We are moving the boat from Oakwood marina to Droitwich. We have loved it at Oakwood, but the travelling up and down the M5/M6 has got too much. Yesterday we drove up to Droitwich marina and spent the night on The Bath Tub, thanks to Simon & Karen. This morning we got an Uber to
Simon had arranged with Thorne Marine for a pumpout and diesel top up. So they set off early and we followed about 30 minutes later. The thinking was that they would be finished by the time we got there. But they hadn’t even started. Thorne wanted to get their day boats ready first. So we
We decided last night that we would stop at Lymm today, and had planned to arrive late morning. This, we hoped, would give us the best chance of finding two mooring spots. So we set off just after seven. The weather was was a bit grey and drizzly at first, but then cheered up. We
Just 11 miles and no locks today. After breakfast we did a walk around the lake then set off. Worsley was reached about lunchtime, so we stopped for lunch and then decided to stay. Another walk after lunch around the Delph to view the various historic information regarding the original mines.
16 miles, 30 locks After having set off just before seven we made our way to the top of the locks for water (and showers). The Johnson’s Hillock flight are really well maintained and easy, though the bottom gates are heavy. We were trying to get to the top of the Wigan flight by twelve
An early start as we needed to get to Wigan on Monday. First the 20+ mile pound before the locks in Blackburn. We were quickly through Burnley. You would expect good views from the embankment but that’s not the case. There are a few swing bridges along this section, but they didn’t cause any problems.
This morning at about 10:30 the C&RT guys said “Ok, you can go”. So with Craig and Joan, who had also been waiting in their boat, we set off up the locks. We thanked and said goodbye to Darren and Richard and worked up the flight and away. Craig and Joan left us at Barnoldswick.
We have been here for 6 days, filling our time with walks in the lovely countryside and trips out. We have walked into Gargrave to do a bit of shopping. We caught a train to Settle where Andrew and Sheila picked us up and took us to Kirkby Lonsdale, then drove us back to the
1.5 miles, 4 locks Richard the lock keeper advised us to move up to the bottom of tne lock flight. He thought that there was a possibility of getting us through this morning. Unfortunately his boss said “no”, so we’re stuck here now. We have heard from tne C&RT guys that they are starting work
Yesterday we didn’t move at all. We went for a 7+ mile walk through Gargrave village onto tne Pennine way and out to East Marton, then back along the towpath. As we passed Bank Newton locks we spoke to Richard the lockie. He gave us his mobile number and said to call him on Monday