From user@twaldron.softnet.co.uk Wed May 5 21:45:31 1999 Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 20:32:41 +0100 From: Terry Waldron Reply-To: canals@blacksheep.org To: mailing list Subject: Trip Report: L&L - Acton Bridge/Leeds Part 2A [The following text is in the "ISO-8859-1" character set] [Your display is set for the "US-ASCII" character set] [Some characters may be displayed incorrectly] 24 April 1998 After driving up the M5 & M6 in rain as soon as we got to Acton Bridge the sun came out, we knew we were going to have a good two weeks. Stella was moored alongside with Onxy outboard, with 4 more Ownerships boats behind and in front. The staff at the boatyard are very friendly and helpful. Took 1/2 hour to unload the car and change ready for our trip. Stella pointing South so had to go to the next winding hole at bridge 206. The canal runs through open countryside with the Weaver running close by. Dutton Stop Lock is soon reached, Sue found the gates a bit heavy but help was offered by another boater. Just made it into Preston Brook tunnel at 1609, one minute to spare, took about 15 minutes to go through. On approaching the bridge before Claymore Navigation I could see a boat coming through the bridge, 6 young ladies, under boatyard instruction, all looking pleased to be aboard and eager to get away. Runcorn can be seen away to the left after going under the M56, a power staion on the horizon and away to our right the Science laboratory, they have their own private moorings. The village of Moore is soon to be passed through, I like this stretch with some pretty gardens and mostly unspoilt villages. We moored at London Bridge and went into Thorn Marine, a very friendly helpful chandlery with all sorts of bits you do not see in others. 25 April Soon after leaving we start passing long lines of boats moored at the cruising club moorings, this slows progress. The open country stretches for some miles before coming up to Dunham Massey Hall, for those wishing to go for a walk moor to the north of the aqueduct and the hall car park is about 400 yards away. Soon we approach the built up area of Altrincham, here I got a shock, a rowing 4's approaching fast, they have not seen me, so gave them a toot, soon slowed so we could pass. They turned and came passed me at over twice my speed, we were then upon an 8's coming towards. Waters Meeting and Trafford Park are upon us, I had to stop soon after turning as there was a barge under one of the bridges spraying concrete, 3/4 hour hold up. Quite a few pairs of Canada Geese seen nesting, some in very close proximity of nesting swans. After a long straight stretch with factory units set behind the trees we came to Barton Swing Aqueduct over the Manchester Ship Canal. I would love to see this operate. From here we run through a built up area with a road beside before turning through Monton Green Bridge, here the water is reddish/brown, much like the area round Harecastle Tunnel. Mooring in this area must be somewhat dubious as moored boats are on chains and padlocks. After Worsely Bridge we are into the country, evidence of coalfields here. A new eaters pub has been built at Boothshall Bridge, looks very popular. From here to Leigh more evidence of coal and Leigh shows it's industrial past with numerous mills beside the canal. had intended to moor Dover Bridge but too late for plank Lane Bridge so moored beside Pennington Country park resevoir. many walkers with dogs but otherwise very quiet. 26 April Through Plank Lane as soon as the lock-keeper arrived. Slowed down for a fishing match at Dover Bridge, thanked for my consideration by the anglers. Moored bottom of Wigan Locks at 1030 ready for a 1300 passage. Went for a walk to Wigan Pier and Courtaulds Mill, too little time to have a look round, ideally need a day, we will do these next time. Into Bottom Lock at 1240 along with a Dawncraft GRP Cruiser who was having problems with reverse gear. David Long arrived on his bike to give us assistance (see other postings). Sue made the decision to tow the Dawncraft as otherwise we would have been waiting all day for them, we then had to proceed with caution so we did not crush it, they did lose their rubber fendering and sustain a little damage to the where the hull and cabin joins. About 3 1/2 hours to go through the flight. Coalfields all around as well as evidence of iron ore smelting. Wonderful views over Wigan and into the distance. Had intended to moor Red Rock for a meal but decided to go on to Adlington. Good planked mooring opposite the towpath with a playfield alongside. Despite being close to a noisy pub it was a quiet mooring. 27 April Watered at White Bear marina, diesel very reasonably priced, much cheaper than most hire boatyards. Out into open countryside with some nice views, we approach the M61 closely followed by Botany Bay Antiques, a theme park with tanks, helicopters, fire engines and much more, we have marked this down for a visit next time out. Johnson Hillock Locks have a number of stiff paddles so I did most of these. From here to Blackburn we are in open countryside, just after bride 91 there is what appears to be a WWII bunker set into the hillside about 200 yards from the canal. Blackburn is soon encountered, its industrial past in clear evidence. The locks reasonably easy, can only remember one paddle being heavy. Moor bridge 101 for Asda. Although there were very few people around we felt somewhat uneasy going through Blackburn and would not feel happy mooring there. Moored close to the aqueduct just after Rishton, a very quiet safe mooring but no pubs near. A beautiful reddish/orange sky at sunset, the photo with reflections in the water is almost perfect. 28 April The views from the aqueduct are wonderful, the quiet spoilt by the thuner of traffic on the motorway below. The canal is contour hugging in a series of U bends. On coming into Church there are the remains of kilns close to the canal. The open countryside between clayton Le Moors and Burnley has good views of the hills in the distance. Burnley appears more friendly than Blackburn, the area round Burnley Wharf is being renovated to incorporate many canal atractions. The aqueduct, views over the town on both sides and over the football stadium should not be missed. Many shops and restaurants just below the aqueduct. Stopped at barden Mill, bridge 134, they advertise mooring for two boats, however we could only just get our 47 footer onto the mooring, there are no rings or other points to moor to so had to use a tree and found a gap behind one of the support poles, have brought this to the attention of their management. If you are in the area and want a new suit then stop here. The bottom lock at barrowfield has stiff(ish) paddles, after leaving this one we started to find low pounds and paddles open, some ground, some gate sometimes both, reported to lock-keeper. Moored on planked mooring just before bridge 144. 29 April Straight into Foulridge tunnel, much evidence of heavy limestone deposits close to the southern portal, quite wet going through. Unless it was my imagination there appeared to be a number of small bends in the tunnel. Moored Barnoldswick for water and to make phone calls, weather now hot enough for shorts. Started the descent accompanied by Rev catherine and david and helped by the lock-keeper. A beatiful double arched bridge just before East Marston, moored but ground very soft, had to put out additional ropes. On leaving had a pair of ducks hitchiking on the roof, obviously dropped in for lunch so had to reed them, they stayed with us for about 1/2 mile. Bank Newton locks have ground paddles that are wooden and have to be lifted, first time we have come across this type. On down through Gargrave locks and then started to get to the swing bridges before Skipton. Plenty of room to moor, not many boats here. 30 April Found a laundrette about 10 mins. walk from the boat, missed market day as it was yesterday. From here we are into many swing bridges, some previously being reported as being difficult, 182A needs a fair bit of effort to get moving, 192 needs a lot of effort to move but is easier than the last time I had to do it, 197, 197A, 198 and 198 are all powered and need a BW key. Stopped Silsden Boats for diesel, gas, water and pumpout, the ducklings in the yard like nibbling your fingers. Many rbaby rabbits between Skipton and Bingley, large warrens seen in the hillocks close to the canal. Low Wood, bridges 194/195 full of bluebells, looks like a blue carpet. moored 100 yards from Bingley 5 Rise ready for the descent. 1 May Walked down to chat with Barry the lock-keeper, he would be ready for us about 0900, Sue given instruction on how to operate the 5 rise and 3 rise, both up and down by Barry before we set off. Part way down the 5 rise Barry wanted to empty one lock and leave the gates open, what a sight looking up two locks. A very fast descent down the 5 rise, took Barry down to the 3 rise to help us as well, very interesting to chat to him. Foxton is nothing against this!!! New canal like warehouses being built Saltaire and more being renovated. Bridge 209 needs both a BW key and a windlass (lots of turns). Bridge 214 needs a BW key, had difficulty getting the road barriers to correctly latch in, took three times before I got it right. Moored Apperley Bridge on the outside of the new marina (see mark Wickett posting for more info on opening). 2 May Boat looking a bit dusty, washed both sides and roof, cleaned all the brass before breakfast. Passed Ruddy Duck at br 214b. Stopped at Bridge 221 to await Sue Butler and Neil, our crew for the weekend, we had only been moored about 10 mins and they arrived, on to newlay locks, watch out for the new paintwork, Sue and neil armed with winclasses doing the locks for me. Now getting into the industrialised area of leeds, Sue Butler trying to establish where she was from the landmarks. At Oddy locks met up with Marilyn and Peter from Midama, both armed with windlasses to help us through the last couple of locks before Leeds. Moored in Granary Basin, so close to the station but yet so quiet and feeling very safe. Next parts Aire & Calder, Calder & Hebble, Dewsbury Arm, Huddersfield Broad and Halifax Arm.