Gargrave and back

[Ray]

We bought our sailaway - On Schedule ! - from Reeves in October 2006 and have been busily fitting it out on the GU south during the winter months 2006/7. We're still a long way from finishing but hope to be in a position to head north to Gargrave (and back) after Easter, at the end of March 2008 to show far flung family members what we've been harping on about for the last 6 months. Although we've had several hire boat holidays over the years, they've mostly all been of a week's duration, so next Spring's trip will be the longest that we've ever tried and the first when we aren't really racing the clock. We don't have a schedule, save that we need to be back by about 20th May, giving us about 8 weeks.

 

We'd like to make it a circular trip, without duplicating too much of the system, other than south Norton Junction. We recognise that a trip of this nature will need a lot of planning and would welcome input from forum members about the journey. What do we need to get / take?, specific navigation notes, places to be wary of, all that kind of thing. We've got the basics, like windlasses etc., but there's talk on the forum and in books of all sorts of keys and the like, so clarification would be useful.

 

There'll be just the two of us but we're used to long days (and getting up early!).

[tillergirl]

You'll need an anti valndal key as well for some of the locks especially round Gargrave. And if you are going on the LL thorugh Bingley plenty of stamina and strength - lots of locks and swing bridges. Enjoy its beautiful up there.

Edited May 20, 2007 by tillergirl

[bottle]

Hi

 

I know of only two keys, the one Tillergirl mentions 'anti-vandal' sometimes known as a 'handcuff' key it looks like a tube with a square hole in the end and a 'T' bar to turn it, the other is the BW key sometimes called a 'watermate' this is a Yale type and used at water points and elsan/pump out/ toilet facilities etc. (one key fits all)

[Ray]

Thanks to you both. Is the Watermate key the same as the one we use "down south" for the elsan disposal sites? Can we get the handcuff key somewhere locally before we go?

[RichardH]

I posted some bits and pieces about the L&L around Easter time - can't quite remember the name of the lady but if you want any specifics pm me.

[Jim Riley]

Hi

 

I know of only two keys, the one Tillergirl mentions 'anti-vandal' sometimes known as a 'handcuff' key it looks like a tube with a square hole in the end and a 'T' bar to turn it, the other is the BW key sometimes called a 'watermate' this is a Yale type and used at water points and elsan/pump out/ toilet facilities etc. (one key fits all)

 

The toilet facilities on the Lancaster have an electronic lock as well as the yale watermate, you need a little chip thingy on your keyring too, got mine from bw office.

Handcuff keys are available from most swindlery's, certainly those near canals which have handcuff locks