Is the Stoke Bruerne flight closed?

[Tony1]

 

As I've been moving south I've been keeping an eye on a planned stoppage to one of the Stoke Bruerne locks.

The last time I checked the CRT website was about 2 weeks ago, but if memory serves the planned stoppage in this flight was due to start on 27th Jan, and they were to reopen on 14th Feb.

But I checked the CRT map view of stoppages this evening, and I can no longer see any sign of a closure at these locks. 

Has anyone gone through in the last few days? Did the work finish early and the locks reopen in the last week or so? 

 

 

[PaulJ]

Yep- its open. Had the notice on the 4/02.

Put it to the test- try going down early and see if you actually dont have to fill it first..😀

[Tony1]

1 minute ago, PaulJ said:

Yep- its open. Had the notice on the 4/02.

Put it to the test- try going down early and see if you actually dont have to fill it first..😀

 

That's great news, thanks very much. I was planning to stooge around at Gayton for another week, but no need to do that now.

But perhaps a short cruise to Blisworth first, and an overnight there, before tackling the terrible tunnel. 

Baby steps. 

 

[matty40s]

43 minutes ago, Tony1 said:

 

But perhaps a short cruise to Blisworth first, and an overnight there, before tackling the terrible tunnel. 

Baby steps. 

 

Blisworth is good, shop, pub, also good Thai at Blisworth narrowboats occasionally..Google.. 

 

For opening times.

 

Make sure you have a brolly for the tunnel....

 

 

Edited February 8, 2025 by matty40s

[Tony1]

10 hours ago, matty40s said:

Blisworth is good, shop, pub, also good Thai at Blisworth narrowboats occasionally..Google.. 

 

For opening times.

 

Make sure you have a brolly for the tunnel....

 

 

 

Thanks for the tip about needing a brolly -  a couple of people have mentioned that and I keep forgetting! 

I've kept half an eye on the Thai place during my approach, but sadly its been closed the whole time, but I'll probably stop anyway for a look around the place.  

 

[Charlielamus]

I will be interested to see if the pound below the top lock holds water overnight! For the last 8 months it's been as dry as a bone in the morning...

[matty40s]

That was the reason for the short notice stoppage I believe.

[Tony1]

2 hours ago, Charlielamus said:

I will be interested to see if the pound below the top lock holds water overnight! For the last 8 months it's been as dry as a bone in the morning...

 

I dont enjoy working double locks on my own very much, so I'm hoping the gates are all in good nick and dont give me any trouble.

I'll try to remember to update this on the state of that pound when I get there.

I'll probably get to the top lock early doors, and then give it an hour to see if anyone comes up and sets the locks for me, and maybe someone will turn up and share the locks going down. 

That said, It wont be until Tuesday or maybe even Weds, depending on how my enthusiasm levels fluctuate. I had a Waitrose delivery this afternoon, so morale is currently high. Some of their cakes are so delicious it feels like they might be illegal in some way.