Leicester Ring

[Felshampo]

Thanks also Jennifer. We're just about to start the Leicester section of the GU and that was very useful. 

[Jennifer McM]

Enjoy it! We certainly did 

[matty40s]

On 19/02/2019 at 08:05, matty40s said:

Plan ahead for water saving measures to be implemented on the Leicester line......very soon.

The resovoirs for the Braunston summit and Leicester summit are only at 50% of normal levels and it just isn't raining.

 

This will mean shortened locking times with locks being chained up in the afternoons to allow back pumping to restore water levels in the highest pounds....and if no rain comes, a complete shut down of the Leicester section again.

 

Selling off the fishing rights has now seriously affected navigation on this stretch for 3 out of the last 6 years, this year will be the same.

 

Ok, it's happened.

 

From 5/5, Foxton, Watford and Buckby flights are being locked outside of 10-4 operational hours.(last entry 3pm or 3.15 at Watford.

 

A section of the Leicester side below Foxton is also restricted.

 

From the end of the month, Stoke Bruerne and Cosgrove locks will also be restricted to these hours.

 

The Braunston flight will be CLOSED 4-6th June for relining gates at lock 4 and fixing cill.

 

Plan ahead, it will probably get worse.

 

[Tuscan]

Think Braunston also being locked overnight in June. Doesn’t bode well

[matty40s]

They arent telling us something though, as i the latest reservoir watch they are crowing about the North GU being at above 80% full by the end of April !!??

Both the Daventry ones are virtually full.

[Rickent]

1 hour ago, matty40s said:

 

Ok, it's happened.

 

From 5/5, Foxton, Watford and Buckby flights are being locked outside of 10-4 operational hours.(last entry 3pm or 3.15 at Watford.

 

A section of the Leicester side below Foxton is also restricted.

 

From the end of the month, Stoke Bruerne and Cosgrove locks will also be restricted to these hours.

 

The Braunston flight will be CLOSED 4-6th June for relining gates at lock 4 and fixing cill.

 

Plan ahead, it will probably get worse.

 

Might be busy then getting down to you for the 8th.

[Nightwatch]

We are 'on a trek' around the ring. Slowly of course. Done it before so no worries apart from the water issues mentioned above.

From Tuesday we will be departing Alrewash along to Fradley,Coventry Canal etc. We plan to be back at Langley Mill mid July. 

Will the Leicester Arm be a better bet than returning up the Coventry back this way. There seems, at present, less issues regarding water.

 

i know nobody knows, but just a guess from knowledgeable people would suffice I reckon. I'd like to meet up boater friends in Rugby-Braunston area, then if needs be turn around or up the Braunston locks.

 

Wot do yer reckon?

Edited May 17, 2019 by Nightwatch

[Mike Todd]

13 hours ago, matty40s said:

They arent telling us something though, as i the latest reservoir watch they are crowing about the North GU being at above 80% full by the end of April !!??

Both the Daventry ones are virtually full.

Given that CaRT now have much more comprehensive water models which enable them to calculate ahead the likely situation months away, I wonder whether we are beginning to see a more cautious approach that does not just simply react to the current situation, waiting until the reservoirs are bone dry before doing anything. It is preferable (if the choice has to be made) to ensure that passage is possible right through the season even if at restricted times rather than having longer periods when the route is shut completely. Boaters may need a new mind set in terms of planning routes and daily schedules, looking at the various notices much more frequently (assuming that they are properly maintained!)