Loughborough to Syston

We left Loughborough Basin early this morning, to make the most of the forecast early sunshine.  There had been lots of heavy rain overnight and more forecast for this afternoon.  Pillings Flood Lock took us by surprise as this normally has both sets of gates open in the summer but they were closed today and we had to work it as a conventional lock, with just 3 inches (75mm) difference in levels.

Barrow upon Soar looked great while the sun was out as we carefully navigated through the centre arch of the stone bridge an managed the sharp bend each side of the bridge.

Warming itself in the best of the sunshine was this cormorant, which simply watched us cruise past.  The water from the last few days rain was flowing over the weirs, as here just below Mountsorrel Lock.

We’re moored at Syston, hoping the weather will be kind enough for us to cruise through Leicester tomorrow.

Posted on Friday, 16 July 2010 at 18:40        Comments (2)

Comments »

1. Pillings Lock took me by surprise as well. (I went through the day before you). I guess it’s the recent rain we have had bringing the river level up but having been a volunteer on Peter le Marchant Trust boat Symphony in the 80s and 90s I know that it is usually open in the summer. Nick

   Comment by Nick Ferrar — On 23-07-10 at 15:23

2. Nick: When I phoned BW to check if the lock was meant to be in use with such a small difference in water levels, the lady who answered the call sounded surprised, but phoned back later to confirm it was deliberate – based on predicted large rainfall.

   Comment by Paul — On 24-07-10 at 08:12

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