Friars Mill, Leicester

Today's Navigation : River Soar

The early start has become the norm in this very hot spell. It still takes us a couple of hours to wake properly, have a mug of tea, wash, dress and have breakfast as well as setting out all the items needed at the stern deck such as tiller and lock keys. 

It was really very pleasant as we unmoored around 7.30 - the river here has many bends, soe easier then others. Much of the sky still had a thin layer of cloud which very soon gave way to clear blue and, as a result, soaring temperatures.

We had a run of nearly 40 minutes before our first lock at Thurmaston. This pleasant foot bridge, which almost always seems to have walkers crossing over to the near by country park, is just before the boatyard and lock.

Most of the locks here have extended lock landing which are, increasingly this year, being treated as a good mooring spot, not always just overnight!

We have taken this year to opening the paddles on only one side of the lock as a default, crossing over only if the lock is unwilling to make a level. At Thurmaston we were close to leaving when a wide beam boat arrived (which of course needed both gates. This was rather handy as we could leave with the effort of closing top gates!

The entrance to Leicester Marina is on a very sharp bend. Once, the marina listed a range of services but now it seems  not to encourage passing trade, We think that the wide beam must have come out of here.

Bankside vegetation is becoming an increasing problem, There are often more stoppage notices about fallen trees or branches in the summer than in the winter. Here, two on opposite sides almost join hands (leaves) to make boat passage impossible. Certainly a wide beam would have to push its way through, Somewhere today, some piece of an overhanging tree has pulled out a small part of a window rubber. As we write, that is still on the to do list . . .

Here's another one, just in case you might be thinking we exaggerate the frequency!

At Birstall Lock a gentleman out walking made the mistake of showing an interest in how locks work. Mike soon put him to the task! As it was all new to him, he seemed very pleased to 'have a go'. The advantage for us was that we could ask him to close up after we had passed through. That's our usual rate of charge for a lock seminar!

At the large outdoor activity centre beside Loughborough Road Bridge, an instructor was preparing craft for today's visitors - she said that they had were expecting 150 children this morning!

As we approached Belgrave Lock we had an unusually good view of the Space Centre building. There is only a very short distance where it is fully visible and quickly goes out of sight if the boat-riding philographer is not prepared.

We were approaching Belgrave Lock with a little trepidation as there have been a couple of Notices regarding problems with a ground paddle and that opening a gate 'may be a two person task'. As we arrived a boat was already sitting in the lock with not much visible activity. In fact the single hander was making a repair (successful)  to the control panel (especially the engine stop facility) He was also waiting for another boat as they had been lock sharing for a couple of days. He knew that they were held up with the usual prop catch below Lime Kiln (we had a bad one back in May) Eventually, with his repair installed and the other boat nowhere to be seen, he suggested that he descend and wait on the lock landing. This would allow us to come up.

As soon as the water level started to drop we could see that the issue was a very leaky ground paddle at the top gates which, with fairly watertight bottom gates, would make opening a bottom gate quite hard. But at that moment the other boat could be seen fast approaching so we agreed to refill and let them catch up. Neither boat had seen the Notices about the lock. Mike's cunning plan was to ensure that there were others around when we were ready to come up! Of course, we were able to enter the already open gates.

The former Wolsey chimney is a 'just photo' landmark, especially with the sky like today. So, even if you have seen it before, tough!

Next to be tackled was the infamous Lime Kiln Lock. (Both of the descending boats had had a prop to clear) We planned a very careful approach, with a former mill a clear landmark to warn of our proximity. We just drifted through the worst patches. We caught nothing, thankfully, and were prematurely smug as we came to use the very new Boater Facilities just 100m above the lock Memory Lane Wharf.

There is room for two boats to come alongside and we chose the nearer as it would position our water inlet close to the single water point. Alas, although this is a good facility, it seems that no-one thought of dredging alongside! With there having been a water level issue recently in this and the next pound, we could not get close enough to the edge to jump off., 

In beginning then to move to the other space we discovered that we had now caught something serious around the prop, but had enough power (mostly human) to get around and start filling the water tank and making all the other disposals. It is a slooow tap!

After doing all the other chores Mike tackled the prop. Apart from the obligatory remains of a saree or two, the main catch was a piece of carpet. This proved very resistant to Mike's efforts, only finally conceding defeat after about 40 minutes. We then had a rest whilst the tank was still filling . . . 

We had arrived at Lime Kiln at 10:33 and we left at 12:24 . . . 

And so to North Lock, the last on our planned schedule for today. Again, a couple of chaps were keen to help which was really helpful as the landing above the lock is very high above the water level and difficult for re-boarding after closing gates.

Around a couple of bends, surrounded by a lot of new building, the Friars Mill pontoon mooring came into sight and we could plenty of room for us. Mike made his usual approach but just at that moment the wind turned into more than a breeze and uncontrollably pulled the bow back out towards the centre of the river. Although by this time he had hold of the centre line, standing on the pontoon. The strength of the wind was too much for him and so he had to get back on at the stern (still firmly wedged onto the pontoon) to try again.

A second approach was made with a different tactic, to secure a bow line before bringing the stern in. Christine was soon able to throw the line over a mooring cleat and make fast to the t-bar on the boat. Alas, this came at the price of her beloved hat blowing off into the water!

However, Mike was then able to bring the stern in, judging its speed to make sure that the hat did not escape and he was able to lift it out with a pole just before reaching the pontoon.

Definitely enough excitement for today! Who said that canal cruising was a quiet and relacing experience?

6.8 Miles - 5 Locks

Junction Lock

Today's Navigation : River Soar

Again. with high temperatures confidently forecast for today, we made an early start. We have used our overnight mooring before and found it pleasant and quiet despite the proximity to the main rail line between Leicester an Loughborough. At this point it is barely 100 m away but the thick line of trees shields some of the sound and there is not much at night time, Certainly we were not disturbed by its presence.

We immediately arrived at Pillings Lock where there is similar flood protection, including a radial gate, like that at Zouch, The warning signs definitely try to frighten boaters!

As expected, the lock itself was open at both ends. The result is quite a distinct flow along Loughborough Cut until the navigation joins the river again below Bishops Meadow Lock.

Next was Barrow with the attractive County Road Bridge just below the lock. There is now a sign advising boaters to pass through the central arch - alas it has a diagram that shows only three arches, not the actual five! (To be fair, the Grade 2 listed entry describes it as having three main arches and two sub-arches) It dates from 1845 although it looks somewhat older.

We have been having an email dialogue with CaRT Customer Services since out issues on the last trip. It is not an issue that CaRT are right to review what are their core services and duties but the implementation has most definitely less that good quality. Signage, consultative notices and actual practice had fallen below even the meanest of standards. This came to a head last time here at Barrow and so we were on high alert to see how the actuality compares with what Customer Services have said.

The first point we noted were (at least) two signs that direct boaters to take their waste to the nearby Mill Lane. We have not been able to find any reference to Mill Lane Services but guess that most boaters would assume that Barrow Mill is meant) This, of course, has been closed on the grounds of inability to upgrade to the new standards and the contractor's unwillingness to find a way to collect the contents.

We pulled in to the service mooring where the signage has been altered to remove the elsan and the water point sign hand scrawled to confirm the changes. (BTW, the CaRT online map still shows water and elsan available here).

Keen to empty a cassette, Mike checked the service block and found that the door to the elsan could now be opened with a standard Watermate key. However, the sign has been defaced to confuse! The inside to the unit looks as if it has been removed from the cleaning rota.

At least a little bit mollified we set off again and immediately passed the short designated Visitor Mooring. If you have followed this saga, the signage will not come as a surprise!

The nice blue signs were installed on a justification of enhancing the CaRT reputation. It does not take an expensive consultant to know that failing to maintain their accuracy more than negates the impact and leaves the organisation looking less than well organised.

The next stretch is lined on the Barrow side with properties that come down to the water's edge. It does not look as if many fear much of a flood as expensive items are close to today's river level.

Nearing Mountsorrel we saw quite a lot of horses, many with very young foals. (The nearest had buried themselves in the waterside reeds so a good picture proved elusive) We understand that the land is owned by a gypsy and traveller organisation. Fleeting conversation with someone on the bank indicated that the Betty Hensers horse fair is this coming weekend but we have so far found it invisible on the internet.

 

Certainly, quite a number of vans have gathered in the next field. (See here for our previous encounter!)

We noticed on the far skyline some obviously industrial units. Looking later at our maps we believe that they form part of the Mountsorrel Quarry, currently owned by  Tarmac.

In 1860 the quarry was connected to the main rail line near Barrow station, crossing the river on this splendid single track viaduct, still thought by some as one of the finest of its age. The track has since been lifted but today material is transferred on a conveyor belt to a Tarmac Railhead where it can then  travel onward by a proper train.

Sileby Mill looked as attractive as ever, especially enhanced by the blue sky background.

We then only had Cossington and Junction Locks before we could retreat from the heat and glare of the midday sun and sit out the afternoon on a favourite mooring. Mike did have a check on the prop to do as he thought that the boat was being a little sluggish again, but thankfully nothing much was found. 

The water was better at reflecting the camera and tiller arm than the prop but it is just possible to make out the bundle of weed below (in the picture) the prop. The task was made more difficult than it should be as the cabin metalwork on the outside was too unbearably hot to touch for more than a couple of seconds at a time! Getting down to the hatch necessitates levering oneself by holding onto the structure!

Pillings

Today's Navigations : Zouch Cut, River Soar, Loughborough Cut

With yet another sizzler in the forecast we made and early start and were away by 7.30. Not yet too hot but a completely clear sky left no doubt about what was in store later.

Zouch Cut is quite short and is largely part of a complex flood control system to defend the houses lining the waterway. Under the main road (currently closed whilst repairs are made to a bridge over the unnavigable part of the river) are flood gates, These will be closed and padlocked in the event of a flood.

 

The bypass weir - that comes out just below Zouch Lock -has a slightly unusual radial gate that is raised or lowered as needed.

This group of cattle seemed to be huddling together, not for warm, but shade! Some are luckier than others.

When the flood gates are in operation, no boats can pass downstream (why might they want to?) and a safety dolphin mooring is in place a short way upstream. It is to be hoped that reading the 'instructions' is not that important as the tiny print is still all but unreadable up close! 

The garden pod looks like a deep sea diving bell readying itself for a drop to the tremendous depth of 2 or 4 metres into the Soar!

About mid-point is Normanton with its distinctive church spire. We thought that we might not be lucky with a photo as the sun was almost behind it but the river changed direction just as needed.

The river is now very serene (at least when not in flood, for which it is notorious) and appears to be remarkably visitor friendly.

We eventually arrived at Bishops Meadow Lock - both top and bottom gates proved a bit stubborn to make a level but Mike was ably helped by a passing dog walked, keen to lend a hand. Above the lock we stopped to fill with water as the tap at Loughborough Basin is a bit awkward to access.

The bridge still gives rise to confusion as it remains named 'Swing Bridge Bridge' on the basis that once it was a swing bridge and the narrow road over the top is called 'Swingbridge Road'. It looks as if a vehicle was not too careful in crossing - there is a sharp bend on the right hand side.

At Loughborough Lock a lady spoke to Mike and asked about how it worked, saying that she has never had a chance to work one. Mike never needs a second chance when given such an offer and she did almost all of the work for him. At the end, as she left she told Christine that she had really enjoyed herself.

As the boat was coming up, Christine reported that there was a strange sound when she put the engine into gear. Initially we suspected something around the prop so as soon as the lock was full and the boat steady, Mike set about accessing the weed hatch. As he did so he eliminated another option - that the hatch plate had worked loose - it sometimes does if not tightened enough. But a probe around the prop with the trusty patio knife brought up nothing.

At this point Mike spotted in the bilges under the engine that the air filter had come undone and was lying on the floor together with its plastic cover plate. Two years ago in Macclesfield and engineer looking at our batteries noticed it loose and suggested holding it in place with some strong gaffer tape. T his has worked well ever since but it may be that when the boat was serviced over the winter, that engineer did not realise the significance of the tape and left it unattached. The best we could find on board was some parcel tape but that will not last long so something stronger will have to be sourced quite soon.

We continued then the short distance into Loughborough Basin where all the moorings were free and we tied up so that we could go across the road to Sainsbury for a store's top-up. We also hoped to use the elsan disposal point that we used on the way up last month but found it now inaccessible. What is going on?

As we were only across the road, our minimum shopping list was somewhat extended to include a few heavier items (eg box of cans of diet coke!)

Back at the boat we soon decided to move a short way around the corner to moor very close to a large B&Q. It was so close and so large that it took about the same time to get to the entrance as then to walk around the store, Fortunately sticky tape was close to the entrance (but not so close to the exit!)

It was not a bad mooring, if needing pins, and certainly better than the basin (which is looking ever more unloved by the day, not helped by a very noisy construction site along one side)

This gave us plenty of time to decide whether to complete our target for the day or to stay put. Mike also prepared the Cottage Pie for tonight's meal. In the end, just after 5 we upped pins and set off again - still quite hot but less oppressive, especially with a little breeze over the water.

We passed TS Venemous, a branch of the Sea Cadets - no action this evening.

No real photo opportunities as by now the sun was in entirely the wrong direction - as this photo of the last bridge shows.

Our final mooring was just before Pillings Lock - the unusual Armco is not designed for mooring but the ground readily accepted pins.

3.9 Miles - 2 Locks

Zouch

Today's Navigations : Beeston Cut, River Trent, Cranfleet Cut, River Soar

More very hot weather was confidently predicted for today, although we had a little of the overnight rain that has caused flooding further south! However, it was not yet hot when we both woke just after 5 am and quickly agreed to turn this to our advantage and make a  quick(ish!) getaway.

In our case, 'quick' meant that we were on our way just before 7 am. The sky was still largely cloudy but soon cleared away to leave us with bright blue sky for the rest of our trip.

Christine took a short walk along the towpath last evening and spotted there  could well be several boats that have been abandoned. It is not easy for the navigation authorities to be sure and that they are not someone's home, however minimal they may be. Hence the time it takes to have them removed. This one at least should be well on its way to being scrapped, when resources allow (it is quite an expensive task)

We soon arrived at Beeston Lock - paddles are left open at both ends when not being used for the passage of boats. This ensures that the many boats moored along Beeston Cut are not grounded. We met a member of CaRT staff the lock. He said that if one is left closed, someone soon lodges a complaint and he has to come out, when on call, from the other side of Newark.

We had hoped to use the elsan disposal point here. There is a good brick building that until recently offered shower and toilet as well but we were nor surprised to find that they were now permanently closed. What was frustrating was that the elsan seems to have gone as well.

We had not noticed before that there us a small museum and tea room here - we do not know much about it but the milkman has obviously been around and lots of customers for tea are expected!

In  most cases, faced with gates this size it would be reasonable to assume they were at the bottom end of a deep lock. Here, these are the top gates and today the rise was perhaps as little as 150mm. We assume that the lock is designed to protect the cut from really high flooding - even higher than the lock landings.

And so we launched out onto the wide expanse of the River Trent, and were glad that we had cleared the prop last night. We bowled along at a good speed even at only 1200 revs.

Although we were on the lookout to take some photos of particular features, these were more destined for our CanalMap picture database and when we came to look for ones suitable for a blog, we discovered that we had been a bit remiss (like wedding photographer missing out the bridesmaids!)

It was still quite early and a decent breeze added to helping make this a very pleasant cruise for just over an hour. We noted this small ship on our last trip but at that time could not see a name. So, we crossed over to take a closer look but still no name. However there was a CaRT registration number which we later looked up. I seems that it is called Arwenack and was built by Groves and Guttridge at Cowes on the south coast in the 1930s. Beyond that so far we have found nothing so, if anyone knows more, please let us know.

There are two well marked obstacles on this reach - this one is probably about the place where once a ferry crossed over.

At the end of this section is Cranfleet Lock, a bit more of a proper rise or fall - nominally 2.7 m but probably a bit less with less water in the river. Another disappointment followed. On the last trip we noted that the list of facilities on the board beside the lock clearly stated rubbish disposal. However, this too has been withdrawn, according to a local moorer because the waste company declined to come down the approach drive (which does not stop plenty of traffic bringing members of the yacht club or day visitors) At least there was a litter bin so last night's prop waste went there along with an empty drink can that Mike collected on his way up from the landing pontoon.

Cranfleet Cut is quite short - just before the far end are the automatic flood gates which unsurprisingly were wide open!

At the junction with the River Trent there is a brightly coloured display - we could not make out the inscriptions but it did not seem to be the more usual memorial to a local person who died in an accident.

The crossing over the river to the mouth of the River Soar was event free, thankfully, and we were now on rather more sedate surroundings! We soon passed through another flood lock Redhill.

Once more were on high alert as we passed Redhill Marina, on the look our for Oleanna. Alas we did no better than last time - not enough of either of two boats we did spot under cover was showing to determine if it is Macintosh-inspired (see 15 June here).

At Ratcliffe Lock we remembered to avoid the new large gravel bar that blocks part of the lower lock landing. Whilst waiting for Mike to prepare the lock, Christine could admire the local landmark and wonder how much longer it will stand here.

Mike had a very lucky escape at the top gates. He was closing one and stepped off the good brick lock surround onto the rougher ground beyond. Although he noticed that there was a significant drop (the land must have subsided after the lock was rebuilt) he failed to see a deep pothole. This left him falling to his knees but most fortunately not doing any real damage to either ankle or knee (so far at lea

The River Soar, although not to be taken for granted, is a much more intimate affair than the Trent. The temperature was quickly getting up to forecast.

There was nothing significant about Kegworth New (Deep) Lock, one of the risers was missing and so our carefully planned way of securing the boat with Christine in it, we just had to come up gently. And gentle it was! It took over 20 minutes to fill, even with all paddles open.

As we waited, a fisherman came across the top lock on his way back from fishing at the weir. He was very enthusiastic and keen to show off his hand made lures (if that is the correct term) especially this lone which had proved very successful!

We had planned to stop for our overnight mooring just above the lock at the same place as on the last trip. Although it was now getting quite hot, even if still only 11.30, Christine raised the idea of continuing on the Zouch Lock where is a favourite mooring just up onto Zouch Cut. The only downside was that as we left Kegworth, the camera battery ran out and so no pictorial proof of us reaching the revised destination at around 12.40. Fortunately there was plenty of space available (at times others also favour this stopover!)

We were then very relieved to have no further plans for the day except lunch, sleep and dinner! Based on yesterday's experience, the new battery allows us to run a fan in the main cabin for much of the hot part of the afternoon without rushing to turn on the engine every couple of hours or so!

11.8 Miles - 5 Locks