HNC broken again... :-(

[IanD]

So as well as the water problems on the East side (lock 1E padlocked, need to notify CRT to use it) and the damaged cill at 26W since May 1st (update due today), there's now *another* damaged cill announced today at 29W (update due May 15th!!! -- why so long?) so the flight up to Diggle/Standedge is closed.

 

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/019df824-90fb-7ac8-a19b-7bc02f2c658a

 

Which is not good news if you've got a booking through Standedge on May 20th... 😞 

 

 

Edited May 5 by IanD

[phantom_iv]

Unfortunately this is going to be a bad year for the HNC given CRT's reservoir watch data;

 

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/document/NzR06xsk_b86m7gH8a5RGA/NynuZYr5aS2P9vd0DP7k1JMQ2lcfYRKQwbqKbJetjM0/aHR0cHM6Ly9jcnRwcm9kY21zdWtzMDEuYmxvYi5jb3JlLndpbmRvd3MubmV0L2RvY3VtZW50Lw/019dbe93-d213-7d78-aac4-d494221348e9.pdf

 

I guess this is due to work being done on Slaithwaite reservoir - I suspect they'll be out of water by the end of the month-ish unless we get a lot of rain.

[IanD]

1 hour ago, phantom_iv said:

Unfortunately this is going to be a bad year for the HNC given CRT's reservoir watch data;

 

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/document/NzR06xsk_b86m7gH8a5RGA/NynuZYr5aS2P9vd0DP7k1JMQ2lcfYRKQwbqKbJetjM0/aHR0cHM6Ly9jcnRwcm9kY21zdWtzMDEuYmxvYi5jb3JlLndpbmRvd3MubmV0L2RvY3VtZW50Lw/019dbe93-d213-7d78-aac4-d494221348e9.pdf

 

I guess this is due to work being done on Slaithwaite reservoir - I suspect they'll be out of water by the end of the month-ish unless we get a lot of rain.

I know, it's not looking good as far as getting the boat over the HNC to Huddersfield is concerned... 😞 

 

The alternative is to go via the Rochdale (again!), assuming this isn't b*ggered too -- but that's a lot further round, coming down the Peak Forest from Marple... 😞 

[Col_T]

Any ideas on how good the Macc has been in previous years for remaining open ?

[phantom_iv]

At least the locks being closed will save water for you! Fingers crossed they can get them both fixed in time. I’d much rather do the HNC than the Rochdale tbh.

8 minutes ago, Col_T said:

Any ideas on how good the Macc has been in previous years for remaining open ?

Not great the past couple of years as Toddbrook reservoir has been out of action. There was a decent stock of water last month and Toddbrook is now refilling - the way I read it though it won’t be supplying any water until it gets to 100% full and gets the sign off. There’s a 12 week delay built into the refill schedule for testing/monitoring, which basically rules out it being any use this summer.  
 

So basically looks ok at the moment but might have problems if there’s a dry summer.

 

Edit: it does occur to me that when they’re holding Toddbrook at a certain level for 4 weeks for monitoring, that might just involve dumping excess water into the canal. So it might not be so bad after all. Or they might just pump it into the goyt / shut the inlet sluice - although it does say that they’ll use dam valves and pumps to do this. Who knows?

Edited May 5 by phantom_iv

[IanD]

12 minutes ago, phantom_iv said:

At least the locks being closed will save water for you! Fingers crossed they can get them both fixed in time. I’d much rather do the HNC than the Rochdale tbh.

Not great the past couple of years as Toddbrook reservoir has been out of action. There was a decent stock of water last month and Toddbrook is now refilling - the way I read it though it won’t be supplying any water until it gets to 100% full and gets the sign off. There’s a 12 week delay built into the refill schedule for testing/monitoring, which basically rules out it being any use this summer.  
 

So basically looks ok at the moment but might have problems if there’s a dry summer.

 

Edit: it does occur to me that when they’re holding Toddbrook at a certain level for 4 weeks for monitoring, that might just involve dumping excess water into the canal. So it might not be so bad after all. Or they might just pump it into the goyt / shut the inlet sluice - although it does say that they’ll use dam valves and pumps to do this. Who knows?

I'd also much rather do the HNC than the Rochdale too, for many reasons... 😉 

 

(not least the fact that the Ashton/Rochdale is much harder work than the HNC, and a much longer way round from Dukinfield Junction through quite a lot of less pleasant surroundings -- and we had to do it last time we moved the boat across the Pennines due to HNC stoppages...)

[IanD]

Status today -- two (or three) bits of not-so-good news, one good one...

 

24W to 32W:

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/019dbf07-0f48-7ee0-b04c-1842079ac44f

Update 5 May 2026, 2:13pm

Due to emergency repairs required at Lock 26W and Lock 29W, navigation is currently closed between Lock 24W and Lock 32W on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. This closure is necessary to help maintain water supply while the works are carried out.

A further update will be provided on or before Friday 15 May.

 

26W:
https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/019de385-2a17-75cb-86b2-1e4e5cd4ebb1

Update 5 May 2026, 3:31pm

Navigation remains closed due to a damaged cill at Lock 26W on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. This damage is preventing the lock from sealing, resulting in the lock being filled and operated safely.

The local team have experienced delays in sourcing the necessary parts to carry out the repairs. 

A further update will be provided on or before Friday, 15 May.

 

29W:

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/019df824-90fb-7ac8-a19b-7bc02f2c658a

Original 5 May 2026, 1:38pm

Navigation is currently closed at Lock 29W on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, due to a damaged cill which is preventing the lock being operated safely.

Our specialist team are planning to attend site to carry out the emergency repairs.

An update will be provided on or before, Friday 15 May.

 

1E:
https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/019df7d9-aa6b-7125-ab56-fe576876d881

Update 5 May 2026, 3:16pm

Lock 1E will not be padlocked and passage will be available through the lock.

Edited May 5 by IanD

[PaulJ]

4 hours ago, IanD said:

I'd also much rather do the HNC than the Rochdale too, for many reasons... 😉 

 

(not least the fact that the Ashton/Rochdale is much harder work than the HNC, and a much longer way round from Dukinfield Junction through quite a lot of less pleasant surroundings -- and we had to do it last time we moved the boat across the Pennines due to HNC stoppages...)

Assuming the Ashton is open.

The last repair on 10 took a while longer than anticipated..

 

Closest waterway: Ashton Canal
Starts at: Lock 18
Ends at: Lock 2

Description

Original 5 May 2026, 1:31pm

 

During repairs to Lock 12 on the Ashton Canal, additional defects were identified which are causing the lock to lose water. As a result, the local team will be returning to site to carry out emergency repairs. Navigation will be closed from Wednesday 13 May at 8:00am until Friday 15 May at 4:00pm.While on site, the local team will also be carrying out works to Lock 9 to repair a damaged cill.

A further update will be provided on or before Friday 15 May.

[Mac of Cygnet]

4 hours ago, IanD said:

I'd also much rather do the HNC than the Rochdale too, for many reasons... 😉 

 

(not least the fact that the Ashton/Rochdale is much harder work than the HNC, and a much longer way round from Dukinfield Junction through quite a lot of less pleasant surroundings -- and we had to do it last time we moved the boat across the Pennines due to HNC stoppages...)

In the 15 years I moored at Sowerby Bridge (just Below Lock 1 of the Rochdale) I did the HNC 13 times and the Rochdale once. That tells you something about the relative merits of these two transpennine routes. The eastern half of the Rochdale is absolutely fine, and I was a frequent denizen, but it took a bit of determination and a feeling of 'well, I suppose I should' to do the rest. And I say that as a boater on the Rochdale before it was restored (Shire Cruisers kept a boat at Hebden Bridge - we met one boat in 10 days, unsurprisingly the Rochdale Canal Society boat.)  

Having said that, I think I had the best of the HNC, compared to before and now,

[IanD]

1 hour ago, PaulJ said:

Assuming the Ashton is open.

The last repair on 10 took a while longer than anticipated..

 

Closest waterway: Ashton Canal
Starts at: Lock 18
Ends at: Lock 2

Description

Original 5 May 2026, 1:31pm

 

During repairs to Lock 12 on the Ashton Canal, additional defects were identified which are causing the lock to lose water. As a result, the local team will be returning to site to carry out emergency repairs. Navigation will be closed from Wednesday 13 May at 8:00am until Friday 15 May at 4:00pm.While on site, the local team will also be carrying out works to Lock 9 to repair a damaged cill.

A further update will be provided on or before Friday 15 May.

Thanks for that reminder -- hopefully this will be completed before we get there (if we have to go that way), but you never know... 😞 

 

I wonder what will happen with Standedge bookings after 24W-32W reopens, anyone have any idea? Do boats booked on the next working days get first priority? What happens to the boats who had bookings while it was closed? Who gets priority? Will CART open the tunnel on extra days to clear any backlog?

 

Here's what the booking form currently shows for Diggle to Marsden:
May 6th: 2 booked/1 free

May 8th: 2 booked/1 free

May 11th: 1 booked/2 free

May 13th: 2 booked/1 free

May 15th: 1 booked/2 free -- CRT update due...

May 18th: 1 booked/2 free

May 20th: 1 booked (us!)/2 free

May 22nd: 0 booked/3 free

May 25th: 3 booked/0 free

 

[IanD]

Delayed trip by a week, Standedge booking moved from 20th to 27th -- hopefully the Diggle flight will be open by then... 🙂 

[PaulJ]

25 minutes ago, IanD said:

Delayed trip by a week, Standedge booking moved from 20th to 27th -- hopefully the Diggle flight will be open by then... 🙂 

Its not easy trying to second guess a likely outcome- a working crystal ball would be very helpful.

Saying this as someone who has just spent a (very) pleasant few days in Manchester waiting for the Ashton to reopen which, luckily for me,  then shut again not many hours after I got through.

[IanD]

35 minutes ago, PaulJ said:

Its not easy trying to second guess a likely outcome- a working crystal ball would be very helpful.

Saying this as someone who has just spent a (very) pleasant few days in Manchester waiting for the Ashton to reopen which, luckily for me,  then shut again not many hours after I got through.

Indeed -- but planning to go up the (now closed...) Diggle flight only a few days after the next CART update on the 15th seems to be cutting it too fine, an extra week (going up on the 26th) is a lot safer... 😉 

[Hudds Lad]

If you manage your trip, can i suggest before you transit 3E and get stuck in the no towpath bit, moor up and have a quick trip to The Crate Escape on Colne Road for restocking the beer cupboard. Stock varies, but there's always something worth having  It's only a 5min walk from the awful new Kirklees College building.

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/xpezG59fCaQdEybm9

 

[IanD]

33 minutes ago, Hudds Lad said:

If you manage your trip, can i suggest before you transit 3E and get stuck in the no towpath bit, moor up and have a quick trip to The Crate Escape on Colne Road for restocking the beer cupboard. Stock varies, but there's always something worth having  It's only a 5min walk from the awful new Kirklees College building.

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/xpezG59fCaQdEybm9

 

Thanks for the suggestion, but that's just before we finish the trip so not much point stocking up then -- also will have a couple of Rebellion mini-barrels on board (probably mainly empty by then...), and will have passed the Empire Brewery in Slaithwaite a couple of days before where I was compelled to buy beer last time... 😉 

 

Will be stopping at Aspley Wharf marina to leave the boat there for a few days until @PaulJ picks it up to move it to Sheffield -- any suggestions for good places to eat and drink nearby?

Edited May 6 by IanD

[Hudds Lad]

45 minutes ago, IanD said:

any suggestions for good places to eat and drink nearby?

Not really, all changes too quick these days to give recommends, not really eaten anywhere near Town for years since i got a parking fine whilst visiting a Mexican place when they'd changed the car park allowed time sneakily from 2hrs to 1hr.

Although if you can make it up to Westgate the Nawaab has been doing great Indian food for decades.

Pub-wise i'd probably say The Sportsman has a good rep for beer, or either of the two up at the railway station, also The Grove if you don't mind a walk.

The Parish is also good and does food, but might be a bit too studenty for you. There are two 'Spoons as well if that floats your boat.

[Alway Swilby]

I don't know where you are at the moment but have you considered going the other way round down the Trent to Yorkshire? I know Keadby lock isn't good at the moment but they are on with fixing it. But even if Keadby doesn't get fixed organised trips round Trent Falls to Goole are being set up on the Try The Trent FB group. @PaulJ would like that trip! 

[IanD]

9 minutes ago, Alway Swilby said:

I don't know where you are at the moment but have you considered going the other way round down the Trent to Yorkshire? I know Keadby lock isn't good at the moment but they are on with fixing it. But even if Keadby doesn't get fixed organised trips round Trent Falls to Goole are being set up on the Try The Trent FB group. @PaulJ would like that trip! 

Yes I have, but not a trip I particularly fancy doing as a holiday (which this is) -- the T&M down to and through Burton is a bit tedious, and I don't really like the Trent -- or most bigger rivers -- even though other people do... 😉 

Edited May 6 by IanD

[Alway Swilby]

6 minutes ago, IanD said:

Yes I have, but not a trip I particularly fancy doing as a holiday (which this is) -- the T&M down to and through Burton is a bit tedious, and I don't really like the Trent -- or most bigger rivers -- even though other people do... 😉 

 Yes, I understand. And the trip across the Pennines is stunning. I do actually quite like the Trent now though, It gets us south after a winter in Yorkshire much quicker than going over the top.

[PaulJ]

33 minutes ago, Alway Swilby said:

I don't know where you are at the moment but have you considered going the other way round down the Trent to Yorkshire? I know Keadby lock isn't good at the moment but they are on with fixing it. But even if Keadby doesn't get fixed organised trips round Trent Falls to Goole are being set up on the Try The Trent FB group. @PaulJ would like that trip! 

He very much would 😀

[IanD]

34 minutes ago, Alway Swilby said:

 Yes, I understand. And the trip across the Pennines is stunning. I do actually quite like the Trent now though, It gets us south after a winter in Yorkshire much quicker than going over the top.

If speed/cost was all that mattered I'd do the same, it's a much shorter/quicker route from Great Haywood to Sheffield with a fraction of the number of locks.

 

But also a fraction of the enjoyment... 😉 

[Gybe Ho]

22 hours ago, IanD said:

Will be stopping at Aspley Wharf marina to leave the boat there for a few days until @PaulJ picks it up to move it to Sheffield -- any suggestions for good places to eat and drink nearby?

 

 

Have you ever tried the cooker thing-a-majig  in your galley 😀

[Gybe Ho]

On 05/05/2026 at 21:58, Mac of Cygnet said:

In the 15 years I moored at Sowerby Bridge (just Below Lock 1 of the Rochdale) I did the HNC 13 times and the Rochdale once. That tells you something about the relative merits of these two transpennine routes.

 

 

Now that I am immersed in continuous cruiser towpath culture I have noticed the real liveaboard cruisers consider the northern canals to be the pearls of the network. However I can see that for those leisure cruisers voyaging to holiday-season time constraints, the history of stoppages is a deterrent.

 

I have just purchased book 6 in the Nicholson guide series, Rippon or Lechlade in 2027, hmmm?

Edited May 7 by Gybe Ho

[phantom_iv]

On 06/05/2026 at 12:07, IanD said:

Will be stopping at Aspley Wharf marina to leave the boat there for a few days until @PaulJ picks it up to move it to Sheffield -- any suggestions for good places to eat and drink nearby?

 

The Rat & Ratchet - Ossett Brewery pub with its own microbrewery in the basement. Similar deal to the Riverhead in Marsden. Excellent beer, reasonable prices. Don't think there's any food though, although there is a chip shop next door.

On 06/05/2026 at 12:07, IanD said:

and will have passed the Empire Brewery in Slaithwaite a couple of days before where I was compelled to buy beer last time... 😉 

There's also the Zapato brewery, just off the canal around the bottom of the Marsden flight. 

[IanD]

7 hours ago, Gybe Ho said:

 

Have you ever tried the cooker thing-a-majig  in your galley 😀

Every day, thank you... 🙂 

5 hours ago, phantom_iv said:

 

The Rat & Ratchet - Ossett Brewery pub with its own microbrewery in the basement. Similar deal to the Riverhead in Marsden. Excellent beer, reasonable prices. Don't think there's any food though, although there is a chip shop next door.

There's also the Zapato brewery, just off the canal around the bottom of the Marsden flight. 

Thanks -- the Riverhead in Marsden was very good in the past, will probably go there again this time... 😉 

 

Hadn't thought of the Rat & Ratchet, it's a bit of a step for a spouse with a dodgy knee... 😞 

 

I did spot the Zapato brewery but we're aiming for the bright lights of Slaithwaite after the Marsden flight.