tafkam

Another update, to reflect some of the comments made. I will say, though, I've made no attempt to differentiate between wide and narrow - and don't intend to do so. It's clearly not intended as a navigation device, but rather as a simplified overview.

Being clearly in no way related to the London Underground, I'm not sure that my map could be a problem for TFL since the original maps are protected by copyright. As there is nothing copied but the general idea of the colours and straight lines - neither of which could be covered by copyright - there should be no issue. There is slightly more of an issue with Richard's since it does mimic the original design somewhat. And I certainly have no issue with it being posted elsewhere - although I'd like to know where

Some footage here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8183680.stm

Thanks for all the comments! Glad it's been largely well-received. Have tried to respond to comments below: Couldn't even see how to begin to make sense of it, if I'm honest! Well, for such a short and ancient stretch of canal, it seemed deserving of slightly different treatment. So it's got the 'heritage line' type label Corrected Again, hopefully all corrected

Killing time lately, I got to pursuing a rather arduous task of mapping the canals in a slightly different style. Doubtless there are some initial errors, but thought folks might like to see the efforts:

Thanks for the tip there - I'll advise them to check the details. No sign of anything on the Waterscape site, but I'm not sure how accurate that is!

I can't find any reference to any stoppage... have I missed something?

Thanks for the advice, all. I'm still hoping that I'll not be unaccompanied, but best be prepared. Why - is there a planned stoppage? Hadn't thought of that - I was worrying enough about keeping to my word about the arrangements what with one thing and another!

I'm doing my parents a favour this summer in transporting their boat from Napton to Oxford in preparation for their long holiday along the Thames and Kennet & Avon. Trouble is, it's only now looking like I may have to do this single-handed, presenting an issue with lift bridges which are usually closed. Could an expert tell me how many of these there are, and just run by me how I might manage these? I've read of use of the barge pole to prop the bridge, but even so, I'm not clear quite how this is achieved in terms of crossing the bridge to the non-tow path side. Any advice?

How is one supposed to come up with the split between domestic & propulsion use? Is 60/40 seen as the expected norm? Or is that just a figure folks have come up with? How would the average boat user know?

Grand! I think I just wanted to reassure myself that I hadn't missed something and was about to get myself into a situation. I'll look forward to that now Thanks all

My parents have fairly recently bought their first narrowboat, and I have the opportunity to use it for a week at the end of the month. It's only a 39' boat, so nothing huge, but I would be travelling alone. I've spent some time on the boat previously, and on other longer boats in the past. I wouldn't want to be managing locks alone, but how straightforward is the Ashby for a solo traveller. Is mooring plentiful and uncramped? I'm no expert (although I may well be by the end of the week if I go ahead) Also, how accessible are nearby villages and towns - I'll be taking a bike. Any thoughts. Feel free to say: you sound like an amateur; think on!

Interestingly, the Geoprojects Cruising Rings Guide suggests that the ring is also called the Staffordshire Ring.

Controversial! Well, being a proper southerner, I can't claim to know anything, other than what Waterscape and others tell me!

Well, one of the options we're considering is picking up a boat near Fradley Junction, and heading either straight to Drayton Manor theme park, or going anti-clockwise and trying to stop at Drayton Manor on our way back - if we have time. This is likely to be in August, so busy areas might be a problem. Will have a look at BW mapping, and the Pearson guides we have... The ring is - from Northern edge, clockwise: *Trent & Mersey from Great Haywood Junction to Fradley Junction *Coventry Canal from Fradley Junction to Fazeley Junction *Birmingham & Fazeley Junction to Farmer's Bridge in Brum *BCN to Aldersley Junction *Staffs & Worcs to Great Haywood Junction

Tidal_Toag I presume? Indeed - strange places, tis true! I know the sea life centre area as a land-lubber - a nice pub on the junction as I recall.Is that central enough for us to get into and out of the less desirable areas the days before and after? Or will we need a secondary stop?

Having just returned from a trip along the Leicester Section of the GUC, we're now looking to next year. We fancy a ring, and as we'll only have a week, have considered the Black Country Ring. However, we have concerns about safe places to moor in Birmingham itself when travelling the bottom of the ring. Are we right to be concerned? Are there some real no-nos? And equally, some recommendations for safe places to stop? Thanks

What impact did the previous outbreak have on canal- and river-life?

Yes, we have, although I find it a little hit and miss. I'm still not sure how best to guide it on speed of movement on broad and narrow canals, but suspect that the automatic figures are a little low. Also, it seems to propose fairly arbitrary stops en route, without an option to suggest things like overnight stops within walking distance of a nice pub. On that matter, any pub recommendations on that route?

Thanks for the comments folks. Having been browsing in the meantime, we're now pondering just going as far as Market Harborough, and perhaps if time then allows on our return, detouring down the Grand Union towards Weedon Bec. So my thinking is something like: Saturday - Calcutt to Braunston Sunday - Braunston to Yelverton Wharf Monday - Yelverton Wharf to Foxton Tuesday - Foxton to Market Harborough (stop for lunch) then return to Husbands Bosworth Wednesday - Husbands Bosworth to Welford (lunch) then back out to Crick Thursday - Crick to Norton Junction as then as far as reasonable, perhaps Weedon Bec Friday - Back as far as Napton Bridge Saturday - Return to Marina. Sound do-able? Is Weedon Bec of any note?

We are hiring a narrowboat this summer, and although we have been cruising before with parents and family, this will be our first trip 'in charge' as it were. We're hiring from Calcutt near Napton, and have been looking at heading across to Braunston and up to at least Market Harborough on the Leicester branch of the GUC. We are looking to be on the move for between 6 and 8 hours a day, with hire from Saturday 3pm to Saturday 9am, so essentially 6 full days. A few questions: 1) How far might we be able to get up the Leicester branch? Is Kilby Bridge (bridge 87) feasible? What about if we also want to spend some time at Market Harborough? 2) Is the Welford arm worth a detour? 3) Any recommendations for overnight stops, and maybe lunch stops near pubs/shops as appropriate? Any comments and advice warmly welcomed Thanks Michael