Derek Porteous

Plenty of good moorings in Castleford and town is a ten minute walk. Also plenty of moorings at Ferrybridge. Not much there. A few small shops and a decent pub by the moorings. We have never moored between Ferrybridge and Beal, as it has never (to us) looked that inviting, but still lots of moorings. One of our favourites is the floating pontoon at Beal. Limited to two narrowboat to keep the lock landing clear, but very pleasant almost in middle of the village. Next up is West Haddesley. Room for four or five and very pretty. The Selby Canal is a delight, but mooring between West Haddesley and Selby somewhat limited with perhaps only a couple of suitable mooring spots. Plenty of room in Selby. We like Selby. The town has perhaps seen better days, but still has a certain charm in areas. Enjoy your trip.

Yep. Tend to agree that the natives are indeed friendly. We had put off cruising the canal for several years because of its "reputation". We eventually did it a couple of years ago and met nothing but cheery, friendly people. Even the fishermen smiled and waved. Also had a beautiful large grass snake swimming right up to the boat. A fisherman just below the basin said they were a real pest, especially on a summer's evening as they disturbed his fishing by their swimming back and forth.

Sadly, very unlikely. We have "done" the Wigan Flight some 20-30 times. Whilst CRT lock keepers have been around, not once did any assist. Having said that, we happened to meet the volunteer one time (Peter). He was just superb. Assisted when required after he worked out exactly what assistance we required. The best we have ever encountered on the system.

Yes, the Poolstone looked wider than normal. The rest of the Wigan Flight are the usual double lock variety. Just need a windlass, an anti-vandal key and a lot of muscle. Good luck and have fun. Handy pub at the top for a celebratory pint.

Think I spotted it in the actual, rather than virtual, world at couple of days ago north end of the Trent and Mersey. No sign of the esteemed Daniel, but of course, I could have been wrong.

Would agree with mrsmelly but perhaps temper it a bit. Usual precautions on a tidal river (wear life jackets, have anchor handy, Marine Radio is handy). Going upstream is easy, although the flow through the two bridges at Selby can be exciting. All calms down then. Just look out for debris in the river. The lock keeper at Selby will let you out on the flood and you should arrive at Naburn about two and a half hours later just on the ebb. Entry to Naburn Lock is straightforward and easy. Travelling south on the ebb to Selby is more problematical as the entry to Selby Lock can be tricky. Go past the lock with the ebb, turn and cruise up against the flow for your entry into the lock. As mrsmelly says, try and choose a period of settled weather and neap tides are always easier for the Naburn to Selby trip, not so important for the Selby to Naburn leg.

Definitely worth doing. The River Ouse is full of interest. About 4 hours to Linton Lock. Nic pub there and ample mooring (provided the river is not too high). Another 2 hours and you are at Boroughbridge which is certainly worth a visit. You are now on the River Ure, and only 2 hours away from Ripon. I think the river is very pretty on this stretch. New by Hall is a possible stop for a visit (but overnight mooring is not allowed here). Rip on ia very fine Yorkshire market town. Terminus is close to town centre. Don't miss the Hornblower ceremony.

Agree totally about Ashley Lane. Great moorings. But, as you quite rightly point out there is only room for three boats. More often than not (in summer) they are usually full. Another four or five moorings there would be ideal.

As a matter of interest, what length of new overnight moorings have been provided? Presumably there is no change to the day only moorings.

I do hope that Mrs Neil2 is OK. Even with a glancing blow, such incidents will be very, very unsettling and spoil your boating for some time as you will always be keeping an eye out for what "might happen". Also interested what, if any, feedback you get from the police. On the scale of recent atrocities, I guess this will be fairly low down in their priorities, and yes, i know such attacks on boats have been happening for years, but if there is no effective policing of such incidents, then no one will think they are accountable for anything. Also feedback to the "victims", even if it is "well, we had a look for them, and couldn't find anyone" is better than silence.

I think there are at least three water points (Junction of Trent and Mersey and Wardle Canal, between Anderson Boats and main road bridge to the north, and the Big Lock.). I guess both Anderson Boats and Middlewich Boats would also provide water if asked.

The equivalent of a Gold Licence between the Bridgewater and CRT seems a good idea. I know a lot of Bridgewater boats have a CRT license, but the CRT waters are so much more extensive than vice versa when all that is required is a two/three day transit license to get from Leigh to Preston Brook (or one day in the case of the Rochdale).

Agreed about not wanting to visit every weekend. But it is the main transit route from the Leeds Liverpool to the Trent and Mersey.

Yes, but if your mooring is on CRT waters next to the Bridgewater and want to cruise for the weekend (and another weekend within a month) or indeed for two or three week cruise and returning to your mooring, then this is problematical.

Agreed . We also had damage on front hand rail. We took everything off the roof and the low pipe bridge east of the tunnel took off our electronic aerial!

They were there a couple of days ago. A bloody nuisance when you attempt to wind. No surprised they are at an angle. Am surprised they have lasted so long (at least two months!).

I know it is slightly off topic, but how many times have you assisted a boat through a lock and the helmsman simply refuses to make eye contact, nod or in any way gives a sign to raise the paddles no matter how much waving and windlass pointing goes on?

We have attempted it twice. Each time the weed defeated us.

Agree with all of that, but full services also available at Boothstown

Yes. Today a marine service provider told me that a boat had been charged at Lymm. Apparently the enforcement officer takes a photo of the CaRT registration number which is both gps and date stamped as proof the the boat had been on the Bridgewater less than 28 days before. As an aside the same marine service provider said his business has nose-drived ever since the enforcement of the 28 day rule. How indicative that is of reduced traffic, I am not sure.

Thanks guys. Excellent information.

My engine has 5,000 hrs. When it was new and I changed the fuel filter, it started first time, spluttered a little, then continued as normal. For the last of years it started first time, spluttered a little then died. On starting it again, back to normal. However yesterday after the fuel filter change, it started OK then died. It did this for several restarts to the stage that I got a bit worried. Eventually the fuel got through and all is well. Should Isuzu 35s be bled in any way after a fuel interruption, and if so how? Thanks.

Many times. Why?

Plenty of room at lunch time today (Friday). Believe it is 72 hours although signs are not clear. Talking of which, the signs are not clear on exactly where the private moorings are. Also two new wooden posts have been placed in the water at the turning/winding end of Catlefield advising that there is shallow water. Makes turning a bit tight (not the shallow water, the blooming posts!)

I believe the Bridgewater re-opened yesterday.