Ah, i guess the K&A has not improved. You have discovered exactly the reason we ended up leaving...
I wasn't expecting you to get stuck in Hampstead Marshall, i think the only thing you need to look out for heading west now is the walkway across the inside of crofton lock bottom gates.
going down woolhampton - walk the butty down and through the swing bridge leaving her on the bollards, then take the motor through and breast back up on the bollards - where the current through the bridge will help you if you tie the sterns together first.
Greenham island services has always charged for water, as they are on a meter, so there is a real cost to them. They used to have an honesty box for anyone doing a splash and dash out of hours.
As Mr P says - put Cygnus on cross straps - with her tiller lashed midship, then you only get stuck where the gates are really obstructed. The law of sod says it will always be the one infront of the motor, going down hill, so there is no way to squeeze out.
Just don't plan to get anywhere at any particular time, how are you finding the depth?
Simon.
edit to add - there are people around who can be booked for extra crew. . . . .