Lincoln to Leeds and Back Again

[Naughty Cal]

Day One (Good Friday) – Burton Waters to Torksey

 

An easy start to the week but always a nice way to ease into holiday mode following a long period at work. With Liam working on Friday it wasn’t until 7pm that we finally fired up the engine, untied the ropes and set sail into the fading light.

 

A quick phone call to the lockie at Torksey earlier in the day confirmed that we would be fine to moor down by the lock as the majority of boats had set out that day leaving the moorings fairly free. With a tide time of 8.30am the following morning it was nice to know we wouldn’t have to wake up quite so early now we could moor by the lock, so you can imagine our surprise when we arrive at the lock in the now dusky light to find the moorings full with two very large cruisers.

 

With a bit of jiggling and some decent helming from Liam we finally managed to wedge NC into a tight gap and settle in for the evening with a few quiet drinks. Or so we thought. It wasn’t long before we were joined for drinks by some friends moored at the other end of the moorings some 1km further upstream. Well we may as well start the holiday as we mean to go on.

 

8 miles, 0 Locks, 0 Swing/Lift Bridges

 

Day Two – Torksey to Pollington

 

This was always going to the longest day of the holiday with almost 12 hours to kill on the tidal Trent and tidal Ouse. We were due to leave Torksey at 8.30am and were not expected at Ocean Lock, Goole until 7pm at the very earliest.

 

At 8.30am promptly the lock gates opened and the light turned to green. We were to be joined on our first leg of this journey by another larger Sealine and her crew on their first trip on the tidal Trent. They were heading for West Stockwith whilst we were heading for our planned pit stop at Gainsborough for a few hours shopping and stretching our legs.

 

Sealine on the Tidal Trent

 

Torksey Castle beside the Tidal Trent

 

With the weather dull but dry and reasonably warm we enjoyed a gentle cruise with the tide, enjoying the early spring scenery and watching the wildlife on the river banks. After about an hour and a half of gentle cruising the arches of Gainsborough road bridge approached, signalling the start of the derestricted speed limits on the ABP waters. It would be rude not too so we had a quick blast down river soon leaving the heavier and slower boat behind. As we were mooring in Gainsborough anyway and we had left the moorings well behind we had a quick blast back meeting the bigger Sealine part way back.

 

Now whether we cocked up or we just hit the wake slightly skewed we still don’t know, but NC didn’t land very well from her jump at 25 knots over the bigger boats monster wake and landed on the hull side missing the hull bottom and chine completely. The resultant bang was enough to open the fridge door, bring a light fitting down from the ceiling and open the pan door which had been thoroughly locked shut. Fearing that the boat may be severely damaged we made a quick exit to the moorings where we could tie her up and survey the damage.

 

To our amazement there were no visible signs of damage. The true test of course will come the next time she is lifted from the water. With this little fright behind us we set about shopping for a few items I had missed off the list and before we knew what had happened we were well behind schedule for setting off the Trent End.

 

NC moored in Gainsborough

 

River Trent at Gainsborough

 

With a big spring tide behind us we were now making good progress towards Trent End where we would anchor up for a couple of hours and wait for the incoming tide to take us back up the Ouse to Goole. With just a couple of miles to go it looked like we would enter the anchorage with no problems despite setting off later than planned, until the depth sounder started showing less and less water well in the navigable channel. We slowed to a crawl before deciding it was no longer wise to carry on and dropped the anchor before the beached the boat. It was a peaceful enough spot and with no water in the channel we were not causing an obstruction to navigation so we brewed the coffee, broke out the cheese and crackers and listened to some music whilst waiting for the tide to lift us back off the bottom.

 

A pleasant enough place to anchor

 

Not much water here

 

Burton Stather Wharf

 

After what seemed like an age, but was in reality only a couple of hours, NC started to eerily swing around the anchor signalling the change of the tide. With the water now flowing in fast and the anchor holding against the change of tide it was only a half hour or so before we had enough water to safely continue on our way.

 

The last two miles to the Apex light at Trent End took an age. Fighting the current NC was making headway of a little over 2mph. With the water levels still not great we didn’t want to run the risk of planning and running aground at speed so we plodded on, ploughing our way through the muddy waters.

 

Eventually with the Apex Light in sight and the waters deep enough and safe enough we climbed onto the plane and gave NC the chance to stretch her legs on the Ouse as we attempted to catch another boat heading for the same locking as us but some 20 minutes ahead of us. With a big tide behind her NC was cruising gamely at 36mph seemingly enjoying the run and no worse the wear for her earlier misadventure. With Goole Docks in sight and lockie urging us on we entered what has to be one of the biggest inland locks in the UK. No need to tie up here.

 

Ocean Lock, Goole Docks

 

Within minutes the lock was full and we were let on our way through the Docks and onto the calmer waters of the Aire and Calder Navigation. Still very much a commercial waterway in its own right.

 

Goole Docks

 

On safer waters we both felt much better about the day and laughed and joked our way the 6 miles further upstream to Pollington Lock, our moorings for the evening. With the boat safely moored up we wandered into the village for a well earned curry, which was even better than we remembered. With full bellies we climbed back into bed ready for a long nights sleep

 

Pollington Lock

 

70 Miles, 2 Locks, 0 Swing/Lift Bridges

Running Totals: 78 Miles, 2 Locks, 0 Swing/Lift Bridges

[Guest]

Nice pics. as ever,

 

but what happened after Pollington though?? apart from bumping into us that is...(not literally I should add)

Edited April 16, 2012 by MJG

[Naughty Cal]

Day Three – Pollington to Woodlesford

 

Another long day in store but not in the same way as the one just gone. Today it is the locks rather than the miles that will slow our progress.

We leave pollington reasonably early to get a good start on eating up the locks. Pollington Lock is easily negotiated and we plod on through pleasant countryside. The commercial nature of this waterways is very much evident with the depth of the water and the massive scale of the locks and and bridges along the route.

 

Someone must have warned them we were coming!!

 

No Wash.

 

Before long we were at the next massive lock, Whitley Lock. With the water point within easy reach we decided to take a break, have breakfast and as there is no hosepipe ban here wash the boat before filling up the water tank ready for the next few days use.

 

NC moored at Whitley Lock

 

Whitley Lock

 

With this lock now out of the way we had a decent stretch before the next one, the scenery again surprisingly pleasant. The canal finally gave way to the Rive Aire at Ferrybridge and once through the flood lock we were cruising along the tree flanked river wondering where all of the other boats had gone.

With a few more huge mechanised locks out of the way we were on the approach to Woodlesford where we would meet up with Martyn and Gill on Chrisnico for a BBQ and one or two beers.

 

Terrible Two

 

20 Miles, 7 Locks, 0 swing/lift bridges

Running Totals: 98 miles, 9 locks, 0 swing/lift bridges

 

 

Day Four – Woodlesford to Leeds

 

A much shorter and quieter day today. The wind has picked up to make it interesting for us though. We are still being lucky with the weather, any rain waiting until we are asleep. After a walk into the village to stock up on bread we say our goodbyes to Martyn and Gill and head off for Leeds.

 

The river is still quite scenic and despite our earlier reservations of cruising such as commercial waterway we are really glad that we did. The river takes a winding course as it approaches Leeds passing many remnants of its industrial past

 

Thwaite Mills

 

Before too long we were on the approach to Leeds city centre. The final lock a surprise after so many large one before. Within minutes we were safely tucked up on the visitor moorings in Clarence Dock, which has to be the UK’s most expensive wind tunnel. With the boat moored we set off in search of food in Leeds City Centre

 

Clarence Dock

 

Leeds City Centre

 

6 miles, 3 locks, 0 lift/swing bridges

Running Totals: 104 miles, 12 locks, 0 lift/swing bridges

[Naughty Cal]

Day Five – Leeds to Castleford

 

With a mornings shore break planned we set about on the Leeds tourist route starting off on the doorstep of our mooring at the Royal Armouries

 

 

Before heading off to Leeds City Museum before finally hitting the shops for some much needed supplies. Food was dealt with in the fantastic Kirkgate Markets and beer in the not very handily placed Sainsbury’s, thank god for the folding trolley!!

 

Eventually we set off to find ourselves a decent BBQ spot. We had no destination in mind and would just stop when we got bored.

 

Lemonroyd Lock, the deepest on our journey

 

The River Aire was again looking very scenic in the spring sunshine but where are all of the boats. We have seen very few on the move so far.

 

Rive Aire

 

It wasn’t long before we were eating up the miles and the arches of the old bridge at Ferrybridge loomed into sight, somewhat over shadowed by the huge cooling towers of the power station.

 

Ferrybridge

 

Finally we settled on a mooring in Castleford for the night. Handy for the towns many shops yet secluded with a real countryside feel. Just a shame about all of the fly tipping in the area.

 

Castleford Weir

 

11 miles, 5 locks, 0 swing/lift bridges

Running Totals: 115 miles, 17 locks, 0 swing/lift bridges

 

 

Day six – Castleford to Sykehouse

 

With no destination in mind we yet again set off with the intention to stop if we got bored. The miles were speeding by as we settled into a steady cruising pace enjoying the views and a few beers for good measure.

 

Knottingley

 

We had a slight hold up at Whitley Lock as a lock failure had caused a back log of commercial traffic waiting for the lock. It is great to see these big boats still plying their trade.

 

Commercials at Whitley Lock

 

Before too long we were on our way again and had chosen Sykehouse as our nights mooring spot. Not far to go now as we cross the Went Aqueduct.

 

Went Aqueduct

 

And finally just a mile or so further upstream we moor for the night at Sykehouse lift bridge. The first of many on this stretch

 

BBQ weather

Sykehouse

 

17 miles, 4 locks, 0 swing/lift bridges

Running Totals: 132 miles, 21 locks, 0 swing/lift bridges

[Naughty Cal]

Day Seven – Sykehouse to Keadby

 

We are very much on the homeward run now. This stretch of canal we have done many times before so we know it can be time consuming and at times downright frustrating so we set off with plenty of time to spare.

 

The first obstacle is the New Junction Canal. A bang straight section of canal with an aqueduct at either end and a series of lift and swing bridges at regular intervals broken by a lock at the middle. There is little point getting back on the boat on this section, it is much easier to have one on the boat and one walking the bank to operate the bridges. So I had a lovely 5 mile walk to start the day. Eventually the Don Aqueduct bears into sight and the end for now of my walk,

 

 

Don Aqueduct

 

The navigation at this point presents a pretty scene, rolling countryside and wide open fields but there isn’t much time for me to enjoy it as there is bridge after bridge after bridge with the odd lock thrown in for good measure.

 

Pleasant scenery

 

Whilst pretty this stretch of canal is better enjoyed with more than one boat and crew so that you can share the hard work. Today as with much of the week we are the only boat on the move and it has decided to rain with some hail for good measure. Keadby has never been such a welcome sight and a warm shower is within reach

 

Vazon Bridge

 

Keadby is a rundown town with little to offer barring a great fish and chip shop, possibly the best feature of the place.

 

19 miles, 3 locks, 15 swing/lift bridges

Running Totals: 151 miles, 24 locks, 15 swing/lift bridges

 

Day eight – Keadby to West Stockwith

 

With a day or so to kill we decide to head to West Stockwith today. A favourite local haunt of ours and a nice way to spend a spare day. With the tide flowing at a more sedate pace we are let out onto the tideway for the short hour and a half trip to the basin at Stockwith.

 

Keadby wharfs

 

Trent Villages

 

NC in West Stockwith basin

 

To our great surprise we had a fleeting visit from a dolphin on the Trent, and no beer was involved either. Presumably he was lost or seeking easy fishing.

As always when we visit this village we had a great evening in the White Hart followed by a few beers in the Yacht Club.

 

14 miles, 2 locks, 0 swing/lift bridges

Running totals: 165 miles, 26 locks, 15 swing/lift bridges

 

Day Nine – West Stockwith to Saxilby

 

With most of the day to kill before we could catch our tide we took a walk up the Chesterfield Canal. Unfortunately NC is a little too deep drafted to explore this pretty little canal but from our brief walk we are very tempted to hire one of the narrowboats for a short break to explore this water way further.

 

Chesterfield Canal

 

At 2pm we were finally let out onto the Trent. The narrowboats that had left an hour earlier to make the most of the tide were quickly overtaken at Gainsborough, despite our sedate cruising speed. It has to be said that their crews did not look happy with the dismal weather and we felt rather smug wrapped up dry and warm with the heating on.

 

Eventually Torksey appears around one of the many corners and home in within easy reach. We are locked up swiftly and just in time to watch the Grand National before we set sail for Saxilby and our friends waiting for our return and another BBQ.

 

19 miles, 2 locks, 0 swing/lift bridges

Running totals: 184 miles, 28 locks, 15 swing/lift bridges

 

Day Ten – Saxilby to Burton Waters

 

The final day of our holiday and the sun has come out for us. After a lazy breakfast and coffee we set off back for the marina and the pending big boat clean up. We both feel sad that this holiday has drawn to a close but it has shown us that NC is still in fine fettle after a quiet winter spell

 

 

We both feel sad that this holiday has drawn to a close but it has shown us that NC is still in fine fettle after a quiet winter spell and should stand us in good stead for our next trip in a few weeks time.

 

4 miles, 0 locks, 0 swing/lift bridges

Running Totals: 188 miles, 28 locks, 15 swing/lift bridges

 

Fuel used: 125 litres (27.75 gallons)

Fuel consumption: 6.8mpg (0.67 litres per mile)

 

Not bad fuel consumption given the varied cruising of this trip and completely ignores the heating use which has been on for between 4 and 8 hours a day.

[Grace and Favour]

Super pics Phylis - - - a rather pleasant little log of your hol.

 

Thanks

[jez1954]

nice report Phylis. If we had better facilities we'd be tempted to venture further afield (ie south of Naburn)....until we do then it's nice to read of your adventures and look at the pics.

 

Jez

[Naughty Cal]

nice report Phylis. If we had better facilities we'd be tempted to venture further afield (ie south of Naburn)....until we do then it's nice to read of your adventures and look at the pics.

 

Jez

 

We should have another trip report for you in the not too distant future (six weeks away, cant wait) but it is a much bigger trip than this one. This was just the shake down cruise ready for the big one. Hartlepool, Whitby and Scarborough for the next trip if the weather plays nice

[nigel carton]

Great pics and it was nice to meet you both at Thorne! oh... and thanks for the beer!!

[Naughty Cal]

Great pics and it was nice to meet you both at Thorne! oh... and thanks for the beer!!

 

Good to meet you too and have a poke around your boat

 

Bars open any time. Everyone should know that by now

[Naughty Cal]

Just a few more pictures for you today.

 

 

Don Aqueduct

 

 

Sand Barge at Whitley

 

 

They are a bit big these commercials!!

 

 

Whitley

 

 

Whitley By wash. Makes for choppy moorings on the BW long term site.

 

 

Stainforth liveaboards

 

 

Bramwith Lock

 

 

 

River Aire

[jez1954]

We should have another trip report for you in the not too distant future (six weeks away, cant wait) but it is a much bigger trip than this one. This was just the shake down cruise ready for the big one. Hartlepool, Whitby and Scarborough for the next trip if the weather plays nice

 

Let me know when you plan to be at Hartlepool - I crew my mates yatch out of there and may be there at the same time.

 

Jez

[Naughty Cal]

Let me know when you plan to be at Hartlepool - I crew my mates yatch out of there and may be there at the same time.

 

Jez

 

All being well, and if the weather and sea are kind to us, then we will be in Hartlepool on Sunday 3rd June for a night before heading back to Whitby for a couple of nights and then Scarborough for a couple of nights.

[Guest]

All being well, and if the weather and sea are kind to us, then we will be in Hartlepool on Sunday 3rd June for a night before heading back to Whitby for a couple of nights and then Scarborough for a couple of nights.

 

Give us a wave as you pass Saltburn..

[Naughty Cal]

Give us a wave as you pass Saltburn..

 

Will do

 

I expect you wont be there though. Its a bank holiday

Edited April 17, 2012 by Phylis

[tillergirl]

Excellent report and pics Phyllis.. And we can recommend hiring a narrowboat from Stockwith basin to explore the Chesterefield - even for a short break.

[LEO]

P,

 

Good pics - all that water, really brings home the 'Ploughing match' feeling when boaters cross the Tring Summit.

 

Leo.

[Naughty Cal]

It was a great trip. Plenty to see and do and keep us occupied along the whole route. In places we still dont feel as though we did the navigations justice and would have loved to spend more time in some places. Maybe next time we will take longer off work to explore further.

 

Now we are planning for our next short break in a couple of weeks. A run into Boston with a few boats (including some novice crews) for a blast out on the Wash.

[Minos]

Fabulous pictures!

 

We definitely passed you at some point - but in spite of looking out for you, we missed you. Must have been the rain in my eye...

 

Either that or it was when Circe & I nipped below to warm up by the stove and left the dog on the tiller.

[ditchcrawler]

some real crackers, thanks.

[Naughty Cal]

Fabulous pictures!

 

We definitely passed you at some point - but in spite of looking out for you, we missed you. Must have been the rain in my eye...

 

Either that or it was when Circe & I nipped below to warm up by the stove and left the dog on the tiller.

 

Looking at the picture of your boat in your avatar I think you passed us whilst we were moored at Sykehouse in a very heavy rain storm.