at 21:54        Comments (2) 
Category(s): Nene