HuddersfieldNarrow

[Robbo]

1 minute ago, colmac said:

Right thats it, have asked the audience and we seem to have a majority saying go for it, so be it. Ta everyone.

Don’t forget to bring back some sticks of rock for us all on your return.

[NickF]

It's the best canal on the whole system! (IMO) Marsden is my favourite flight!    But as others have said don't try the lock landings, it's generally easier if the crew just walk as it's never far to the next lock! (except lock 2e which can only be accessed by boat!)

Edited May 23, 2018 by NickF

[Theo]

12 hours ago, Jennifer McM said:

 

Snip

Some of the locks were pretty tight for our 58 ft boat,

Snip

 

Theodora is about 61'6" including the fenders and we didn't notice a problem.

 

N

[Robbo]

Just now, Theo said:

Theodora is about 61'6" including the fenders and we didn't notice a problem.

 

N

Take it you didn’t do the broad bit tho?

[captain birdseye]

If you are short of help ring C&RT they often have a lockie who knows the canal and can help you through the locks

[Theo]

6 minutes ago, Robbo said:

Take it you didn’t do the broad bit tho?

Yes we did.

Diagonally and very carefully.  SWMBO steering.  No bowthruster so going down I was on the lock side pulling the bow across to go right into the corner of the lock.  SWMBO put the tiller hard over to avoid the cill.  Drain the lock really really carefully.  Pole the stern across so that we get maximum length alowing for the curve of the cill.  When the level is made open the gate that will open, manoeuvre the stern into the middle of the curve, pull the bow across the clear the gate that's still closed.

 

We had removed the bow and stern fenders which made Theodora just 60' to the ends of the fixed metal work.  The rudder protrudes about three inches beyond the counter.

 

SWMBO  didn't enjoy it.  I did.  I like extreme narrowboating.

 

N

[Robbo]

6 minutes ago, Theo said:

Yes we did.

Diagonally and very carefully.  SWMBO steering.  No bowthruster so going down I was on the lock side pulling the bow across to go right into the corner of the lock.  SWMBO put the tiller hard over to avoid the cill.  Drain the lock really really carefully.  Pole the stern across so that we get maximum length alowing for the curve of the cill.  When the level is made open the gate that will open, manoeuvre the stern into the middle of the curve, pull the bow across the clear the gate that's still closed.

 

We had removed the bow and stern fenders which made Theodora just 60' to the ends of the fixed metal work.  The rudder protrudes about three inches beyond the counter.

 

SWMBO  didn't enjoy it.  I did.  I like extreme narrowboating.

 

N

Was going to say I thought 60’ was the very max for the broad.

[Jennifer McM]

29 minutes ago, Theo said:

Theodora is about 61'6" including the fenders and we didn't notice a problem.

 

N

My mistake, it was the Huddersfield Broad which was tight.

13 minutes ago, Theo said:

Yes we did.

Diagonally and very carefully.  SWMBO steering.  No bowthruster so going down I was on the lock side pulling the bow across to go right into the corner of the lock.  SWMBO put the tiller hard over to avoid the cill.  Drain the lock really really carefully.  Pole the stern across so that we get maximum length alowing for the curve of the cill.  When the level is made open the gate that will open, manoeuvre the stern into the middle of the curve, pull the bow across the clear the gate that's still closed.

 

We had removed the bow and stern fenders which made Theodora just 60' to the ends of the fixed metal work.  The rudder protrudes about three inches beyond the counter.

 

SWMBO  didn't enjoy it.  I did.  I like extreme narrowboating.

 

N

Practically how we managed it. We didn't remove the fenders though, thinking the fenders would be our 'margin for error' - you were very brave.

[rgreg]

1 hour ago, Theo said:

Yes we did.

Diagonally and very carefully.  SWMBO steering.  No bowthruster so going down I was on the lock side pulling the bow across to go right into the corner of the lock.  SWMBO put the tiller hard over to avoid the cill.  Drain the lock really really carefully.  Pole the stern across so that we get maximum length alowing for the curve of the cill.  When the level is made open the gate that will open, manoeuvre the stern into the middle of the curve, pull the bow across the clear the gate that's still closed.

 

We had removed the bow and stern fenders which made Theodora just 60' to the ends of the fixed metal work.  The rudder protrudes about three inches beyond the counter.

 

SWMBO  didn't enjoy it.  I did.  I like extreme narrowboating.

 

N

We adopted a similar practice descending the Calder & Hebble last year. Although we are only 57ft it was quite hairy at times trying to avoid being swamped by the leakage from the top gates.

[Jennifer McM]

Lime Kiln Lock (#23W) is one challenging baby! Plus we had about 50 Gongoozlers watching us trying to 'bend' our boat to enter the lock. The lock was created first, and the Saddleworth viaduct built after.

 

 

Beautiful scenery!

 

Edited May 23, 2018 by Jennifer McM

[Neil2]

A lot of folk went to a lot of trouble to restore this canal so we need to encourage more boaters to use it not dissuade them.  

 

It is certainly a more challenging prospect than say the South Oxford but well within the compass of a competent narrowboater.  I have two pieces of advice, first if you don't already have one I would get one of those new LED tunnel lights - obviously you don't have to worry about blinding oncoming boats and plenty of light will make Standedge a much more pleasurable and interesting experience.  The other thing is measure the draught of your boat and make a depth guage so you can check the depth of water over the cill when entering/leaving the top gate.  The pounds on the HNC are extremely volatile and I think I am right in saying most of the boats that have come to grief have been caught on the top gate cill.    

[Hudds Lad]

do it, you'll love it! I may be slightly biased though

 

here's a few pics from last Friday's 10mile bike ride, must've been about 8 boats moving which is unusual. And if the nice lady from 'Pumpkin' is a member here, apologies for wittering on so much.

[IanD]

Have done the HNC both ways now (in hire boats from Shire Cruisers) and thoroughly enjoyed both times. Yes there are always some challenges like low water levels, but Standedge is brilliant, as are lots of the places and pubs. Highly recommended unless you're a lockaphobe, in which case somewhere like the Ashby might be more your cup of tea ?

[luggsy]

We are currently on the Huddersfield at diggle lovely place come through the tunnel on Friday amazing had to take navigation lights off as well as the Cratch & pram hudd. Took 1hr 25 minutes only damage was a small scrape on the front hand rail , definitely worth doing 

[colmac]

All sounds good. As for boat size, we are 45' with a draught of 27" so don'y envisage any dramas with locks or the tunnel. Are you escorted through the tunnel ? 

[Jen-in-Wellies]

7 minutes ago, colmac said:

All sounds good. As for boat size, we are 45' with a draught of 27" so don'y envisage any dramas with locks or the tunnel. Are you escorted through the tunnel ? 

You'll have a CaRT blue shirt on board to point out where the sticky out bits of the tunnel are before you crash in to them, or should that be sticky in bits. You'll stop off at a number of points where there are cross cuts to one of the abandoned railway tunnels so they can phone back your progress. Don't leave without them as they will be very upset . They will arrive with extra lights, gas detectors, hard hats and so on.

 

Jen

Edited May 24, 2018 by Jen-in-Wellies

[b0atman]

Standedge is purely a need for concentration for a long time I suffered no damage and caught side once with below gunnel no difference to any other tunnel .CRT observer will light the iffy points. Better to progress with some speed rather than too slow in my opinion.

 

[Jennifer McM]

9 minutes ago, Jen-in-Wellies said:

You'll have a CaRT blue shirt on board to point out where the sticky out bits of the tunnel are before you crash in to them, or should that be sticky in bits. You'll stop off at a number of points where there are cross cuts to one of the abandoned railway tunnels so they can phone back your progress. Don't leave without them as they will be very upset . They will arrive with extra lights, gas detectors, hard hats and so on.

 

Jen

Yes, the hard hat. You will be given a hard hat to wear. Think my husband enjoyed the journey, but his arthritic knees were a problem as he had to kneel some of the way. All boater have to do the tunnel at least once.  

[Victor Vectis]

OK. I accept I'm in a minority of one here.

 

I suppose our lack of water problems might be put down to our being one of the first boats up from the west after the stoppage last month.

We moored for a couple of days by the museum at Uppermill, very nice it was too. From there up to the tunnel mouth was great as well and I've never seen so many watertight top lock gates as on that stretch.

We moored overnight at the tunnel entrance prior to going through, another lovely mooring (especially if you like trains) Our 'chaperone' through the tunnel was a volunteer, Big John. He was wonderful company (and we didn't loose any paint)

The pubs had interesting beer, would recommend the Riverhead Brewery Tap at Marsden, as per Mac.

The locals (ever the fisherfolk) were friendly.

And it didn't rain, well not until we got to the far side of the tunnel.

 

But despite all this I still contend that a canal where there isn't enough depth to tie up on 'moorings' or where the lock landings are more for ornament than use is not fit for purpose.

[pearley]

For those who are currently on the HNC, this Friday is the Whit Friday Brass Band Marches at many venues along the Saddleworth side. Dobcross would be my favourite but if you don't want to walk far from the boat then Uppermill. If you've already gone past them then Diggle has a contest as does Stalybridge. 

 

I'll be there but unfortunately not by boat. But will be by boat in October

[captain birdseye]

Stalybridge band contest is at the labour club over the road from Tesco's just above lock 6W starts at 16:30, I'll also be there before returning to my boat which is currently on the upper peak

Edited May 24, 2018 by captain birdseye

[Jim Riley]

Go and do it, get the badge, then do the Rochdale, its nicer. Been up the Eastern side to Sla'wi't', walked up the rest, they won't let me through, petrol outboard! 

[pearley]

36 minutes ago, captain birdseye said:

Stalybridge band contest is at the labour club over the road from Tesco's just above lock 6W starts at 16:30, I'll also be there before returning to my boat which is currently on the upper peak

My sons band has decided to do the Saddleworth circuit this year so won't be at Stalybridge. I quire like the Labour Club one. Good view of the march if you stand on the stone wall and a nice small contest. And good beer in the club, so I understand. 

[Neil2]

3 hours ago, Victor Vectis said:

OK. I accept I'm in a minority of one here.

 

I suppose our lack of water problems might be put down to our being one of the first boats up from the west after the stoppage last month.

We moored for a couple of days by the museum at Uppermill, very nice it was too. From there up to the tunnel mouth was great as well and I've never seen so many watertight top lock gates as on that stretch.

We moored overnight at the tunnel entrance prior to going through, another lovely mooring (especially if you like trains) Our 'chaperone' through the tunnel was a volunteer, Big John. He was wonderful company (and we didn't loose any paint)

The pubs had interesting beer, would recommend the Riverhead Brewery Tap at Marsden, as per Mac.

The locals (ever the fisherfolk) were friendly.

And it didn't rain, well not until we got to the far side of the tunnel.

 

But despite all this I still contend that a canal where there isn't enough depth to tie up on 'moorings' or where the lock landings are more for ornament than use is not fit for purpose.

The Shropshire Union and the Kennet & Avon are just as frustrating as regards moorings, come to think of it there are more than a few lock landings on the Shroppie that aren't even ornamental.

[rgreg]

1 hour ago, Jim Riley said:

Go and do it, get the badge, then do the Rochdale, its nicer. Been up the Eastern side to Sla'wi't', walked up the rest, they won't let me through, petrol outboard! 

Yes, this is what I also suggested in post 11 but I'm not sure whether the OP plans to cross the L&L instead from Liverpool as he didn't say. We did the Rochdale last year and it is simply stunning, as are all the Pennine canals.