lognor8

Ah I see, thanks Howard. We are already talking about doing another trip next year. One of our group suggested the Broads. Not sure because there are no locks.

Hello everyone A rather long post but I hope you enjoy it. Well, we have returned from our trip, and what a blast. We sailed south from Silsden and stopped at a pub called the Marquis Of Grandby in Riddlesden. The Landlady did us proud making us really welcome and even going as far as cooking Scampi and chips. Later that evening we went to Ishys Kitchen, An Indian takeaway. Next day we let go, sailed on towards the 5 Rise locks, and got there about 12 midday. The CRT guys were terrific although they did warn us that the return journey would be harder and it wasn't unknown for boats to sink! So we descended the 5 and 3 rises and went on our merry way. Further down we came across a pub called the Fisherman Inn and we decided to have a bite to eat and it's here we came unstuck. The pub is right on the winding hole and we couldn't moor there so we decided to go under a tunnel we could see ahead and moor there. Unbeknown to us there was a double lock right in front of us. We knew one was coming up but were surprised to find it right on top of us. So as we had already passed the winding hole we knew we had to descend the 2 locks to the next winding hole. Our very first go at doing it ourselves. After a quick debate we decided to forgo dinner, descend the 2 locks, turn around at the next winding hole, ascend the 2 locks and then have dinner. That's when we got into trouble. We descended the first lock ok but when we tried to descend the 2nd one to reach the canal, the first lock kept sending too much water into the 2nd lock thereby stopping us from descending to the canal. Despite our best efforts we couldn't equalize the water in the 2nd lock to the canal water and we had to go to a boat moored up to ask for help. I don't know what he did but it got sorted and we descended to the canal and sailed onto the winding hole by Hirst lock. (My first attempt at turning the boat around...and I did it!) But our troubles hadn't finished yet. We sailed back to the 2 locks we had just left, navigated the bottom one ok and while moving the boat forwards for the upper lock we grounded the boat! We hadn't realized that we should have refilled the first lock on our descent so that we would have enough water to equalize the locks on the way back up. The lockkeeper was on hand to help and he sorted it out for us. Many, many thanks to the two gentlemen who came to our aid. So we finally moored up and had our tea in the Fishermans Inn. (Liver and mash for me) Then we called it a night and had a few beers on the boat before lights out totally knackered from our fright. Next day, no more mishaps and we got through the 5 and 3 rises and decided to sail right past Silsden boat yard to a pub called The White Lion at Cross Hills (Where I turned the boat around again...yay!). Moored up, had our tea and made our way back to Silsden the next morning. Unbelievable weekend and one I would do again. The people all along the canal were incredibly friendly and have made a lasting impression on our group. Anyway, I just wanted to share our experience and hope that telling you guys of our mishaps will help in some small way to someone who wants to do the same. You can view a quick video I took when our group reached the bottom of the 5 Rise. Sorry for the bad camera work.

Hello everyone. I wasn't expecting a response to my early November post in December. Wow! So sorry for not replying. I took a car ride up to Knaresborough (from Merseyside) this week and decided on the way back home to visit the Silsden Boatyard to get a canal map. Janet (the owner?) was very friendly and opened the office for us even though it was late Sunday and it was closed. She explained that there is a system in place where you can go through the locks in one direction but to return you have to wait until the next day. Apparently, this is to conserve water in the locks. To be honest I was like a kid in a sweet shop and not really paying attention so I may have got this wrong. Anyway, we are definitely doing the 5 and 3 Bingley locks (which I believe is downhill) and then it's anyone's guess. Could we do the 2 locks further on considering the few days we have? I would appreciate opinions from those more knowledgeable than me. Would it be advisable to moor somewhere out of the way or am I OK to moor up wherever? I intend to sail at least 8 hours per day so what would be a realistic goal regarding distance and pubs for meal times. etc? .so many questions!!...I just want to have the best experience for the time available to us.

It is just a May bank holiday hire, Friday to Monday. 4 adults. To be honest, we have dreamed about this for a long time. Just getting on the boat will be a feat in itself. One of our 'crew' just wants to moor up, go for a pub lunch and set off again. Me? I want the five rise. No real plans in place. Just wanna experience what it's like.

Hello everyone. I have booked a taster trip over the May Day bank holiday next year. Yeah, I know I have a long time to wait but I am looking at what to do and get an idea what to expect. I have booked with Silsden Boats (Dan's Drum) and want to experience the Bingley 5 rise of locks. Are there any recommends along the way? Things to see, pubs to visit, how long does it take from Silsden to Bingley? Really exited. Thanks in advance.

Hi Everyone Can anyone recommend a widebeam for a 1 week holiday. I know of the Sancerre but I would like to know of any more please. I am looking at the Thames area. Infact is there any brochure that concentrates on widbeams?

Thanks for that, it made me laugh . Actually when I wrote.."We are in our 50's and not as young as we were"....I was being polite. Both my wife and I are a bit 'fragile' health wise but we're not ready for sheltered housing yet The more I read up on this, the more I am saying 'why haven't we done this before?'. Everything I have read points to a relaxing holiday (with a capital R). Thank you all for the replies. I will look at the hire companies mentioned. I especially like the post regarding the locks on the Thames being manned. I didn't know Middlewich was holding another festival this year.....one for the calender! Anyways, thanks again for all the replies...

Hi Liam Blimey, that was a quick reply. Yeah, realised that, I have just edited my post

Hi Everyone My wife and I spent a holiday last year in Portsmouth ( to visit the Victory) and when we drove home we stopped off at Oxford for a few hours. Unfortunately it was raining so we just had a pub lunch and only stayed for 2 hours. While there we saw some boats on the Thames (or was it the canal?) and decided that this year we would like to try a narrowboat and visit Oxford properly and the surrounds. We plan on spending a mid-week break Monday- Friday (providing there are vacancies) aboard to see if we like it, probably around late August/September time so could anyone recommend a hire company and maybe a few places of interest that we can take in for those few days? We haven't been on a boat before so I'm not sure about locks and things. We are in our 50's and not as young as we were and I am concerned that operating locks will be too much of a strain. Or am I thinking too much!! I know I can find the info elsewhere on the internet but I wanted to ask the knowledgeable people here first. Lastly, I visited Middlewich Folk And Narrowboat Festival last year and had a great time. I read that there was one in Crick this year, too late for me to book time off work ...Is there a magazine or website with an events list?