This Blog will be the travel log of Narrowboat Harnser as we cruise the system. We are not continuous cruisers but just spend as much time as we can on the boat.
All the comments in this blog are my personal opinion and do not represent those of any official body or notices.
All comments made to this blog are checked for spam before being accepted any made anonymously are accepted.
Maps used on this site are with the kind permission of Waterway Routes .
The weather was fine but very dull today, the first boat went by at 7am.long before we were about. We set off around 1030 as usual. Over the years we have watched Quarry Bridge Farm develop to where it is today.
On to Polesworth where the water was just running to weir, last time we were this way they had started building this bungalow, it looks as if the owners are living on site in caravans.
A steady run run to Glascote locks which were both against us, the top gates on these two are quite heavy. We carried on and moored just before Fazeley Junction. As we moored up I noticed these on the concrete fence posts.
They look like little doors, no idea who put them up or why.
Last night we ate at The Anchor, it was very quiet but looking at the number of outside tables and the marque they must host some big events. The food and beer were both good and a reasonable price.
This morning we were away a little before half ten and only met a couple of boats. It wasn’t long before we passed the abandoned, sunken cruiser, just by bridge 30. CRT have affixed an overstay notice to it, but I don’t see it moving any time soon and at the end of the day CRT are going to have to remove it, it would be easier and cheaper to do it now than when it starts to fall to bits.
It wasn’t long before we were approaching Atherstone top lock. the site of the old hat factory has been fully cleared and new foundations put in.
I do wonder how they will tie it all into the old buildings at the back of the site that are presently held up with timbers.
There was a boat leaving the top lock as we arrived so we sailed straight in, there was also a Volocky. now the strange thing, the the rest of the locks, apart from the last two were against us and no sign of a boat ahead. Today was a volunteer work party day at the locks so we had some paddles drawn and gates closed for us, this helped us on our way greatly. Just below lock 5 there is a canal side house, at one time it had something painted on the gable end, anyone knows what it use to say.
So far water levels were good with a good flow coming over lock 1 by-wash but from here on they were getting a little lower. One of the moored boats in the pound had a nice wood carving in the bows.
Levels were low between 8 and 9 as usual but good enough for us to cross without letting any more water down. At lock 10 we met a boat so the last two were with us and at lock 11 the top gate was wide open. This is where we encounter a problem, we couldn’t fully close the top gate by about 50mm. I could just reach the cill with my cabin shaft and could feel something with give in it about half way along, maybe a fender or a tyre. Poking and turning the shaft it felt more like cloth, maybe a bad or sack but I couldn't hook it with the shaft so I slowly worked it along the cill to the offside of the lock, then slowly up the wall. What appeared at the surface was a deer’s head and I pulled a fully grown deer out that must have been under the gate. Once it was out the gate closed and we were on our way again. The flight had taken us just under 2 hours. We carried on and at Grendon someone who paid more attention in their art class than they did biology.
We only did about another half mile before mooring for the night away from any trees.
Last night we ate at the greyhound and luckily I booked a table as by just after 7pm the restaurant was full. Again two nice meals.
This morning was again sunny but soon clouded over and I even had to use the brolly just after Springwood haven. The first job was to slip over and fill with water just before the lock, not the fastest tap but it gave Diana time to empty the waste bin. Once full Diana walked to set the lock, I pulled away and immediately fouled the prop. Down the weed hatch while in the lock and removed a piece of waterproof material complete with ties that probably some used it as a cover on a boat.
During last weeks stoppage CRT took the opportunity to repair the broken edging along the near side of the lock.
Leaving the lock I noticed what looks like a new seat just in front of the old service block, I might be wrong but I don’t remember seeing it before.
Out onto the Coventry canal and we turned sharp right heading towards Nuneaton. On the left hand side there is a long length of long term moorings and at the end one I spotted this stargazer.
We soon caught up with a hire boat that Diana had assisted down the locks, they had got a bit too close to the towpath so stayed there while we passed them, I was able to point out the stern rope trailing in the water. Just after that it was a CRT push tug, the steerer was on the towpath holding it, after we passed he followed us, what a noisy beast that is. I wouldn’t want the job of driving that. Then we caught un with another CRT Workboat, I mentioned to them how noisy the small one was, they said that is why they were trying to get away from it. The housing development just before you come into Nuneaton is really taking shape now with some houses occupied and others for sale. There seemed to be less boats at Boot Wharf with only a single row in front of the yard. The sky to the right of us was looking really dark and not long after passing Springwood Haven Marina we had a very short, sharp shower. The diesel at Springwood is more expensive than at Amada, coming in at 162/Lt. A short way before The Anchor Pub this work flat was trying to stay afloat, I think a bit more rain may see it dipping under, I am not sure it would actually sink as it may have buoyancy tanks.
We then met two CRT volunteers heading down to look at it, I am not sure what one was carrying but it wasn’t a bucket to bale it out.
We have moored outside The Anchor pub where we plan to eat tonight.
Woke to a bright sunny morning with clear blue sky’s. We were away at 1015 and only met 5 boats all day. The temperature was a bit cooler than it has been but the bright sunshine mad it feel warmer than it was. At Stretton Stop it was suggested that Sutton Stop may be closed but speaking to a boater in Ansty they said it was open so we carried on. Very few boats moored in Ansty I think they are all at All Oaks Wood. At Hawkesbury there were a couple of spaces against the concrete and one against the piling before you get to Sutton Stop so we pulled into the piling spot for the night. I have just booked a table at the Greyhound for tonight.
I was quite foggy when we went to bet last night but most of it had lifted by this morning but it was much duller and overcast, the sun didn’t get through until lunch time. We set off at 10-30 again and were soon passing The Waterside pub, I hate to think what this plant growth is doing to the roof.
Done at Hillmorton Locks a boat coming up had just closed the near side top gate as we had arrived, 2 minutes earlier would have saved us both some work. Although the time restriction on the flight has been lifted only one side is functioning. There were a couple of Volockies at the bottom lock where we had to wait for a boat to come up. Just below the lock Brighton and Nuneaton were tied up, they had passed us earlier this morning before we were ready to set off.
There wasn’t a breath of wind so the canal was like glass giving some lovely reflections.
The house building at the old GEC electrical Engineering Works is really taking shape now just beyond the flats .
There were very few boats moored at Brownsover, but the ones that were there were right near Bridge 58 and needless to say as we arrived a boat came under the bridge, we slide gentle together. The autumnal colours are really out now.
Something that hasn’t happened for sometime was to meet a boat in Newbold Tunnel, he was less than a boat lengths in when we passed so quite light as his headlight was an LED killer. Passing Amada boat hire I noticed their diesel is now at 159/lt. I suppose it had to happen. When we got to All Oaks Wood I was not hopeful of a mooring but found one space just long enough for us to slip into for the night.
First thing this morning CRT turned up to work a Calcutt hire boat and a boat offering training down the locked Calcutt flight. I guess the hire company has an arrangement to keep operating. Daisy’s Bakin Butty was doing quite a trade by the top lock.
We set off at 10-30am in weak sunshine and slight mist. Down to Wigrams Turn and sharp left towards Braunston. Quite a few boats around at first but then tapered off, although the sun was out it was not as warm as yesterday. This large house at Wolfhamcote was shining in the sunlight.
Another left turn at Braunston Junction saw us on the North Oxford canal. A brief stop at the serviced to deposit recycling, its not waste any more and check the pound water level, its come up slightly in two days.
We carried on passed our home mooring to bridge 75 where there is a short length of piling, just room for two boats, but thankfully no one there today. This was our mooring for the night.
Well today did not go to plan. Last night was a lovely moonlight night with the Tawny Owls out calling to each other. The sun was out this morning and we set off at 1030 all the other boats were long gone
The towpath along the Grand Union canal is quite bad in places where is fallen right into the canal.
Unlike a little further on where its all concrete pilled, its just a pity they don’t stick to the dredging measurements.
Water levels on the Braunston pound are only down by about 30-40mm. so the doing was easy, this is the weir at Lower Shuckburgh. We met several boats as we continued on to Napton on the South oxford. They have done a lot of piling prior to the winding hole giving much more room to moor. You can’t come along here without taking a photo of the windmill.
We hadn’t filled with water since last time out so we stopped at the waterpoint by the Folly Pub. Its so slow we were able to have dinner while it filled up. That done we set off to the locks and that folks, is where it went wrong. Napton flight is still closed due to lack of water until Monday. How I missed it checking the stoppages I don’t know. Nothing for it but to reverse back to the winding hole and do something else. Something else was to retrace our steps, back passed Napton Narrowboats with most of their fleet in to Wigrams Turn. Here we turned left and head to Calcutt Locks, not with a plan to go down them, but wind above them and moor for the night. The flight is still closed and the back pumping going full bore, however the flow of water over the bottom lock bywash is quite substantial, I am not sure where its coming from. We walked around the reservoir, its not as low now as when we visited last September see this photo
I have never seen one of these before beside the water, stops the vandals throwing them in or walking off with them.
After returning to Harnser we were treated to a splendid sunset over the reservoir before closing up for the night.
No a bad drive to the boat, a bit of mist early on but that soon cleared, We did have a couple of holdups, a accident on the A146 had closed the road, but the old road, now only a lane runs parallel to it, if you know its there. The next stumbling block was at the far end with the lane to the maria out of Barby village closed. It said open to businesses so off we went until we hit the second road block, right across the road. As we arrived so did a digger coming the other way. No chance in getting through, so turn round and follow the diversions to Hillmorton and come in from the other end. Same thing, road closed, access to businesses so we carried on, and hit a full , manned roadblock just over the canal bridge. A chat with the man and he let us through to get up beside the works and into the marina. We unloaded onto the boat and started making ready to leave, firing up both the engine and the stove. By 1-30 we were on our way. I don’t think I have ever left the mooring with no wind. A gentle cruise round the marina and south on the Oxford Canal. By Dunchurch Pools some of the sheep have bright blue bums, but I couldn’t spot the Tupp anywhere.
At Braunston Junction we turned right on the S Oxford/GU canal chugging on passed the moored boats to tie up just after bridge 100.
Today’s Journey 6¼ miles in 2¼ hours with no locks
We were travelling as passengers on the Wherry Maud from Sutton Staithe back to her base at the Forsythe Wherry Yard at Ludham. The wherry was due to leave Sutton at 1030, but first we had to drive to Womack Staithe to pick up another passenger, Simon and take him to Sutton. At Sutton we met up with John who had come down to see us off, John and I worked offshore together for many years but its been several years since we met up in the flesh. While we were standing around chatting the crew were hard at work putting 3 reefs in Maud’s sail due to the very gusty winds
Life jackets on and the safety briefing done, eventually we were all aboard and off being pushed by the tender past all the moored boat to the end of the dyke where the crew hoisted the sail.
We were now sailing down the River Ant heading for Barton Broad, on the way we were overtaken by the museums steam launch
On Barton Broad we met the Broad's Authority launch towing yet another hulk away.Last time we were on Maud we saw them doing the same. Abandoned boats on the broads are becoming quite a problem
We did a circuit of the Broad dodging, or should I say they were dodging us, the yacht racing on a Sunday morning. as well as the yachts there was a family dog out for a Sunday morning cruise
Then the sail was lowered and we left the broad at the opposite end to where we joined it still on the river Ant. The reason for lowering the sail was the river is narrow and tree lined as well as the wind being gusty and against us.
The river Ant flows through the village of Irstead which has its own staithe as well as some very pretty riverside properties.
We were heading for our lunch time mooring at How Hill. The reason for the stop was not for lunch but to wait for the tide to pass under Ludham bridge. As we approached the moorings we found there was already another Wherry there, the Hathor.
We had hoped to drop in at her stern but when we arrived there were canoes moored both in front and behind her. Thankfully when the party of young people saw we wanted to come in they continued their journey and gave us space.
We had about an hour and a half at How Hill, it was a pity we didn’t have longer as it was one of the rare occasions that the house was open to visitors.
We wandered along and looked at the old wind drainage pump that is looking very sorry for its self.
It would cost a lot less to restore this back to working order than the large brick mill they are working on and its much more unique. We were away from the moorings at about half one, still being pushed by the tender with our sail lowered. Before we reached the bridge the mast had to come down. This is so well balanced that it has to actually be pulled the last foot or so required to clear the bridge.
As we neared the bridge we passed a rather nice traditional Broads Hire boat which no doubt is now in private ownership. The bridge is a very tight fit for the wherry, its so close that there is just room for a crew member to deploy a rope fender if necessary to stop her rubbing the side. Today it wasn’t required, as we didn’t touch a thing and the height, well there was just inches that way as well. A hire boat coming towards us had to hold back while we came through as there is no way we could stop and reverse.
Once clear of the bridge the mast went up again thanks to a block and tackle on the forestay.
Then the sail was hoisted using the two man winch mounted just in front of the mast . While this was going on a bit of quanting, a bit like punting was going on to keep the bows away from the moored boats and then we were sailing again. This photo was taken by Diana from the tender, now that it was no longer required to push us along.
You can see how low the gaff is and how small the sail with three reefs in. Look at the sky, you can see how its changed since we set off this morning in the blustery weather. It wasn’t too long before we were
passing St Bennetts Abbey, I didn’t know at the time but my friend, John and his family had driven there by car and then walked down to the river to photograph us going by, this is one of the photographs he took.
We had good sailing from here past Thurn Mill all the way to Womack. We also met and had a yacht pass us who was tacking up the river towards us before turning and heading back.
As we turned down towards Womack Staithe from the River Thurn the sail was again on its way downfollowed by the mast, this is so that Maud can slide into the shed beside Albion, another ex working Wherry, but first a little historic motorised dingy had to be moved out of the way.
Once we had all said our good bye’s and thanked all the crew for a very enjoyable day we walked up the lane to the staithe carpark where Simon had left his car this morning, for the 10 minute drive back to Sutton Staithe, where we left some 6½ hours earlier to pick up our car and drive home.
Where we went
If you would like to help preserve this lovely old Wherry and have a chance to sail on her you can join the Wherry Maud Trust at Membership – Wherry Maud Trust or just go there and read more about this fine vessel .
