Dave123

We were allowed to go to Eynsham (it was Oxford cruisers then, not sure if it's still called that?) from the Oxford canal without a thames license a few years ago. The Thames lockie said it wasn't a problem as we were booked in there for a few weeks to have some work done. I guess the lockies know that they will catch you if you try and go much further without a license!

High lane has usually been busy with moored boats when we have passed. It just never seemed that attractive in terms of view (and one really is spoilt for choice in that regards elsewhere on the Macc)

I wouldn't say there is anywhere to avoid on the whole canal. The moorings above and below Bosley locks are beautiful. Bollington is really worth exploring, and the Brewery at the Vale Inn in particular ?

We overnighted in Ilkeston by the playing fields (there is armco shuttering halfsubmerged on the brick wall), there is a nice walk up to the disused Nottingham canal from here. Also spent the night in the pound above Stenson's lock both with no problems. Locals were very friendly in Ilkeston and at Langley mills. Only downside was the rubbish in the canal but it is definitely worth doing and taking time over in my opinion. The locks do take time to work so my advice is not to try and rush up to the end in one go.

This makes more sense now, I was trying to understand what could have happened just to try and learn from it. I suppose this could have happened elsewhere when using a lot of reverse? Luckily not in a fast flowing part of the Kennet with poor access ?

Very sad What is it about being in a lock that makes weed hatch related sinking a possibility though? Or is this just coincidence that they were in a lock and engaged reverse, so could have happened coming in to moor?

Very frightening! I don't understand how a failed weed hatch (as was apparently the cause) can cause a boat to sink so fast? Wouldn't the engine compartment have been separate from the rest of the boat?

I seem to recall being told gate paddles were something to do with it being a river navigation too, but can't remember exactly why? The Wey navigation also has some fierce gate paddles. You'd think if it was to save money more canals would have gone for gate paddles when running out of money (eg the Oxford below Banbury? )

https://m.facebook.com/groups/178384468913736?view=permalink&id=1074353972650110 This is the link. It's from the K&A boaters fb page. Why do they not put baffles on these sluices? In fact I have often wondered why gate only sluices were used, is it just that they are cheaper to construct than ground paddles?

I can't tell if it's the same boat, but I saw a Facebook picture showing the boat sunk in fobney lock had been heading uphill and looked like it was caught too close to the gate sluices. Didn't seem to be hung up. They are very powerful on this lock! Very sad regardless! (Not sure if posting the Facebook link is allowed?)

I agree the Severn can be dull to some, but Gloucester docks and Tewkesbury more than make up for it. It comes down to preference, but the OP and crew can see what they make of doing locks as they leave Droitwich and change plan to do more/less locks with their extension as they like. Plenty of routes in that part of the network!

Hi Junior. I'd say trying to do Tardebigge to gas street in a day (is that what you suggest, so to have the third day free in Bham?) is a bit much for anyone especially if you are novices and haven't done locks before. But if you find you are enjoying lock's then they are a beautiful flight of locks so worthwile in my opinion even if you don't make it to Birmingham. Ifor it was my choice I'd prefer an extension of the ring to Gloucester or Tewkesbury or Stourport as these will be easier and still plenty to see. Droitwich too is a lovely town with lots to explore. Also good moorings above the 2 locks at Hawford before the river (going anticlockwise) and in Worcester above the Diglis River locks. Hope you have a good time!

Maybe it is this? http://www.southport.gb.com/southport/news_list/Man_arrested_for_being_drunk_in_charge_of_a_barge_on_Leeds__Liverpool_Canal-55013167.htm Someone arrested for being drunk while 'driving' a 'barge'

That's good news. Hopefully they will make the new bank easy to moor to?

Yep! Had to do a full and unintended 360 turn there once ?

Great advice, this is one of the things I love about this site. I can't add anything except that it really is a fantastic canal. And watch out for Fobney lock as well as county lock (it is the next one after County). It can also have a very strong cross current coming out under/through the actual pontoon below the lock!

Yes the Middlewich branch is beautiful. Church Minshull has some lovely moorings on an embankment with spectacular views. Also good moorings in the first flash you cone to from Anderton on the T&M. Enjoy it!

Hahaha OK a frustrating day I see! I would like to think I would let a boat overtake if I was single handing a flight and much slower than the following boat, but it must be tempting to keep at it.

Interesting one this, when part of a well crewed boat wanting to get somewhere (ie.the pub) I have often been frustrated by slower boaters, but equally everyone should be allowed to go at their own pace. Perhaps he wasn't confident doing locks alone and maybe appreciated having you around? The idea of banning seems a tad draconian ?

Yes I suppose, and thinking of our border collie, he would most likely start running from stern to bow in panic so I guess could get trapped inside... This is a scary thread!

But surely a cat or dog would have the instinct to make their way to the deck and swim, rather than staying in the cabin and drown?

Yes it is amazing how fast things can go wrong! A few years ago we got sucked back into the top chamber of the Grindley brook staircase as the crew behind had started to empty it before our boat was out and the gates were closed, I guess they mistook their lock for a normal one. It was surprising how fast the boat started to go backwards even with full throttle! Fortunately much shouting got the paddles shut before damage occurred.

I agree! And aside from anything else they are fun to use and an important part of the heritage

It does stick out further but my worry now is that the fender can be pushed down by the gate so that it no longer sticks out so much...

I noticed a restored side pound on one of the locks at Bosley on the weekend, but it has been padlocked to stop it being used!